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Here you will find blog posts written by us, other recommended reading and what the press writes about us.
Blog posts & news
These lines reflect identities lost, formed, and sometimes rediscovered. In Africa, they tell tales of geography intertwined with a complex history, one fragmented by foreign hands.
During the colonial era, enslaved Africans found profound solace in spirituals such as "Wade in the Water" and "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot". These songs were not merely melodies but lifelines-expressions of hope, determination, and the pursuit of joy amidst unspeakable adversity
Black joy was not just a fleeting moment of happiness but a radical act of survival. It flourished in the harshest circumstances, a testament to the indomitable spirit of Black communities. Through music, dance, storytelling, and communal gatherings, Black individuals found ways to connect, heal, and resist.
In German schools and kindergartens, children play a game called "Wer hat Angst vorm Schwarzen Mann?" (Who's Afraid of the Black Man?). (Who's Afraid of the Black Man?). The phrase is ambiguous but loaded with meaning:
Tipis were used by some indigenous groups as part of their way of living, but it's crucial to understand that Indigenous cultures are incredibly rich and diverse. They have histories that span thousands of years, with many unique ways of living-and the tipi is just one small piece of that story.
Takes place annually from December 26th to January 1st. Rooted in traditions and values of the African diaspora, Kwanzaa is primarily observed in the United States by African Americans and in the Caribbean, with a strong emphasis on Pan-Africanism
Book recommendations in English
The Kaiser's Holocaust:
Prof. David Olusoga
On 12 May 1883, the German flag was raised on the coast of South-West Africa, modern Namibia - the beginnings of Germany's African Empire.
Stamped From The Beginning:
Ibram X. Kendi
In this deeply researched and fast-moving narrative, Kendi chronicles the entire story of anti-black racist ideas and their staggering power over the course of American history.
White Rage:
CAROL ANDERSON
From the end of the Civil War to our combustible present, an acclaimed historian reframes the conversation about race, chronicling the powerful forces opposed to black progress in America.
Showing Our Colors:
May Ayim, Katharina Oguntoye
Afro-German Women Speak Out is an English translation of the German book Farbe bekennen edited by author May Ayim, Katharina Oguntoye, and Dagmar Schultz.
The Hate U Give
Angie Thomas
This is a highly topical and powerfully eloquent statement against racism!
Africa Is Not A Country
Dipo Faloyin
A bright portrait of modern Africa that pushes back against harmful stereotypes to tell a more comprehensive story.
Book recommendations in German
Black. German. Female.
Kelly, Natasha A (Dr.)
The author questions Eurocentric concepts of knowledge, power and the body from a Black feminist perspective.
Germany Black White
Noah Sow
At school, we learn that all people are equal. At the same time, however, we learn "basic knowledge" that dates back to colonial times
Children of liberation
Marion Kraft
The causes and effects of racism in the past and present are explored and strategies for positive change are identified.
Black roots
Katharina Oguntoye
Katharina Onguntoye sheds light on the living situation of Africans and Afro-Germans in Germany from 1884 to 1950.
Being German and black
Theodor Michael Wonja
The life review of a Black German contemporary witness.
ExitRacism
Tupoka Ogette
Tupoka Ogette's handbook for understanding the origins, structures and effects of racism in Germany.
Recommended documentaries
Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat
Johan Grimonprez
A documentary that shows the struggles of the Congo, exposes the role of the USA and Belgium and at the same time shows the colonial structures that still exist today.
Colonial roots of the genocide in Rwanda
DW Documentary
In April 1994, the parents of two-year-old Samuel Ishimwe were murdered in Rwanda. Their fate was shared by up to a million people in the genocide against the country's Tutsi minority. Thirty years on, Samuel sets out to discover what set these terrible events in motion.
Harriet - The path to freedom
Kasi Lemmons
Based on the moving and inspiring life of one of America's greatest heroines, HARRIET tells the extraordinary story of Harriet Tubman, the famed freedom fighter who defied all odds to change the course of her life and the fate of the nation.
Stamped from the beginning
Dr. Ibram X. Kendi
In his book, Dr. Ibrahim X. Kendi explains how "whiteness" was invented and why. This documentary visualizes his book and explains European history of the last 500 years.
The death and life of Marsha P. Johnson
David France
Pride Month and Christopher Street Day have become a global holiday. Find out how it all began with trans women of color, like Marsha P. Johnson.
African Queens: Njinga
Ethosheia Hylton, Adesuwa Oni
Find out more about the courageous and legendary female fighters against the European invasion of what is now Congo and Angola, such as Queen Nzinga.
Audio guide tours in Berlin
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deSta in the press
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THE GUARDIAN
'Hidden in plain sight': the European city tours of slavery and colonialism
Ashifa Kassam
B.Z.
Berlin native Justice Mvemba wants to raise awareness as Miss Germany
Sabine Klier