Remembrance day for 140th anniversary of the Congo Conference to take place at Niemetzstraße

Come down to Niemetzstraße 1 on November 16th.

From 1-7PM on November 16th, we invite you to attend a special event curated by Josiane and Ana Lucao: A Day Of Hope And Joy, Celebration of Congolese Culture and attention to the critical issues in the Congo. RSVP here to join.

The event marks 140 years since the "Congo Conference“, which was led by Otto von Bismarck on November 15, 1884, here in Berlin at Wilhelmstraße 92. The conference was a significant historical event that contributed to the geographical and cultural division of many African kingdoms and tribes. In particular, in the Congo, the subsequent colonization of the continent resulted in violence, exploitation, death, and robbery of people and different cultural heritages, and political turmoil.

As the consequences of postcolonial structures continue to affect the daily life of Congolese people, this event seeks to create a space for unity, celebration, and positivity within the Congolese community and for those who are interested in the culture.

There will be a panel discussion (in German) that will provide an historical overview and further perspectives on women's rights, the importance of pop culture and the mental health of Congolese people. The panelists will be Dr. Jean-Gottfried Mutombo Ndalamba, Rose Ilunga Mutombo, Rose Kapuya and Ladivine from Masolo Podcast . Ana Lucao will moderate the discussion.

There will also be performances, installations and music by film director Raviva Ziama, musician Batilasound, multidisciplinary artist Excorcée, contempary artist Josephate Leon as well as DJs Malengo and Nzambisa. There will also be dance and creative beading workshops, and food by Ma Bijoux. Entry will be donation-based, with all proceeds going towards Musique pour la Paix et la Santé, a new charity initiative set up by a trusted contact of the event organisers. The project provides food and medical services to women, children, injured, and elderly people in the refugee camp in Goma, RDC.

RSVP here.