The exhibition ‘ZAIRE 1885-1985. One hundred years of Belgian perspectives' took place in May and June 1985 at Le Botanique in Brussels. It was a collective project initiated the by Congolese filmmaker Balufu Bakupa Kanyinda and hosted by the NGO ‘Coopération Éducation Culture’ (CEC). The exhibition highlighted the (post-)colonial gaze with the aim of representing the stereotypes of Belgians about Congo and the Congolese, in both public and private heritage. The exhibition displayed a variety of media, including images and texts such as literature, press, photographs, advertisements, comics, postcards, chromolithographs, as well as various artworks and objects. The stereotypes displayed by these pieces were shaped by the Belgian colonial mythology surrounding Congo and its people during the colonial period.

A varied programme was offered alongside the exhibition, including a series of concerts, film screenings and engaging debates. One of the highlights was the panel discussion entitled ‘ Regards zaïrois sur les Belges ’, moderated by Suzanne Monkasa, which brought together a panel of fascinating guests around the theme of the exhibition. Suzanne Monkasa had also been recruited as part of a team to do the documentary  research preparing the exhibition. It was Suzanne's first job after arriving in Belgium, having previously been a teacher in Congo. The insights she gained there about Belgians' racist views on Congo and the Congolese touched her deeply and formed the basis for her long engagement afterwards.

The exhibition was accompanied by a programme of complementary activities and a publication. Zaire 1885-1985. Hundred years of Belgian Perspectives. The Le Noir du Blanc project, which followed in the wake of the CentAns de Regards Belges project, gave rise to another Exhibition, which was followed by a publication RACISME CONTINENT OBSCUR Suzanne Monkasa trained and accompanied the Exhibition guides. One of the requirements of this responsibility was to remain attentive to the messages of visitors and raise awareness of the need to build societies that are open, inclusive and supportive.