Introduction
The “zurückgeschaut | looking back” exhibition in Berlin is dedicated to significant issues, such as colonialism, racism, and black resistance. Treptow Park hosted the “First German Colonial Exhibition” more than a century ago, from May 1 to October 15, 1896 (“Looking back,” n.d.). The Colonial Exhibition of 1896 is a pivotal event in Berlin’s worldwide history, with particular significance for the black community. The ongoing event is devoted to the First German Colonial Exhibition’s history and aftermath (“Looking back,” n.d.). The emphasis is on the 106 African and Oceanian children, women, and men, their stories, and their struggles. The structure of the colonial display, as well as its historical backdrop, are also discussed. The reflection paper will address the exhibition exponents displayed and explain their meaning.
Discussion
The exhibition’s most significant section is dedicated to the participants. Initially, the exhibition participants were “recruited” in the German colonies to be presented at Berlin human “exhibitions.” I believe it was immoral and feel terrible when I look at these people. The visual component comprises narratives, photographs, and empty squares with names. The noticeable empty areas represent those who declined to be portrayed. The other section is devoted to the periodic portrayal of the colonial and postcolonial periods. For instance, in 1717, King sold Fort Grob Friendrichsburg to the Dutch West India Company in reaction to the colonial and slavery trade becoming unprofitable for Prussia. The price is shocking: 72000 ducats and twelve enslaved Black boys. The disturbing fact is that in 1780, an enslaved Black man whose name is unknown petitioned the Berlin Court of Appeal to be released from the burden of slavery imposed by Chamberlain von Arnim. He referred to a ten-year service period already surpassed by five years. As a consequence, King Frederick II denies the man’s release request.
What surprised me was the existence of a distinct newspaper exclusively for Black people. The ITUCNW was founded in Hamburg in 1928, with the Communist International’s assistance. ‘The Negro Worker,’ a periodical issued by the committee, was published in 1937. The Nazis demolished its headquarters in early 1933. In the same year, the Nazis kidnapped and tortured Hilarius Gilges, a 24-year-old Black laborer, amateur performer, and communist from Dusseldorf. He was among the first Black Germans killed by the Nazi dictatorship. In 1945 the German Reich capitulated entirely in Berlin, and World War II terminated in Europe. Millions of African Americans and colonial people fought for the winning powers.
In 1985-86, Wiesbaden hosted the first national assembly of the newly formed Initiative of African Black People in Germany. In addition, the sister group ADEFRA – Black Women in Germany was also created. Notably, the creation of both associations is tied to the ground-breaking book ‘Showing Our Colors – Afro-American Women Speak Out.’ It chronicled Black German history as well as crucial contemporary testimony. Under the direction of Black activist Yonas Endrias, the three-year initiative ‘African Quarter Memorial and Learning Center’ (Leon) was inaugurated in 2014. The ‘No Humboldt 21!’ campaign began in response to laying the founding principle for the Humboldt Forum in the restored Berlin Palace. It condemns the proposed display of cultural artifacts from illegitimate colonial administrations in the colonial rulers’ Palace of Prussia.
Conclusion
Moreover, in 2018, the Berlin-Mette district office decided to rename three streets and squares in the so-called “African Quarter” after more than three decades of involvement. In my opinion, one of the most exciting aspects is that the five-year joint initiative started in 2020 intends to motivate Belin’s urban society to engage critically, artistically, and sustainably with its colonial past. The exhibition is fantastic since it provides many historically significant facts while demonstrating Black people’s struggles and fights against injustice.
Reference
Looking back. (n.d). Museum Portan Berlin. Web.