Popup Workshop
Black German Literary Perspectives
The Popup Workshop showcases the diverse facets of Black German literature through a literary festival featuring workshops, storytelling sessions for children, and readings by renowned authors. This event is organized in collaboration with Theater RAMPE and Literaturhaus Stuttgart. We invite everyone to come together for encounters, exchanges, and browsing at book tables, as well as participating in various workshops. You can find an overview of all events here. Additionally, tickets for the workshops taking place at JOiN can be purchased further down.
November 7th & 8th
6–10 PM: Schreiben als ermächtigende Praxis
In this introductory course on November 7 and 8, participants will explore their own creativity with spoken word artist Lysania, delving into questions such as: How does the unsaid influence our actions and perspectives? What themes do we carry with us, and which ones hold us back? How can these blockages be resolved through a conscious writing process?
The workshop is aimed at Black individuals.
The workshop is aimed at Black individuals.
November 9th
12–4 PM: Literally Lunch
Literally Lunch invites everyone to an open and welcoming afternoon—families are warmly welcomed! In the foyer of JOiN, we create a space for encounters, exchange, and networking. Visitors can look forward to book tables from the first Black children's library in Bremen and from the festival authors, background music, and culinary delights.
Admission free
Admission free
2–5 PM: Empowerment-Workshop for Black Individuals
"Making my voice visible – through myself"
Often, Black voices are only made visible when they fit the image that white people expect. For instance, Black literature is frequently considered successful only when it addresses racism, and similarly, Black art is often deemed successful only when it speaks about racial issues.
● We are way more than the racism we experience.
● Black excellence can be found in every area.
● We decide what we want to talk about and what we want to be known for.
In this workshop, we will not only discuss this phenomenon but also explore strategies we can implement to empower our voices in all their forms – both on a personal level and as a community.
Often, Black voices are only made visible when they fit the image that white people expect. For instance, Black literature is frequently considered successful only when it addresses racism, and similarly, Black art is often deemed successful only when it speaks about racial issues.
● We are way more than the racism we experience.
● Black excellence can be found in every area.
● We decide what we want to talk about and what we want to be known for.
In this workshop, we will not only discuss this phenomenon but also explore strategies we can implement to empower our voices in all their forms – both on a personal level and as a community.
The workshop is led by Black Community Foundation Stuttgart. BCF Stuttgart is a non-profit organization founded by Black individuals for the Black community. The organization was established in 2020, following the murder of George Floyd. Based in Stuttgart, the current team consists of four members. BCF’s work is primarily focused on empowering and connecting the Black community in Germany, as well as educating and raising awareness among individuals not directly affected by racism. The organization collaborates closely with other associations, institutions, municipalities, and organizations that share the same goals.
To educate and raise awareness, BCF offers various workshops, lectures, and seminars on anti-Black racism and critical whiteness. To empower and connect the Black community, the organization organizes safe spaces, cultural events, and provides support in cases of police violence and other traumatic experiences of racism.
To educate and raise awareness, BCF offers various workshops, lectures, and seminars on anti-Black racism and critical whiteness. To empower and connect the Black community, the organization organizes safe spaces, cultural events, and provides support in cases of police violence and other traumatic experiences of racism.
2:30–6 PM: Writing Workshop for Black Individuals
A Workshop Like a Playful Invitation – with Plenty of Room for Play, Wonder, Practice, and Relaxation, led by Sarah Fartuun Heinze (they/her).
6–7:30 PM: Literature as a refuge
How do we find the right words to promote unity in these challenging times? The current political developments make it difficult to see glimmers of hope on the horizon. Yet literature can be a refuge where we can think optimistically about tomorrow, meticulously dissect the present, and reflect on and learn from the past. In this conversation, we aim to explore, from a Black perspective, what it means to remain capable of speaking and acting, and how creativity and safer spaces can facilitate this.
Speaker: Celia Parbey
Moderation: Karimael Buledi
Celia Parbey is a journalist, moderator, and African studies scholar. She works as an editor at ZEIT ONLINE and freelances for various online and print magazines. Additionally, she serves as the managing director of RosaMAG, an online lifestyle magazine for Black FLINTA* individuals in German-speaking countries. Her writing focuses on topics such as colonial continuities, intersectionality, feminism, and racism.
Moderation: Karimael Buledi
Celia Parbey is a journalist, moderator, and African studies scholar. She works as an editor at ZEIT ONLINE and freelances for various online and print magazines. Additionally, she serves as the managing director of RosaMAG, an online lifestyle magazine for Black FLINTA* individuals in German-speaking countries. Her writing focuses on topics such as colonial continuities, intersectionality, feminism, and racism.
8–9 PM: Night Songs – Relaxed Listening Session
We will conclude the first Popup Workshop with a relaxed listening session: a compilation from the literature festival for Black German fiction and a multi-week exhibition. It's a perfect reason to celebrate with well-curated music. Let's reflect, discuss, listen, and enjoy our time together as we reminisce about the last festival days.