Black Academy Team Celebrates Diversity at "Afrikatage meets Bühne der Vielfalt"

On July 20, 2024, the Black Academy team had the honor of co-organizing the event titled « Afrikatage meets Bühne der Vielfalt » with Eine-Welt-Forum Mannheim e.V. and several other Afro-descendant organizations (Ghana Union Ma-Lu, Bulgarischer Verein, Interkulturelles Haus Mannheim, Algerische Community, Flavors of Africa, Somali Community, Burkina-Aktiv e.V., IKHM/Eritreischer Verein). The event took place at the Interkulturelles Haus Mannheim from 1 PM to 9 PM. Its aim was to celebrate Africa and promote cultural diversity within Mannheim through various interactive activities such as workshops, exhibitions, culinary tastings, fashion shows, and artistic performances.

The event saw the participation of over 200 people, mainly from Black and BIPOC communities. At the Black Academy stand, we engaged with more than thirty participants who were very interested in our educational materials on display.

The objectives of the event were:

– Awareness: increase awareness of the importance of cultural diversity.

– Education: present and promote the different cultures present in Mannheim.

– Integration: connect different associations and cultural communities to promote integration and inclusion.

– Celebration: highlight and value the cultural contributions of diverse communities.

The event began at 1 PM with a welcome speech by Susanne Kammer, director of Eine-Welt-Forum Mannheim e.V. She emphasized the importance of cultural diversity and Mannheim’s commitment to promoting an inclusive and respectful society for all. Following her speech, various workshops and exhibitions took place.

Keynote and exchange workshop

Dr. Boniface Mabanza Bambu, an expert in development policy, decolonization, and anti-racism, delivered an introductory keynote on institutional racism and the importance of cultural diversity. This was followed by a mini-exchange workshop on decolonial perspectives on the exploitation of African resources by the West, offered by Black Academy under the guidance of Dr. Gbéognin Mickaël Houngbédji, a specialist in the subject.

Cultural Diversity and Decolonization Stands

Several stands and exhibitions allowed visitors to discover cultural artifacts, traditional costumes, and artworks from different regions of the world. The Black Academy team provided an educational stand where participants could read and learn about inspiring stories of Afro-descendant heroes and heroines like Wangari Maathai, Patrice Lumumba, Thomas Sankara, and Kwame Nkrumah..etc. Additionally, participants were challenged to test their knowledge by playing educational quizzes on African cuisine, the contributions of Black activists in agroecology, climate justice, and the significance of traditional African drum music.

Besides the content from Black Academy, there was also a photo exhibition showcasing women from Garango, Burkina Faso, and their role as models in social, political, and ecological struggles.

Culinary Exhibitions and Dances

There were presentations and tastings of typical dishes from Ghana, Nigeria, Eritrea, and Algeria. In a festive atmosphere, participants savored the diversity of African cuisine. This tasting was accompanied by good traditional music and dance demonstrations from West Africa, Somalia, Eritrea, Bulgaria, and Kurdish communities. The evening concluded with artistic performances, including dance shows, music (Afro Beats, R&B, etc.), and a fashion show featuring traditional outfits, highlighting the richness and plurality of cultural expressions.

Co-organised this event was an enriching and educational experience for Black Academy. We were able to meet and exchange with other associations and individuals dedicated to celebrating and valuing cultural diversity in Mannheim and beyond. The numerous feedback, recognition, and congratulations received strengthened our commitment to making Black knowledge visible, popularizing African culture, and promoting inclusion and respect for cultural differences. The « Afrikatage meets Bühne der Vielfalt » event highlighted the richness and beauty of cultural diversity within the city of Mannheim.

We look forward to continuing our important work and contributing to a more inclusive and culturally rich society. Thank you to everyone who participated in and supported this event.

Team Black Academy