Berlin's Manteuffelstraße Renamed to Honor Audre Lorde
In a meaningful nod to diversity and change, a section of Berlin's Manteuffelstraße will soon be known as Audre-Lorde-Straße. Starting this May, the new name will honor Audre Lorde, an American activist and poet who played a pivotal role in Berlin's Afro-German community until her death in 1992.
Embracing History and Diversity
This change is more than just a new street sign; it's part of Berlin's broader effort to celebrate its diverse history and culture. Audre Lorde's legacy is especially significant, as she inspired Afro-German women to explore and express their own stories and identities, notably through the influential book "Farbe Bekennen."
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Getting Ready for a New Look
The renaming process involves practical steps like putting up new signs and updating house numbers. To mark this change, the district council is planning a special celebration with various activities on June 28, 2024, officially welcoming Audre-Lorde-Straße to Berlin.
Keeping the Community Informed
Residents of the street have already received updates from the district office about these changes. The district is also making it easier for everyone by offering free updates to personal documents that reflect their new address.
Reflecting Modern Values
Renaming streets is a way for Berlin to confront its past and highlight figures who represent today’s values of diversity and inclusion. This particular change began with community discussions back in 2019, showing a clear, democratic approach to rethinking who we honor in our public spaces.
Celebrating Audre Lorde’s Impact
During her time in Berlin from 1984 until her death in 1992, Audre Lorde became an instrumental figure in fostering the Afro-German movement. Her workshops and interactions encouraged Afro-German women to write and publish, significantly impacting the cultural and social discourse around race and identity in Germany. Her years in Berlin were not only a period of personal growth but also a time when she profoundly influenced the lives of those around her.
With its new name, Audre-Lorde-Straße stands as a beacon of progress, reminding us of Berlin's vibrant history and the ongoing importance of acknowledging diverse contributions to our community. It’s a place where history meets the present, inviting everyone to appreciate and learn from Audre Lorde's enduring influence. 💖
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