To remember means to change.
In Heidelberg we honor the memory of the victims of the racist attack in Hanau and support the demands of the February 19 Initiative.
The coalition “Erinnern Verändern” is a civil society initiative that resolutely opposes racism and right-wing extremism in Germany. The group is for members from different Heidelberg organizations and individuals, who are already engaged in anti-racist organizing and those, which would like to become active in anti-racist organizing.
We are an independent movement from the broader society. The fight against structural racism, right-wing extremism in Germany, and anti-racist education are at the forefront of our work. Therefore we remain anonymous as members and act as an alliance.
On February 19, 2023 there will be a demonstration in Heidelberg. It will start at 16h at the Stadtbücherei Heidelberg and conclude at 19h at the Marktplatz Heidelberg.
All speeches will be published here for you to read (in German). In addition, interpreters will be on site to interpret into German sign language (DGS).
There will be the possibility to ride on a loudspeaker wagon. If you would like to sign up for this or need other support, feel free to contact us!
In addition to the demonstration on Feb. 19, several events will be held on the days leading up to and following the demonstration that are also related to the commemoration of the attack.
Dokuzentrum Guided Tour (14.02.2023)
There will be a Guided Tour of the Permanent Exhibition at the Documentation and Cultural Center of German Sinti and Roma on 14.02 at 17.30h.
Admission is free. Registration is not required.
Since 1997, the Documentation and Cultural Center of German Sinti and Roma in Heidelberg has hosted the first permanent exhibition documenting the National Socialist genocide of the Sinti and Roma. Across three floors and an area of almost 700 square meters, the history of the persecution of the Sinti and Roma during the National Socialist era is traced: from the gradual exclusion and disenfranchisement in the German Reich to the systematic extermination in Nazi-occupied Europe.
Deepening the concept of the permanent exhibition, nine suitcases with life stories of persecuted Sinti and Roma were added at the end of September 2022. With biographical texts, photos, documents and a variety of haptic elements linked to video interviews, they are dedicated exclusively to children and young people who were persecuted during the Nazi era: Herbert Ricky Adler, Else Baker, Max Birkenfelder, Adolf Heilig, Krystyna Gil, Jovi Richter, Ceija Stojka and Zoni Weisz.
Creative / Writing Workshop (18.02.2023)
In a safer space on Sat 18.2.23 (BI)PoC and Jewish communities are invited to put their thoughts, emotions, and demands regarding the racist attacks on paper.
The workshop will take place from 16h at Zwinger 1. Admission is free, but registration is required.
Panel discussion (25.02.2023)
Under the title “Three years and a few days: In memory of the attacks of Hanau and Halle”, a panel discussion will take place on Saturday, 25.02.23 at 7pm at the new Karlstorbahnhof in Südstadt.
Admission is at 6 pm, admission is free.
Memorials
In the days leading up to February 19, the victims will be remembered at various locations throughout the Heidelberg. You can find all the memorials here:
Donations
As a small initiative, we are dependent on donations in order to cover expenses such as materials, DGS interpreters, etc. If you would like to support us, please donate to the account below with the purpose “Donation Erinnern Verändern”. All donations that go beyond our expenses will be donated to the Initiative 19. Februar, which, by the way, you can also support directly here.
About us
After the right-wing terrorist attack of February 19, 2020 and the short period of solidarity with victims of racist violence, we decided to remember the victims of racism in Germany and to work for social change. Therefore, we support the demands of the Initiative 19 February Hanau and stand behind the survivors and survivors of right-wing terror everywhere in Germany. We fight for an open society, free of discrimination, which stands up for everyone.
We organize events like demonstrations, letter marathons, (digital) safer spaces, lectures, social media actions etc. every 19th day of the month. The alliance Erinnern Verändern communicates demands to various politicians and public figures.
We act in working groups and respect the opinions of all members. Accordingly, we make our decisions in a common consensus.
If you want to get involved and join our alliance Erinnern Verändern, please contact us on Instagram (@erinnern.veraendern), or by mail (19-februar@protonmail.com) .