How the ISD has empowered Black voices in Germany for nearly 40 years

A movement born in the 1980s still shapes Germany’s future. Meet the activists who turned local struggles into a national fight for equality and memory.

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2025 December 3 . 1:11 AM

1 min read

In this picture we can see the women wearing green t-shirt standing in the protest and holding the... — In this picture we can see the women wearing green t-shirt standing in the protest and holding the white cover in the hand. Behind we can see many girls are standing.

How the ISD has empowered Black voices in Germany for nearly 40 years

The Initiative of Black People in Germany (ISD) has been a key voice for Black empowerment since its founding in 1985. Emerging from a nationwide meeting in Wiesbaden, the group quickly established local chapters across the country. Today, it remains one of the oldest self-organised Black associations in Germany, working alongside organisations like Each One Teach One and the Afrikarat to push for political change and social justice.

The ISD was formed during a period of growing Black activism in Germany. A major influence was African American writer and activist Audre Lorde, who was living in West Berlin at the time. The group’s early years coincided with the 1990 release of 'Farbe bekennen' ('Showing Our Colors'), an anthology by Afro-German women that became a landmark text for Black empowerment, especially around the time of German reunification.

The ISD’s work spans nearly four decades, from its roots in 1980s activism to its current role in shaping debates on race and memory. Through projects like 'heimaten' and campaigns for the UN Decade, the group keeps pressure on institutions to address systemic inequalities. Della’s criticism of colonial mindsets and calls for broader societal shifts reflect the organisation’s ongoing push for justice and representation.