From Hip-Hop to Logistics: Dutch Royal Visit to Georgia Sets Agenda
Atlanta, Georgia Welcomes Dutch Royals
In a mix of grandeur and urban culture, Atlanta is gearing up for the upcoming visit of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands. The visit stretches over two days with an agenda that blends investment promotion, Black entrepreneurial empowerment, and a dip into the heart of Atlanta’s Hip-Hop culture.
From stopping by an Atlanta recording studio famous for its hip-hop resonance to concluding at Savannah’s burgeoning port, this visit is set to be nothing short of remarkable. The royal couple aims to fortify economic ties with Georgia, particularly Atlanta and Savannah, demonstrating Dutch finesse in art and industry.
Dutch Interest in Civil Rights Heritage
The Royal couple’s interest spans beyond just economic ties. The King has expressed a keen interest in advancing healthy race relations and has previously apologized for the Dutch role in the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Stepping forward in action, the Consulate General of the Netherlands has initiated an effort aimed at helping Black-owned businesses connect to international opportunities.
The Royal visit will officially commence with a meeting at the State Capitol with the Governor, followed by a visit to the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Change for discussions and a wreath-laying ceremony at the graves of Dr. King and his wife, Coretta Scott King.
Spotlight on Infrastructure and Music
Dutch companies, known worldwide as leaders in water management technologies, come into particular focus as the royals delve into issues of urban design and affordable housing. The royal couple is set to meet Mayor Andre Dickens for a walking discussion along the Atlanta Beltline.
The afternoon is scheduled to begin at the Patchwerk Recording Studios, a hub for influential Atlanta hip-hop artists. This visit is seen as a nod to the incredible and influential black music culture that has been empowering black voices and enriching musical history for decades.
Delving into Logistics and Health
Their itinerary takes them away from the recording studio and whisks them off to McDonough where they will inaugurate a newly opened plant by NewCold, a cold chain logistics provider. The ambassadors of both, the United States and Netherlands, are expected to join the event.
Post this visit, the King and Queen will move to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to understand efforts towards combating malaria and to tour a laboratory.
Dutch Art in a Global Age
An evening reception at the High Museum of Art will see the royal couple touring a new exhibit named “Dutch Art in a Global Age”. The exhibit is reported to feature more than 100 works from key Dutch artists of the 17th and 18th century, with Rembrandt and Jacob van Ruisdael among them.
Heading to Savannah
The royal visit journey continues to Savannah, where they will meet with the Mayor at City Hall, visit the Savannah College of Art and Design, and initiate a new collaboration with Savannah State University’s Marine Science Center.
A business seminar at the Port of Savannah focuses on “sustainable port development and hinterland connectivity” further extending discussions on Dutch trade and investment with Georgia.
The visit concludes in New York after attending a networking reception at the Telfair Museums in Savannah.
