Active commitment to diversity: the “People of Deutschland” project

Solidarity rather than discrimination: in the project “People of Deutschland”, individuals with a migrant background take a stand against racism.

Kim Berg , 16.05.2024

“People of Deutschland” is actively committed to combating racism. © People of Deutschland

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The project “People of Deutschland” actively promotes solidarity and seeks to combat discrimination. For this purpose, people with a migrant background talk about their own experience with the aim of inspiring change. “We believe in the positive power of personal encounter – and that personal stories bring people closer together,” write the organisers. Everyday racism exists in Germany just as it does in other countries – sometimes lurking under the surface, sometimes out in the open. “People of Deutschland” seeks to raise awareness of this and initiate change in this way.

Joy Denalane: “On social media platforms, people say what they really think. “And that forces politicians to look at issues differently, too.” © People of Deutschland

Milka Loff Fernandes: “I see Germany as a fertile field that is in constant need of careful watering, cultivation and care. To make sure things flourish and prosper here in the future, too. © People of Deutschland

Berhane Berhane: I’d like people to finally realise that we’re all equal and that the Earth belongs to all of us. There are no differences between us. © People of Deutschland

Özge Jacobsen: “At a time when conspiracy theories, fake news and hate speech are on the rise online, we need dissenting voices, facts, information and education.” © People of Deutschland

Kaled Ibrahim: “I’d like to see a Germany where it no longer matters what colour your skin or your hair is. After all, we don’t just happen to be here - we’re all a part of Germany. © People of Deutschland

The project has resulted in the publication of a book in which authors from different areas of public life tell their stories.

Simon Usifo: “I firmly believe that we’re strong enough as a society to focus on a consensus of unity and equality rather than being led astray by forces that seek to divide us.” © People of Deutschland

Shabnam Shabany: “I’m the one who gets to decide who I am and which country I feel I belong to.” © People of Deutschland

Mina Saidze: “Even if we look more like ‘sujuk’ than ‘salami’, we’re just as German as Hans-Peter or Margarethe.” © People of Deutschland

Jeffrey Lisk: “We’ll only ever become the open-minded, diverse society that we often claim to be if each and every one of us recognises racist behaviour and calls it out - whatever the situation.” © People of Deutschland

Deepa Gautam-Nigge: “At some point, I simply decided not to allow myself to be dragged down but instead guided by the fact that being different is actually my greatest strength.” © People of Deutschland

By bringing out the book, the three initiators – Simon Usifo, Martina Rink and Sammy Hart – aim to show what strengths Germany is capable of developing if diversity is seen as an enrichment, and if people focus on what unites them rather than what divides them.

See here for details of the project.

Active commitment to diversity: the “People of Deutschland” project

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