François Makanga: The memories concerned need to have their say in the co-construction of a new colonial memory
Decolonization starts with discomfort. François Makanga, from the Afropean team, explains the importance of institutions recognizing the fragilities of the colonial past in order to contribute to the change. He also highlights that, by amplifying the voices of the communities concerned and sharing different perspectives, we can co-construct this new colonial memory.
Social impact through decolonial guidance
Decolonial guidance encourages us to reflect and rethink the ways we understand power structures in everyday life. Over the past few months, our team in the Afropean Project has organized a series of workshops to discuss this topic with scholars, professionals and partners from initiatives such as Fémyïa, Belgïk MoJaïk, AP-GID, CMCLD, and Bakushinta. Watch […]
“From Portuguese Colonial Representations to Racist Endorsement: Investigating Correlational and Causal Paths”
A new publication from the CONCILIARE project is now available! We have a new article published in the International Review of Social Psychology. The paper “From Portuguese Colonial Representations to Racist Endorsement: Investigating Correlational and Causal Paths” explores how positive and negative representations of Portuguese colonial history influence contemporary racist beliefs, showing that critical portrayals […]
Emiliano Abad: “Our job as researchers is to give people tools, so that they can make this connections themselves”
From a very young age, we learn about the past through particular narratives that can deeply influence our perspectives for years to come. But what if we start debating, discussing and resisting these narratives? Emiliano Abad, from our research team on textbooks at University of Coimbra, explains how the work carried out in secondary schools […]
The Different Scales of the Decolonization of Public Space
On May 11, our colleague Chantal Kesteloot, from the Cegesoma team, presented CONCILIARE at the international symposium “Contesting and Negotiating Memory in Public Space: Statues, Place Names and Symbols in Debate in Belgium and Quebec.” Chantal joined the panel “The Different Scales of the Decolonization of Public Space”, where she shared the project’s perspective through […]
Living Memories & Media
A new book on behalf of CONCILIARE has been published! Living Memories & Media features eleven articles exploring public memory, media, migrations, and intercultural communications, offering innovative theoretical perspectives and critical reflections across diverse contexts. The publication results from the selection of papers presented at the events “(De)Colonial Visions: Dialogues in Visual Culture, Alterities, and […]
From conservation to restitution: Return the Congo ancestors to their lands
Let’s discuss memory, dignity, and justice? Join us for a thought-provoking study day dedicated to the return of ancestral remains to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Through research presentations and engaging discussions, cultural and political voices from the DRC, alongside members of the Congolese diaspora, will reflect on the historical, ethical, and social dimensions of […]
Alana Castro: “Only from an honest exchange, we will be able to imagine other futures”
Do you ever think about the history behind the monuments, buildings, and streets where you live? To what extent do these spaces honor people and events linked to violence, exclusion, and colonial legacies? As part of our Work Package dedicated to the decolonization of public space, Alana Castro de Azevedo (CegeSoma) reflects on these controversies […]
New publication: “Place names in Brussels: Past and Present Issues”
Spreading knowledge through research! Two new chapters developed within CONCILIARE are now published as part of the book “Place Names in Brussels: Past and Present Issues”, edited by Iadine Degryse, Benjamin Wayens, Chantal Kesteloot, Dennis De Vriese, and Matthijs Degraeve. In these contributions, Chantal Kesteloot and Romain Landmeters explore Etterbeek’s colonial past, while Yasmina Zian […]
“Colonial Heritages and Antiracism”
We had the honor of welcoming Christiane Taubira, former Minister of Justice of France, to discuss colonial heritage and antiracism in Brussels! The “Colonial Heritages and Antiracism” cycle, organized by Mireille-Tsheusi Robert, from the FEMÏYA collective, supported by CONCILIARE and moderated by Gia Abrassart, provided an inspiring opportunity to exchange on colonial heritage, its lasting […]