West India House / Het West-Indisch Huis

The WIC, West India trading Company was founded in 1621, after VOC (East India Company). In 1623 the headquarters were located at Herenmarkt 99 in Amsterdam. Here the board planned the building of a fortress on Manhattan Island. Peter Stuyvesant was appointed to be the governor of the new colony, New Netherland. WIC occupied the coast of Brazil and the West African fortress Elmina. As income increased, also by looting the Spanish ‘Silver Fleet’ near Cuba, the West India House was extended with two wings. The WIC claimed monopoly on the slave trade, transporting approximately 250.000 enslaved Africans to the Americas. Also many private merchants were active as enslavers illegally to evade taxes.

Where do we go from here: Chaos or Community?

On April 4, 1968, it was 50 years ago that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee. To keep his dream alive, 50 identical statues were placed from Amsterdam to Washington on locations that refer to slavery and places that let us remember how important it is to end racism and fight for equality, regardless of gender, religion and race. History may not be forgotten. The statues are an ode to Martin Luther King and everybody who continues his nonviolent mission. Keeping the dream alive.

More info, email mail@aircocaravan.com

Actual pictures on @MLKjr50 #MLKjr50

Colophon

"I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit together at the table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.

I have a dream today."

- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,

March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom,

August 28, 1963