I am proud to share the release of a new publication by LM Publishers in collaboration with the Beyond Kultura Events Foundation:
From Slavery to Freedom – Stories from the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Suriname, edited by Loekie Morales with illustrations by me, Vanessa Paulina.

This powerful anthology brings together stories and poems from an impressive group of authors from the Caribbean, Suriname, and the Netherlands. Each of them has contributed, in their own voice and perspective, to the shared and sensitive subject of our history of slavery.

Voices from Across the Kingdom

The book features contributions by well-known authors such as Cynthia McLeod, Lydia Rood, Ismene Krisnadath, Monica Clarinda, Delno Tromp, Henna Goudzand, among many others.
Written for young adults (15+), these stories and poems also resonate deeply with adult readers, touching on universal themes of resilience, identity, and freedom.

The anthology is bilingual – Dutch and English – showing how this history is shared across islands and nations, and how it continues to be passed on to new generations.

My Role as Illustrator

It has been an honor to create the illustrations that accompany these powerful texts. My aim was to give the stories a visual voice, to add emotion and depth, and to invite the reader to pause and reflect. Collaborating with so many talented authors has been a truly humbling and inspiring experience.

Why This Book Matters

The history of slavery is painful, often difficult to face, yet it is a history that connects us. It speaks of suffering, but also of strength, survival, and humanity. This book is not only about remembering—it is about learning, understanding, and carrying these stories forward into a better future.

Book Details

📖 From Slavery to Freedom – Stories from the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Suriname
✒️ Editor: Loekie Morales
🎨 Illustrations: Vanessa Paulina
📚 96 pages, paperback, Dutch & English
📅 Publication year: 2024
📌 ISBN: 9789460229848

For more information, see this article: Soualiga Newsday – Book From Slavery to Freedom published

I hope this anthology will inspire and touch many readers—just as it has deeply touched me while creating the illustrations.