Published on February 7, 2025
Reflecting on Our Participation in the Inaugural Workshop on Black and African Multiplicities
We had the privilege of participating in the inaugural workshop “Black Multiplicities, African Multiplicities? Theorising Migration, Identity, and Blackness from European Perspectives”, organized by the Minerva Fast Track Group on Migration, Identity, and Blackness in Europe at the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Religious and Ethnic Diversity, Göttingen.
This enriching workshop brought together researchers, scholars, artists, and activists to critically engage with the multifaceted experiences of African, African diasporic, and Black communities in Europe. A key focus was on theorizing and researching migration, identity, and community formation among individuals moving from African countries to European nations.
Key Discussions and Our Contributions
A major theme explored was how African-European connections have evolved, reflected, and contested social and political conditions in the long wake of slavery. The workshop fostered critical dialogues on migration, identity construction, and the resilience of Black and African communities across Europe.
As part of our contributions, we emphasized the intersectional roles of religious and non-religious migrant organizations in shaping diaspora communities and preserving cultural and spiritual identities. These organizations serve as vital support systems, helping migrants:
✅ Navigate adaptation challenges
✅ Build social networks
✅ Maintain connections to their homelands
✅ Foster a sense of belonging
✅ Support emotional and mental well-being
A Space for Collaboration and Growth
The workshop was highly impactful, providing a multidisciplinary platform where voices from within and beyond academia pushed the boundaries of theoretical and empirical work on Black and African multiplicities in Europe. Through various sessions, keynotes, and a public exhibition, participants explored the socio-cultural, historical, and political dimensions shaping African and Black lived experiences across the continent.
A major highlight was the opportunity to network and explore collaborations with individuals and organizations that share similar goals and aspirations.
We are truly grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this critical discourse and look forward to continuing these important conversations.
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