ORANJESTAD (AAN): Jefka Alberto, community manager for the Caribbean part of the Kingdom within the Slavery Past Commemoration Committee (Herdenkingscomite Slavernijverleden), stated that awareness of the impact slavery has left on society is crucial for education and commemoration. Alberto made these remarks during the NoticiaCla LIVE program on Thursday evening with journalist Tito Laclé.
During his presentation, Alberto emphasized that the legacy of slavery is not limited to historical events but continues to influence subsequent generations and current society. He noted that society often discusses transgenerational trauma and cultural activities without fully understanding their origins. “We are not aware of it. We speak of transgenerational trauma, of cultural things, and cultural activities that many times we do not know where they come from,” Alberto declared.
According to Alberto, the influence of the past is evident in communication and expressions that have become part of daily life over decades. He cited terms such as “negrita bonita,” “bon cabey,” “mal cabey,” “color cla,” and “color cera,” as well as the idea of seeking a white partner to “improve” the family. He explained that all these factors have their roots in the history of slavery.
Alberto further noted that without being conscious of the effects of slavery, it is difficult to break patterns that persist today. “If you are not aware of it, you cannot break the patterns either,” he said. He pointed to child-rearing practices, such as physical punishment, as an example of behaviors rooted in the past.
