Week Against Racism 2025: A Look Back
- AMSTERDAM (April 5, 2025) — The seventh annual Week Against Racism, held March 17-20, culminated in a demonstration against racism and fascism on Dam Square that drew at...
- Panel discussions on "Decolonial Marxism" and "The Doctrine of Revelation" were among the week's most popular events.
- “The Doctrine of Discovery,” which addressed the genocide of native peoples in Abya Yala (the Americas), also resonated deeply with attendees.
Amsterdam’s Week Against Racism Draws Thousands, Sparks Dialog
AMSTERDAM (April 5, 2025) — The seventh annual Week Against Racism, held March 17-20, culminated in a demonstration against racism and fascism on Dam Square that drew at least 15,000 people. The week, organized in collaboration with the ’Together against Racism’ coalition, featured panels, lectures, art, film, and performances designed to foster discussion about structural racism and exclusion.
Discussions on Colonialism, Marxism, and History
Panel discussions on “Decolonial Marxism” and “The Doctrine of Revelation” were among the week’s most popular events. “Decolonial Marxism” explored the renewed relevance of Marxist thought among younger generations, particularly in the context of economic inequality and the impact of racism.The discussion highlighted the importance of the colonial context within these ideas.
“The Doctrine of Discovery,” which addressed the genocide of native peoples in Abya Yala (the Americas), also resonated deeply with attendees. The large turnout indicated a important demand for knowledge regarding the often-overlooked history and lasting effects of colonialism on native communities.
Technology, Exclusion, and Storytelling
The “Excluded by Design” programme examined how AI and border surveillance technologies can contribute to racial profiling and human rights violations. Attendees learned about the racial dimensions of digital regulations in the EU, the use of facial recognition technology, and the deployment of robot dogs on the U.S. border.
Art, Film, and Cultural Expression
Throughout the week, a diverse cultural program showcased film, dance, installations, and exhibitions.Artists and performers used spoken word, interactive storytelling, and visual arts to explore themes of identity, resistance, and community. The interactive theater experience “Blame Game” encouraged visitors to confront thier own prejudices through storytelling.
The week concluded with a performance of “the DomiKnow,” featuring a diverse cast of singers, dancers, musicians, and spoken word artists presenting art from various parts of the Global South.
thousands Rally Against Racism
The week’s events reached a high point with a large demonstration on March 22 in Dam Square. Under the banner “Together against racism and fascism,” at least 15,000 people gathered to voice their opposition to racism and fascism. Organizers saeid the turnout underscored the need for continued collective action.
Online Access
Recordings of programs,including “Decolonial Marxism,” “Silence makes racism,” and “Excluded by Design,” are available online.
Amsterdam’s Week Against Racism: A Deep Dive into Dialogue and Action
What was the Amsterdam Week Against Racism?
The Amsterdam Week Against Racism is an annual event dedicated to fostering discussion and action against racism and exclusion. In 2025, the seventh annual week took place from March 17th to 20th.
What were the key objectives of the Week Against Racism?
The week aimed to achieve several goals. It strived to:
Foster discussion: Encourage open conversations about structural racism and exclusion within society.
Raise awareness: Highlight the impact of racism on various communities.
Promote action: Encourage collective efforts to combat racism and fascism.
What types of events were featured during the Week Against Racism?
The Week Against Racism offered a diverse range of events designed to engage attendees. These events included:
Panel discussions
Lectures
Art exhibitions
Film screenings
Performances
What were some of the most popular discussion topics during the week?
Some of the most popular events focused on crucial contemporary issues.These included:
“Decolonial Marxism”: exploring the relevance of Marxist thought in the context of economic inequality and racism, particularly highlighting the colonial context.
“The Doctrine of Discovery”: Addressing the genocide of native peoples in Abya Yala (the americas).
What is “Decolonial marxism” and why was it discussed?
“Decolonial Marxism” examines the intersection of Marxist theory with the legacies of colonialism. Its discussion was popular amongst younger generations, offering critical analysis of:
Economic Inequality.
The Impact of Racism.
Past Colonial Context.
What role did Indigenous peoples’ history play in the Week Against Racism?
The history and lasting effects of colonialism on native communities received critically important attention, as indicated by the discussion of “The Doctrine of Discovery.” The high turnout at events focusing on this topic suggests a strong demand for knowledge about these often-overlooked histories.
How was technology addressed during the Week Against Racism?
The “excluded by Design” program examined the role of technology in contributing to racial profiling and human rights violations. Attendees learned about:
The racial dimensions of digital regulations in the EU.
The use of facial recognition technology.
The deployment of robotic dogs on the U.S. border.
What cultural expressions were highlighted during the week?
A diverse program showcased various forms of art and cultural expression. This included film, dance, installations, exhibitions, spoken word performances, and interactive storytelling. These cultural events explored themes of identity, resistance, and community.
What was “Blame Game”?
“Blame Game” was an interactive theater experience that encouraged visitors to confront their own prejudices through storytelling and engagement.
What was “the DomiKnow”?
“the DomiKnow” was a performance featuring a diverse cast, including singers, dancers, musicians, and spoken-word artists, presenting art from different parts of the Global South.
What was the significance of the demonstration on Dam Square?
The week Against Racism culminated in a large demonstration on March 22nd in Dam square. Under the banner “Together against racism and fascism,” at least 15,000 people gathered to voice their opposition. Organizers highlighted that the large turnout underscored the need for continued collective action against racism and fascism.
How many people participated in the demonstration on Dam square?
The demonstration on Dam Square drew at least 15,000 people, making it a significant event during the week.
What resources are available online related to the week Against racism?
Recordings of some of the programs are available online. These include:
“Decolonial Marxism”
“Silence makes racism”
* “Excluded by Design”
Summary of key Events and Topics
| Event Type | Key Topics | Goal | Audience Interest |
| :———————– | :—————————————————————————————————- | :—————————————————————————————- | :———————————————– |
| Panel Discussions | Decolonial Marxism, Doctrine of Discovery | Foster discussion about structural racism and exclusion, raise awareness about history | High: Significant attendance at specific sessions |
| Technology Program | AI, border surveillance, digital regulations, facial recognition, robot dogs | Highlight how technology can contribute to racial profiling and human rights violations | Focused on impacts of technological advances |
| Cultural Performances | Film, dance, installations, exhibitions, spoken word, interactive storytelling, “Blame Game,” “the DomiKnow” | Explore themes of identity, resistance, and community; confront prejudices | Broad: Included diverse art forms and engagement |
| Public Demonstration | “Together against racism and fascism” | Voice opposition, showcase community action | Very High: 15,000 participants |