Upcoming Events at the German Historical Society

The Humanities Council will be co-sponsoring a lecture and award presentation with the German Historical Institute and the Black German Cultural Society, NJ beginning this weekend as part of the latter organization's First Annual Conference. Check out the following press releases, and don't miss these unique and informative opportunities!

August 19, 2011, 6:00 - 8:30 pm
Lecture at the German Historical Institute
Speaker: Noah Sow

Noah Sow is an acclaimed journalist, musician, and producer. In 2001, she founded der braune mob e.V., the first anti-racist German media watch organization. Her latest book Deutschland Black & White is based on her extensive experiences as an anti-racism activist.

Her lecture will be the public keynote address of the First Annual Convention of the Black German Cultural Society, Inc. to be held from August 19 to 21, 2011, at the GHI.

The event will also feature an award ceremony for Hans J. Massaquoi, who will be given the “Champion of the Humanities Award” in honor of his lifetime achievements as an author, journalist, and cultural ambassador. Accepting the award on behalf of Mr. Massaquoi will be his son, Hans J. Massaquoi, Jr.

In cooperation with the Black German Cultural Society, Inc. (a New Jersey nonprofit organization) and the Humanities Council of Washington, DC.

The event begins at 6:00 pm and will be held at the German Historical Institute, 1607 New Hampshire Avenue NW (Directions).

It will be followed by a brief reception.


Roots Germania: A Personal Search for Identity



August 18, 2011, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Film Screening and Panel Discussion at the German Historical Institute
Speakers: Pia Bungarten and Mo Asumang

On the eve of the First Annual Convention of the Black German Cultural Society, the Friedrich Ebert Foundation and the German Historical Institute will host a documentary presentation and lecture on "Roots Germania - A Personal Search For Identity".

The Grimme award nominated documentary "Roots Germania" was directed by Mo Asumang, the daughter of a German and Ghanaian. She decided to search for her own roots and identity, after she received a death threat by the neo-Nazi band White Aryan Rebels, who sing in one song: "This bullet is for you, Mo Asumang." Her search leads her through Germany and then to Ghana, where she speaks with family and friends, but she also engages with NPD party representatives and racist groups to ask questions many would not dare to ask. A discussion moderated by Pia Bungarten (Friedrich Ebert Foundation) with Mo Asumang, the film's direct, will follow the screening. 

In cooperation with the Black German Cultural Society, Inc. (a New Jersey nonprofit organization) and the Friedrich Ebert Foundation

The event begins at 6:00 pm and will be held at the German Historical Institute, 1607 New Hampshire Avenue NW (Directions).

Light refreshments will be served following the discussion.

For Both Events Please RSVP (acceptances only) by Tel. 202.387.3355, Fax 202.387.6437 or E-mail events@ghi-dc.org

German Historical Institute
1607 New Hampshire Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20009-2562
Phone: (202) 387-3355
Fax:     (202) 387-6437
Email: info@ghi-dc.org

Inaugural Black German Cultural Society, Inc. Convention Announced

Propose a Topic of Conversation, Present a Panel, or Attend and Learn

Don't miss this great opportunity to discuss the international dimensions of race and culture. The following is from the website of the Black German Cultural Society, Inc.

The Black German Cultural Society, Inc. is excited to announce its First Annual Convention to be held from August 19 to 21, 2011, at the German Historical Institute (GHI) in Washington, DC. With the theme of “Strengthening Transatlantic Connections,” the convention will host guests and presenters from our international community in Germany and the United States.

Our keynote speaker will be Noah Sow, the acclaimed journalist, musician, producer and author of “Deutschland Schwarz Weiß” (C. Bertelsmann, 2008), who will speak about “Geteilte Geschichte: The Black Experience in Germany and the US.”

In cooperation with the Humanities Council of Washington, DC, the convention will also feature an award ceremony for Hans J. Massaquoi, who will be given the “Champion of the Humanities Award” in honor of his lifetime achievements as an author, journalist, and cultural ambassador.

Additionally, the convention will feature a photo exhibit on "The Civil Rights Struggle, African American GIs, and Germany," and "Homestory Deutschland: Gelebt - Erlebte Schwarze Deutsche Geschichte(n)."

Furthermore, the meeting will offer workshops, round tables, as well as panel discussions on Afro-German history, culture and literature facilitated by our board members, partner organizations, and distinguished academics in the field.

Confirmed participants include, among others:

Vera Grant (W.E.B. Du Bois Institute, Harvard University)

S. Marina Jones (University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill)

Maria Hoehn (Vassar College)

Leroy Hopkins (Millersville University)

Martin Klimke (GHI Washington)

Priscilla Layne (University of California, Berkeley)

Yara-Colette Lemke Muniz de Faria (Berlin)

Sara Lennox (University of Massachusetts, Amherst)

Amilcar Shabazz (University of Massachussets, Amherst)

William Strickland (University of Massachussets, Amherst)

Topics will include “Race and Ethnicity in Postwar Germany,” “Transatlantic Adoption and ‘Brown Babies’,” “Finding and Reuniting Birth Families,” “Black German Jewishness” as well as “Sharing our Stories,” among others.

We would, however, also like to give participants the opportunity to present during one of our panel discussions, facilitate a workshop, or contribute to the convention in other ways. Please inform us of your interest, ideas, and potential topics.