Sunday 1st February (18:30)

Opening Event

The Federal Agency for Civic Education, the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy, and the Goethe Institute warmly invite you to attend:

Black History Month in Berlin 2009
Opening Event

The Historical Development of the African Diaspora in Germany On Sunday, 1st February 2009 from 5pm in the Amerika Haus Berlin

This event marks the official opening of the Black History Month in Berlin program, presented by the Federal Agency for Civic Education, the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy and the Goethe Institute. From the 1st to the 28th February 2009, different locations in Berlin will host a series of events to discuss and celebrate the role of the African Diaspora.

The Program:

17:00 Reception
Musical entertainment from various periods, Followed by reception

18:30 Welcome Speech
Mark Donfried, Director, Institute for Cultural Diplomacy
Lothar G. Kopp, Federal Agency for Civic Education
Prof. John Long, University of Illinois, Chicago

18:45 - 19:00 Gospel introduction By Black Heritage group

19.00 - 20.30 Podium Discussion
The historical development of the African Diaspora in Germany and across the world
  • Dr. Wilfred Imoudu, Secretary-General of the Pan African Forum, Berlin
  • S.E. Ahmada R. Ngemera, Tanzanian Ambassador to Germany
  • Katharina Oguntoye, historian and author
  • Axel Sabac El Cher, descendent of the Prussian-African Sabac El-Cher family
  • Moderation: Prof. John Long, University of Illinois, Chicago

20.30 Private View
A first look at the art exhibition staged for Black History Month

Includes works by the artists:
  • Chandra Brooks
  • Amadou Diallo
  • Khalifa Drame
  • Emmanuel Eni
  • Adom Tetteh

21.00 - 22.00 Concert
Sounds of Africa - African Root Music: BLACK HERITAGE, featuring MFA KERA & MIKE RUSSELL - Afro Soul Music
  • Reinhard Kateman - keyboards
  • Ramani Krishna - bass guitar
  • Joe dicarlo - drums
  • Mike Russell - guitar and vocals
  • MFA Kera - vocals
  • Famson Akinola - percussion

22.00 - 24.00 Concert and dance
Mano River Multi Cultural Band

18 musicians and dancers perform a traditional West African audiovisual spectacular

Media Lounge
Visitors to the Black History Month in Berlin series can also find out more information about the African Diaspora in the Media Lounge, which offers:
  • Films
  • An Exhibition about the African Diaspora in Germany
  • Topical reading materials provided by the Federal Agency for Civic Education
  • Information stand from the Goethe Institute
  • Info-material from a range of civil society organisations

Kunst hautnah: Der senegalesische Künstler und Designer Elimane Seck kreiiert Henna Tatoos.

Doors open at 5pm (punctual arrival is recommended). Free entry. You do not need to pre-register.

Location:
Amerika Haus Berlin (U+S Bahn Station Zoologischer Garten)
Hardenbergstraße 22-24
10623 Berlin

You can find out more information at www.blackhistorymonthberlin.org or by calling 030/ 23607680.

We look forward to welcoming you at the Amerika Haus.

Kind regards,

Mark Donfried