People from our past
Notable Surinamese
Fifteen life stories that bring the Surinamese slavery and emancipation past to life — from Maroons and resistance heroes to writers, scientists and politicians.
Baron
ca. 1730 – ca. 1789
Former town slave who became strategist of the Boni Maroons
Read biography →Boni
ca. 1730 – 1793
Maroon leader who defied the colonial army for years
Read biography →Johannes Alabi
1740 – 1820
Saramaka granman who consolidated the peace treaty of 1762
Read biography →Joli-Coeur
ca. 1740 – ca. 1789
Boni Maroon leader notorious for his perseverance
Read biography →Kodjo, Mentor en Present
† 1833
The three enslaved men who set fire to Paramaribo in 1832
Read biography →Tata Colin
ca. 1808 – ca. 1865
Spiritual leader and organiser of the Coronie revolt (1836)
Read biography →
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For teachers and schools
Free downloadable lesson materials for primary and secondary schools on Keti Koti, plantations, resistance and family-name research.
View teaching materials →