ICYMI | #106

Our weekly roundup of stories you may have missed.

Tyre Nichols protests in the US

Protests erupted across the US last week following the release of video footage detailing the fatal police beating of 29-year-old African-American man Tyre Nichols during a traffic stop in Memphis earlier this month. Although the five officers who beat Nichols have been fired and charged with second-degree murder, protesters are calling for an investigation into the other officers present, and the murder has sparked renewed calls for police reform and abolition.

Escalating violence in Palestine

At least 35 Palestinians, including 8 children, have been killed in the West Bank since Israel’s new hard-right government came to power at the end of 2022. Last week at least 10 Palestinians were killed and 20 more injured in a raid on Jenin refugee camp, sparking further violence in Gaza and East Jerusalem with casualties on both sides. Protests against the new, openly fascist coalition government have continued into a fourth consecutive week, with tens of thousands taking to the streets.

Schlafplatzorga need your help!

Schlafplatzorga Berlin, a group dedicated to finding safe sleeping places for migrants and refugees in Berlin, is still in need of support. If you have a spare room, a couch in your living room, a free apartment or a coworking space where someone could stay for even a few nights, get in touch via sleepingplaceorga@systmli.org. If you can't offer a place to stay but you'd like to support them in other ways, they are also asking for donations to pay outstanding rent and other costs.

UK Home Office whistleblower

Pressure is growing on the UK government to act after an investigation revealed that dozens of asylum-seeking children were kidnapped from a hotel operated by the UK Home Office. Last week a whistleblower claimed that many children were driven into the hands of criminals by ‘violent threats’ and ‘emotional abuse’ from staff. Over 200 children are still missing having vanished from state-run facilities.

Those in the UK can join protests in London and Brighton this Thursday.

Refuge x CTM

Next Saturday, join us as we team up with CTM for a dedicated Refuge Worldwide floor at RSO. Don’t live sets from Binghi in collaboration with Berlin-based singer and dancer Astan KA, and Nyege Nyege regular Debmaster with Menzi. Find Richard Akingbehin behind the decks alongside Nico Adomako, Philou Louzolo and a fire b2b from Lecken & Wax Treatment affiliate KILLA with Monibi. 

GALA

If you're in London, join us at GALA Festival from 26-28 May in Peckham Rye Park, London. We'll be taking over the Neighbourhood tent on Sunday from 13:00-21:00. Our curations begins with an extended b2b from Refuger Worldwide family No Plastic, Gaby D'Annunzio and Bell. Guests for the day include Creole Cuts DJ Anja Ngozi, baby k from Black Artist Database and foundation.fm favourite.

Musicboard Scholarship

Apply now for Musicboard’s Project Scholarship, aimed at Berlin-based pop and experimental musicians who need help delivering new projects and initiatives. Head to the Musicboard Berlin website to find out if your project is eligible. Applications close on 1 March at 18:00. Good luck!

Thanks!

Sending out a huge thank you and lots of love to everyone who played, tuned in, hung out and danced at Oona or arkaoda, or otherwise helped us celebrate our birthday over the past weekend! Refuge Worldwide would not be the same without the community that surrounds it, and we are grateful for each and every one of you <3

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Cover image licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.