Een van de deelnemers aan de RTC: de heer J.A. de Miranda 1948

This undated photograph by Particam, now in the Rijksmuseum, depicts Mr. J.A. de Miranda, a participant in the Round Table Conference, or RTC. The RTCs were a series of conferences held in the Hague to discuss the future of Suriname and the Netherlands Antilles as former Dutch colonies. Understanding the cultural dynamics of that moment requires an understanding of what it meant for a Black man from Suriname to participate in such high level discussions. The image captures de Miranda in a moment of contemplation, perhaps reflecting on the weight of the negotiations and the future of his homeland. De Miranda’s expression suggests a mix of hope and determination, reflecting his personal investment in the outcome of the conference. The photograph, while a formal portrait, also conveys a sense of the individual's emotional and intellectual engagement with the decolonization process. It is a subtle reminder of the personal stories that underpin significant historical shifts.