This Is Not A Celebration

Those of us alive today did not build empires. But many of us still benefit from the legacies of those who did.

Around the world, people continue to bear the burdens of colonialism, while others continue to enjoy its advantages.

Voices of Empire cohort presents This Is Not A Celebration, an invitation to stand together with us in the discomfort of facing complexities. Come for an evening in which we ask ourselves:

What do I carry that I didn’t earn?

And what can I do about it?

While some of us were ready to face these questions, we also found very few spaces to ask them in. Spaces where we could express these questions, especially without burdening those who already carry burdens? We felt alone asking ourselves questions, experiencing pain and shame. And specifically, what could we do differently?

Hosted by The Outspoken Native, Voices of Empire was a co-creative storytelling programme for people who recognised they’ve inherited power, wealth, or position because of colonial history. “This Is Not A Celebration” is an event for you to join us in these intimate conversations that challenged and exposed us during the programme. We don’t offer answers, but we offer you the space that we received and, hopefully, a path beyond guilt and shame.

💬 What to expect from this interactive event:

• An opening ritual by María Toro Hernández to ground us in presence, ancestry, and story
• A live conversation between Annelie Wambeek and Jaime Vázquez Bustelo—part podcast, part reflection, part reckoning.
• A drag performance by Jules Jerrycan, expressing the slow, painful, necessary unlearning of privilege
• A closing ritual for each attendee to reflect on their own journey and next steps
• No Q&A. Just tea. Stay after for a soft landing space, gentle conversation, no expectations.

💡 This is not an event for self-redemption.

It’s not about guilt, shame, or performance.

It’s a space to notice what we’ve inherited.

To ask what we’re ignoring. To make room for ghosts, questions, and truths. To be in a messy, imperfect, but necessary moment.

Because quietly holding our advantages, while others are forced to fight for their survival, is no longer something we can justify.

And “I didn’t know” is fast losing its credibility.

We will not be mapping a single path of truth; we will be surfacing questions we believe everyone must sit with in order to keep moving. Wherever you are, if you’re willing to be undone with us, you’re welcome.

🫱🏽‍🫲🏾 Join us. Bring a friend. Bring your questions.

Warmly, Murray, Annelie, Maria, Jaime, and Jules

on behalf of The Outspoken Native

Date: 28 August 2025

Time: 19:00–20:30

Location: murmur, Amsterdam Noord

Language: English

Accessibility: The entrance to the building does not have steps and there is a wheelchair accessible bathroom in the building next to murmur. Please contact us if you need additional accessibility considerations.

* Photography : We will be taking photos at the event. If you do not wish to be photographed, please inform the organisers once you arrive.