Renamed Berlin's Mohrenstraße to Anton-Wilhelm-Amo-Straße

In the heart of Berlin, a significant change is underway. By mid-December, the former Mohrenstraße will see its name replaced, marking the end of a long-standing controversy and the beginning of a new era.

The district and several initiatives have pushed for the renaming, as the term "Mohr" is considered racist. The original name, derived from the word for a Moor in German, has been associated with negative racial stereotypes for centuries.

The new name, Anton-Wilhelm-Amo-Straße, is a tribute to a remarkable historical figure. Anton Wilhelm Amo was a West African scholar and jurist who lived and worked in the 18th century. He is recognised as the first known black philosopher and jurist at German universities.

The renaming of Mohrenstraße and the corresponding U-Bahn station was initiated and advocated by activists like Tahir Della and other Black activists, as well as organisations such as Decolonize Berlin and the Initiative Schwarze Menschen in Deutschland. Their campaign against the colonial and racist connotations of the original name gained momentum over the years.

However, the renaming was disputed in court for years before it was finally approved. The change in signage for the U-Bahn station was implemented by the Berlin Transport Authority (BVG) in accordance with the new name.

The new street name was symbolically unveiled at a ceremony over the weekend. Workers installed the new street and station name signs, Anton-Wilhelm-Amo-Straße, during the operating pause overnight on Wednesday.

The BVG has also updated its digital journey planner to reflect the new name. However, the old street name, Mohrenstraße, will still appear on the new signs until the end of the year.

This renaming is a significant step towards a more inclusive city, one that acknowledges and celebrates its diverse history and the contributions of all its inhabitants.