One character is parting the Netherlands and its society. His name is Zwarte Piet. Is he just the amusing, friendly helper of Sinterklaas or is he a slave and a caricature of a Black person? For years, Anti Zwarte Piet activists call for either a removal of the character or at least an alteration to make him less hurtful to Black people. Pro Zwarte Piet Activists fear the destruction of Dutch culture and the end of festive moments for children. Stacey Lamptey grew up in Belgium before her family moved to Ghana and she knows that Zwarte Piet can be traumatizing for Black children, for example when they are told that they look like Zwarte Piet. In this episode, she talks about her own experience, her activism and her organization Black Ladies of Groningen.

AmsterDames Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/podcastamsterdames