Kick Out Black Pete Movement Declares Victory After 15-Year Campaign in the Netherlands

Anti-Blackface Movement Concludes Campaign

The 'Kick Out Black Pete' (KOZP) movement, a prominent anti-blackface activist group in the Netherlands, has declared its mission accomplished after a 15-year campaign against the controversial Zwarte Piet (Black Pete) character. The organization, spearheaded by activist Jerry Afriyie, announced its decision to cease operations, signaling what it perceives as a successful transformation of the traditional Sinterklaas celebrations.

The declaration comes as public events increasingly feature 'Sooty Petes' (Roetveegpieten), characterized by soot marks on their faces rather than full blackface makeup, which critics have long condemned as a racist caricature.

The Zwarte Piet Tradition and Its Controversy

Zwarte Piet, traditionally depicted as a companion to Saint Nicholas (Sinterklaas), has been a central figure in Dutch folklore for generations, assisting in the distribution of gifts to children on December 5.

However, the character's traditional portrayal—featuring white individuals in blackface makeup, curly wigs, red lipstick, and often gold earrings—has drawn widespread criticism for its perceived links to colonial-era caricatures and slavery.

The debate intensified in the 21st century, with opponents arguing that the depiction perpetuates negative stereotypes of people of African descent. In 2015, the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination stated that Zwarte Piet 'sometimes reflects negative stereotypes of people of African descent and is experienced by many people of African descent as a vestige of slavery,' urging the Netherlands to promote the elimination of such racial stereotyping.

The Rise and Impact of Kick Out Black Pete

The 'Kick Out Black Pete' movement, founded in 2010 by Jerry Afriyie, emerged from earlier anti-racism initiatives. KOZP's objectives included advocating for the teaching of Dutch colonial history in schools, an annual commemoration for victims of slavery, and the abolition of the blackface Zwarte Piet.

Over 15 years, KOZP organized numerous peaceful protests during Sinterklaas arrivals, often facing strong opposition, including instances of violence, threats, and arrests. The movement gained significant international attention, particularly during the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests, which further fueled the debate within the Netherlands.

A Shifting Tradition and Declared Success

KOZP's persistent campaigning has led to a notable shift in the portrayal of Zwarte Piet. Many municipalities and public events have transitioned from blackface to 'Sooty Petes,' where faces are smudged with soot marks, symbolizing a descent through chimneys.

An Ipsos survey indicates a significant decline in public support for the traditional blackface character, dropping from 65 percent in 2016 to 38 percent recently. Even former Prime Minister Mark Rutte, who had previously defended the tradition, acknowledged in 2020 that his stance had changed, stating, 'I expect in a few years there will be no more Black Petes.'

In recognition of their efforts, Jerry Afriyie and Raul Balai of KOZP were awarded the Andreas Medal by the city of Amsterdam for their contributions to making the Sinterklaas celebration more inclusive. The Netherlands Gets Better Foundation, which encompasses KOZP, is set to conclude its operations on December 5, urging Dutch society to continue fostering an inclusive Sinterklaas celebration.