The pain of the past resonates in the present

For me, Keti Koti is more than just a commemoration. It symbolizes the struggle my ancestors endured so that I can live in freedom today.

My mother is Dutch, and my father is from Curaçao. Because of this, I carry both cultures with me. The history of slavery is not something that belongs only in books; its impact still resonates today. Not only in society, but also within families and generations.

As a trauma coach, I see daily how experiences from previous generations can influence how people think, feel, and act. Family constellations reveal how unconscious patterns, loyalties, and emotions are passed down from generation to generation. Precisely for this reason, I believe it is important to reflect on our history. Only when we understand where certain patterns originate can space for healing emerge.

Keti Koti as a moment of healing

For me, Keti Koti is not only a day of remembrance but also a day of connection, gratitude, and awareness.

When I participated in the parade in Rotterdam, I felt something special. I walked in traditional clothing and, together with others, represented Curaçao. A feeling of togetherness, respect, and pride emerged. It made me grateful for the freedom we are allowed to experience today.

For me, Keti Koti is a way to express feelings. To reflect on the suffering our ancestors endured, but also to feel gratitude for everything they fought for. That is why I also see it as a moment of healing.

Empathy and understanding

It is important that we acknowledge how much pain there has been. No one can undo that. But acknowledgment does make a difference. By delving into each other's history, more empathy and understanding emerge.

We live in a multicultural society where different backgrounds converge. Precisely for this reason, it is valuable to be open to each other's stories and experiences. Only then can we collectively build more connection.

Grateful for my ancestors

My father was not always present in my life, but later I built a beautiful relationship with him. Since I was eighteen, I have regularly traveled to Curaçao to get to know my culture better. Every time, it feels like coming home.

The warmth, hospitality, and connection I experience there touch me every time. It reminds me how important our heritage and history are.

I am grateful to my ancestors for the struggle they endured. Thanks to them, we are allowed to make choices today that they never had. This awareness not only gives me respect for the past but also responsibility for the future.