BEE Coop

In the aftermath of the global Black Lives Matter anti-black racism protests of summer

2020, spontaneous meetings of and around black professionals emerged throughout the Netherlands. Ministers also had similar conversations in the Catshuis with the initiators of the protests, in the context of the Black Manifesto. This national conversation became the basis for a national, cross-sectoral coalition of black professionals: BEE, Black Economic Empowerment. What all participants and stakeholders share is a strong sense of urgency to make progress on the socio-economic side of black empowerment. The 'Decade', the decade for people of African descent established at the initiative of the United Nations and supported by the Netherlands, also provides a vision and a clear reason for this.

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However, the Dutch interpretation of the Decade remains limited for the time being, while various ministries (including Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, SZW and OCW) are looking for an approach to be able to tackle specific dossiers. address around utilizing potential for socio-economic development, promoting (equal) opportunities for new entrants to the labor market, and strengthening emancipation, diversity and inclusion within our own ranks.