“Letra y Consenshi” links Aruba’s slavery history to the fight against misinformation

ORANJESTAD — Documents and accounts of slavery and emancipation in Aruba form the basis of “Letra y Consenshi: Balor Humano di un Pueblo,” an exhibition opening on Monday, September 28, at Post Aruba N.V. The event, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., marks the International Day for Universal Access to Information.

The exhibition connects a past in which enslaved people had little or no opportunity to record their own experiences with today’s right to access information and understand history. It highlights how original documents can help verify facts, counter misinformation and bring attention to voices underrepresented in archives.

The program includes presentations by Birgit Kreykenbohm of UNESCO Aruba on the significance of the day; Iliene Corsen of Post Aruba on truth in an era of information overload; and Johny van Eerden of Aruba’s National Archives on whose voices are heard in archival records. Renwick Heronimo of Aruba’s National Library will introduce the exhibition.

The initiative brings together heritage, information and historical memory organizations, including UNESCO Aruba, the National Library, the National Archives, Aruba’s National Memory of the World Committee and Post Aruba. The community is invited to attend and visit the exhibition.