TBAB Book Club: Smibologie, Vol. 1: Each One Teach One (S04E10)

We expect our readers to acquire their own copy of the book, ebook, audiobook, or whatever preferred type of publication. We recommend you to check out our webshop via theblackarchives.nl, our friends at Bijlmer Bookstore, and second-hand bookstores to stimulate the local economy.

Yes, we're aiming to have relatively small and intimate gatherings of about 5-7 people but at times we end up with 15-20 people per session. This is not a problem but we'll have to adjust to accommodate multiple discussions at the same time. In short, we are limiting the capacity.

Our main target groups are people from local Black/Afro communities, residing or working in the Bijlmer or raised in the borough: i.e. Bijlmer Natives. However, our events are not exclusive and we often have a mix. Via our public editions, everyone is welcome.

We think you cannot guarantee a 'safe space' but we strive to make our book clubs welcoming, warm, inclusive, and inspirational. We work according to intersectional, intergenerational, and decolonial principles. We ask our readers to expect and welcome a variety of perspectives and views.

We communicate in Dutch as well as in English, especially when the books are (available) in English. However, our primary use of language is Dutch and we also read Dutch books. Our public editions are organized to be bilingual (English/Dutch).

Yes. Since the beginning we've reserved a moment for what we label 'Creative Monologues', where people can take deliver a monologue. This is often in the form of a spoken word piece/poetry but can also be the reading of a part or sharing artwork with a personal interpretation.