WELCOME!

A collage made by me featuring some of the most influential people in the Black German fight for justice. In this project, I will be profiling people who have not gotten as much publicity as the ones depicted above. Nevertheless, I wanted to acknowledge their influence and impact on this movement.
Top: Jimmy Hartwig, Katarina Oguntoye, May Ayim
Bottom: Hans Masserquoi, Audre Lorde

Hi! I am a student at Middlebury College taking a course in Black Studies entitled Black German History. Before this class, I was unaware of the significant impact that people of color have had in Germany since the country’s inception. My lack of knowledge on the subject was not unique to me and my classmates — most people that I have talked to are confused as to why this course even exists in the first place.

As the semester has progressed, I have become more and more aware of the lack of accessibility to Black German narratives. This is not due to a lack of information.

I have had the opportunity, with the help of Professor Viola Huang, to explore the intriguing, empowering, and heartbreaking narratives of Afro-Germans from all walks of life. Their words have moved me, and I want others to read them too. I am using this platform in order to lift up Black German voices and create a space for their stories to be heard and celebrated.

Sydney Stoller

Read about Black German Stories!