Magazine, further reading & press
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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
If you've ever questioned whether real justice can be achieved through existing institutions, there's a movie that tackles these exact questions in a unique way: Bamako (2006), directed by Abderrahmane Sissako. Bamako is set in the capital of Mali and features a fictional trial, set up in a backyard, where ordinary citizens and lawyers bring international financial giants like the
Twitter and Teargas, was written in 2017 by Zeynep Tufecki, an academic with Turkish roots and a background in programming. Tufecki's work dives deep into the impact of digital technologies on politics, and in Twitter and Teargas, she examines how social media shapes collective movements by looking at major examples like the Arab Spring
The life of Miriam Makeba, famously known as Mama Africa. Makeba didn't just make music-she made a movement. Her unique blend of traditional African music with jazz and pop was like nothing anyone had heard before, and it captivated audiences worldwide.
The trauma of forced migration, particularly on the African continent, is deeply entangled with Europe's colonial history, which was marked by exploitation of both land and people.
Whether it's Sudan, Iran, Palestine, Congo, or Haiti, many of these crises share a common origin: systems of oppression like colonialism and slavery. Yet, there's a significant lack of responsibility or accountability from the Western world, even though the roots of these issues are deeply linked to its exploitative history
These powerful photos made global headlines, shining a light on the incredible bravery of these women. However, the news, while essential, often gives us a one-sided view of events. The focus is usually on generating clicks and watch time
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
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.
Dahomey
Mati Diop
In November 2021, 26 Cultural Belongings find their way back to present-day Benin. They were snatched from the Kingdom of Dahomey by the French and taken to Paris. The local population has its say.
The empty grave
Cece Mlay & Agnes Lisa Wegner
During the German colonial era, graves of dead people were dug up and looted in Tanzania. The justification for this was "(pseudo-)scientific research to prove the myth of white supremacy. The absence of these skulls can still be felt by the descendants today.
Reclaiming History
Samuel Ishimwe
At first glance, it seems that Germany has nothing to do with the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. But in his search for the invention of the Hutu and Tutsi racial concept, Samuel ends up in Germany. Here, so-called scientists have turned a way of life into a "race" and thus introduced a hierarchy - with fatal consequences.
Audio guide tours in Berlin
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deSta in the press
Are you interested in writing about us? Do not hesitate to contact us.
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