In Almere, if it is up to the council of mayor and aldermen, streets are named after special people from other cultures, writes Flevoland broadcaster.
The proposal is part of a program to promote inclusion, diversity and emancipation in the city. “We do not pretend that with this program we have now eradicated all forms of discrimination”, says alderman Froukje de Jonge. “We want to make it clear what we find important. And that is an Almere where everyone feels welcome.”
There are also plans to create a Keti Koti monument. This commemorates the abolition of slavery. According to the city, it is not only in street names, but also, for example, in the books in the library.
Jan van Riebeeck and Desmond Tutu
A majority of the Arnhem city council also wants a better reflection of the diversity and history of Arnhem in the streets. At least in a neighborhood in the Schuytgraaf district, streets should be named after activists against racism and discrimination.
Street names that refer to ‘black pages in our past’ must be added in the neighborhood with names that show ‘the other side of the story mentioned there’, according to the proposal.
Opposite the square named after Jan van Riebeeck could be anti-apartheid fighter Desmond Tutu, GroenLinks party chairman Mark Coenders told Gelderland broadcaster. “Or take streets referring to Adriaan Valckenier and Jan Pieterszoon Coen. You can put the enslaved man Wange from Bali next to that.”
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