Self-representation as a (post)colonial counter-narrative

Specifically, the participants want to explore the representation of Africa from the perspective of Black Berliners and artists of African descent. To what extent can art also serve as a means of resistance against (post)colonial narratives? How can African perspectives be made more visible and strengthened? What role do artistic forms of expression play in challenging and redefining stereotypical images and racist narratives?

With Justice Mvemba . Founder of Decolonial City Tours / Celia Parbey . Journalist and Moderator / Eric Otieno Sumba . Author, editor, and independent researcher.

Moderated by Makda Isak, sociologist

Welcome

Veronika Epple, Junior Curator, C/O Berlin / Thomas Gill, Director of the Berlin State Agency for Civic Education

Language: German

Free admission

Please register in advance (including reduced admission to the exhibitions)


Makda Isak is a sociologist and works as a political educator and researcher on the critique of racism, colonial continuities, and intersectionality. Her research focuses on Black feminist theories and postcolonial studies.


Justice Mvemba is the founder of deSta - Decolonial City Tours, which she launched in March 2022. She completed her bachelor's degree in Fashion, Luxury & Retail Management in 2014 and subsequently worked in startups and for companies in the fashion industry. deSta is the only provider in Berlin offering tours on colonial history and has already welcomed over 12,000 participants. Mvemba is committed to making a positive impact on society, which is why she and her team aim to raise awareness of colonialism and its effects by actively dismantling racism.


Celia Parbey studied African Studies and works as a journalist and presenter, as well as an editor at ZEIT ONLINE and freelance for various online and print magazines. She is also the managing director of RosaMAG, an online lifestyle magazine for Black FLINTA* people in German-speaking countries. She writes on the topics of colonial continuities, intersectionality, feminism, and racism.


Eric Otieno Sumba is an author, editor, and independent researcher. He is currently an editor (Publications Practice) at the Haus der Kulturen der Welt (HKW) in Berlin. His writings have been published in Contemporary And, Africa is a Country, Lolwe, The Guardian, Griotmag, Frieze, Sleek, Nataal, Monopol, Texte zur Kunst, and Camera Austria, among others.


Participants of the event will receive a discounted ticket (6 euros) for the exhibitions A World in Common, Contemporary African Photography, and Silvia Rosi, Protektorat, C/O Berlin Talent Award 2024.