The murder of George Floyd has moved the world. In The Netherlands too, we took on the streets and saw lots of things happening. Institutional racism was discussed within our House of Representatives, signatures were collected to make subjects as racism and disctrimnation mandatory in schools and more and more municipalities decided to banish the racist caricature Black Pete from their parades. Both online and offline, people have been sharing lots of tips for books to read, documentaries to watch and organisations who fight racism to donate to.

The road is being paved but we are not there yet. #BlackLivesMatter is not a 2020 trend, but a movement with a message that must be repeated and supported. There is still so much to learn, listen to and change. Therefore, on Saturday the 8th of Augusts 2020 Read My World and Tolhuistuin are organizing “EducateYourself. The bookfair for those who want to learn.” A space where the public can find books and other products that will contribute to a better understanding and steps in the right direction. A space where the public can engage with one another (coronaproof). A space where Black speakers and artists will enter the stage to let their voices be heard.

#EducateYourself is not just a book fair for those who want to learn. It is a celebration of all the beautiful things our Black community has to offer. There will be a wonderful program full of music, spoken word and speeches.

With books from: Savannah Bay, Perdu, and others (TBA)

Program with: Bahghi Yemane, Zaïre Krieger, Raymond Manuputty, Sophia Blyden and others (TBA)