Germany’s Black community to honour Mike Reichel

Mike Reichel, a leading member of the Black Community in Germany who died recently, will be honoured at a funeral service on 19 January in Berlin.

Reichel (54), who tragically ended his own life in December 2017, was one of the pioneer members of the Initiative of Black People in Germany (Initiative Schwarze Menschen in Deutschland or ISD) and a co-founder of the Black History Month in Berlin. 

In a press release, the ISD announced that Reichel would be given a worthy farewell. “We want to keep Mike in lasting memory”.

The ISD has commissioned the sculptor Stephen Lawson to carve a farewell stone in memory of the Black activist. The organization is calling on members of the Black community to donate towards the realization of the memorial sculpture. The donation account is indicated below.

Mike Reichel has been described by many as a tireless and committed activist for the interests of people of African descent in the country.

Born to an African-American father and a German mother, Reichel, who was the first Black police officer in Berlin, spoke out loudly in the German media about the experiences of Black people and the challenges they face in society.

Reichel played an active role in setting up the Black History Month in Berlin, which has meanwhile become one of the most important events in the community. 

Funeral service for Mike Reichel

Date: 19 January 2018, at 11 am
Venue: Passionskirche, Marheinkeplatz 1, 10961 Berlin
Contact: isdbund.vorstand@isd-bund.org

Account for Donations

Name of Account: ISD Bund
Bank: Postbank Hamburg
IBAN: DE55200100200030057200

Betreff: Mike Reichel

Donations could also be made at the funeral service on 19 January