Überseestadt starts banner campaign and workshops against racism!

Überseestadt starts banner campaign and workshops against racism!

In the overseas city of Bremen, a lot is happening against prejudice and racism. Colorful banners with the clear message “Überseestadt against racism” can be seen in various places in the neighborhood. This action, which involves the local community, launches a comprehensive campaign to raise awareness and solidarity against racist expressions and exclusion. The banners can be discovered, among other things, on the fence of the Bremen wholesale market, at Queer Cities e.V. and in the Porthotel transitional dormitory. The Neighborhood Meeting Now Here acts as the initiator of the campaign, supported by “Arranging in the Quarter” and the Überseekirche. Reference is also made to the tragic circumstances that led to this action: racist hate messages in the mailboxes of residents, which caused great anger in November 2024.

This initiative, which Weser Report describes as part of a larger civil society movement, is intended to set an example and encourage people to defend themselves against discrimination together. QR codes on the banners lead to advice and support offers for those affected by racism and thus make practical help available.

Creative learning against racism

The Überseestadt places a particular focus on educating young people. The three-part workshop series “Überseestadt against everyday racism”, led by the experienced trainer Nuria Fischer, began in August and is aimed directly at interested neighbors. Here awareness is raised and participants are given the opportunity to reflect on their own experiences with racism in a safe setting. The next events will take place on September 30th and October 28th at the Quartierstreff Aktuell Hier. These workshops are free, but participants must register in advance as places are limited.

Thanks to the support of the Walle advisory board, these educational offerings will be necessary not only in Bremen, but also in other cities in the spirit of practical education. A look across national borders shows that similar workshops on anti-racism work are becoming increasingly important in Germany. Organizations like Mosaik e.V. set up Bread for the Soul to offer schools and youth facilities a valuable platform to illuminate and address racist structures. Together it's about creating a respectful and safe space for everyone and actively breaking down prejudices.

Collaboration with DISRUPT

Another example of the important work in the area of ​​anti-discrimination is the non-profit organization DISRUPT, which was founded in 2020 by five committed women. Active in Vienna, this association brings a wealth of experience and a broad wealth of knowledge to carry out educational work that is critical of discrimination and racism. This is not just about education, but also about political participation and strengthening the voices of people who have experienced discrimination. DISRUPT offers a variety of formats such as workshops, training courses and lectures that are nationally and internationally oriented and thus make a valuable contribution to curbing racism and discrimination.

At a time when racism and discrimination are still widespread, the solidarity actions in Überseestadt send a strong message. The banner campaign and the workshops show that many people are ready to actively work for an inclusive and respectful society. It remains to be hoped that other cities will also follow this example and focus on urgent dialogue about racism and solidarity.