Did you know that Audre Lorde inspired many Afro-German women during her years in Berlin? Here are 5 interesting things you should know about her during her years in Berlin!
- She helped found the Initiative Schwarze Menschen in Deutschland (ISD) to create a space where Black people in Germany can come together and talk about their problems and realities.
- Her advocacy of feminist intersectionality contributed to this discourse gaining importance in Germany. Her lectures, workshops, books and poems emphasized the importance of acknowledging, addressing and considering the intersection of oppression based on “race”, gender, sexuality and other social identities.
- Their promotion of Black art and literature at workshops, events and readings helped to showcase the diversity and richness of Black artists and writers. As a result, more Black people have written down the realities of their lives, making them more visible.
- Audre Lorde was a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. In Berlin, she was involved in LGBTQ+ communities, took part in queer events and spoke out against homophobia and discrimination. Lorde’s activism contributed to greater awareness and acceptance of LGBTQ+ issues in German society.
- Lorde helped to create a new generation of activists and academics. Since then, people like Natascha A. Kelly, Katharina Oguntoye and Abenaa Adomako have been campaigning for social justice. Her emphasis on self-care, intersectionality and collective action resonated with many people involved in different areas.
Lorde has led a very varied life in Berlin. But whatever Audre Lorde did during her years in Berlin has inspired future generations to continue her work and help dismantle racist, sexist and discriminatory ideologies and perspectives.
