South African Embassy Highlights Black History Month
Embassy-supported partners present nationwide programmes marking Black History Month’s 100th anniversary
March 03rd, 2026
Black History Month in 2026 marks its 100th anniversary under the theme “A Century of Black History Commemorations,” with a strong global focus on African history and its transnational connections. In Germany, a wide range of cultural, educational, and community initiatives reflect this milestone, many of which are highlighted by the South African Embassy in Berlin. Together, these activities underscore the enduring links between historical memory, cultural expression, and contemporary dialogue
In Berlin, the presentation In Berlin 1884/85 – 1994: 110 Years of Anticolonial Resistance, hosted within the BerlinZEIT permanent exhibition at Museum Ephraim-Palais, examines anticolonial resistance from southern Africa to the anti-apartheid struggle and the experiences of South African exiles in the city. Complementing this, AfroBerlin convenes filmmakers and audiences through screenings and discussions focused on identity and intergenerational storytelling. Meanwhile, Ballhaus Naunynstraße hosts the ongoing Black Berlin Black – Festivity, a multi-month programme of theatre, film, workshops, and visual arts centred on Black perspectives and creative expression.
Across Germany, cities are marking the centenary through coordinated local programmes. In Cologne, commemorations include readings, screenings, and exhibitions, alongside a sports-focused dialogue at the Deutsches Sport & Olympia Museum examining identity and representation. In Stuttgart, events such as educator talks, film nights, and the African Open Mic at Theater Rampe create platforms for Afro-diasporic storytelling and artistic exchange.
Further initiatives in Hannover include exhibitions and discussions highlighting local Black histories, while Heidelberg presents community art programmes and film screenings that connect anticolonial thought with contemporary cultural practice. In Hamburg, coordinated activities bring together cultural institutions and civic partners through film, poetry, and public dialogue, reinforcing the month’s nationwide scope.
Collectively, these commemorations reflect the role of cultural diplomacy in fostering historical awareness, intercultural dialogue, and shared reflection on colonial legacies and contemporary identities. By situating artistic and historical narratives within broader bilateral and societal contexts, the programmes contribute to sustained cultural exchange and reinforce long-term partnerships between South Africa and Germany grounded in mutual understanding and inclusive engagement.
