THE AFRICAN COURIER. Reporting Africa and its Diaspora! The African Courier is an international magazine published in Germany to report on Africa and the Diaspora African experience. The first issue of the bimonthly magazine appeared on the newsstands on 15 February 1998. The African Courier is a communication forum for European-African political, economic and cultural exchanges, and a voice for Africa in Europe.
Berlin, 14 March 2025 – In observance of the International Day Against Racism, the Heinrich Böll Foundation and the New German Organizations (neue deutsche organisationen, ndo) are hosting a panel discussion titled “Racism – Deportation Fantasies – Isolation: The Future of the Migration Society in Germany.”
The event, which provides a platform to reflect on Germany’s current socio-political climate from diverse perspectives and to envision future prospects for a more inclusive migration society, is scheduled for Friday, 21 March, from 6:30 to 9:00 PM CET at the Heinrich Böll Foundation’s conference center, Schumannstr. 8, 10117 Berlin.
The discussion aims to explore the escalating migration debate and the rise of right-wing extremist political forces in Germany. Concerns are growing that scenarios once deemed unthinkable in democratic Germany — such as individuals being persecuted or expelled based on their origin, affiliation, religion or skin color — are becoming conceivable.
Currently, people with migration backgrounds, non-whites, and refugees experience structural discrimination and racism across various sectors, including education, employment, housing and during police checks (racial profiling).
A 2024 study by the German Center for Integration and Migration Research (DeZIM) revealed that nearly one in ten individuals with a migration background (9.3%) is considering leaving Germany due to a lack of recognition, acceptance and appreciation. This trend is particularly pronounced among young, well-qualified individuals. The potential emigration of these individuals poses not only social and cultural challenges but also economic ones, especially in light of the current and future shortage of skilled workers.
The event will commence at 6:30 PM with a communal breaking of the fast, acknowledging the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. The panel discussion will follow at 7:00 PM.
Opening Remarks:
– Mekonnen Mesghena, Heinrich Böll Foundation
– Nursemin Sönmez, New German Organizations (ndo)
Panellists:
– Tayo Awosusi-Onutor, songwriter, filmmaker, and human rights activist
– Esther Dischereit, poet, essayist, and author of theater and radio plays
– Dr. Patrice Poutrus, historian, University of Osnabrück
– Anna Sabel, managing director, Association of Binational Families and Partnerships, iaf e.V.
– Philipp Ahovi, member of the Perspectives of Color scholarship network of the Heinrich Böll Foundation
Moderator:
– Miriam Camara, akoma coaching & consulting
Due to limited seating, attendees are requested to register in advance. To attend, register HERE
