In 2016, Hadija Haruna-Oelker becomes the mother of a disabled child. Over and over again, she encounters barriers and divisive systems that have been existed for decades: Bureaucracy, pseudo-inclusive schools or unquestioned discrimination and denigration in everyday life. Why is there no possibilities of full participation and inclusion for people with disabilities? And how do we resist the rise of social Darwinist ideas in our society? From a Black, intersectional perspective, journalist and political scientist Haruna-Oelker traces untold stories, repressed crimes of the past and powerful voices of the present. She regards her adolescent son with the conviction that childhoods hold the power to overcome divisions and express the unspoken. In her personal and political story, she shows how inclusion can be achieved in practice. She argues in favour of extensive socio-political reflection, a change of perspective and an understanding of human rights. And not least for a society of reciprocity in which everyone can live self-determined lives.
Moderator Mareice Kaiser will accompany Hadija Haruna Oelker through the evening, while her readings from the book will be performed live in German sign language by Paulina Güllü. Other guests on stage include journalist Judyta Smykowski and author and activist Natalie Dedreux. The evening will also feature vocal accompaniment by Latoya Reitzner.Her music will be performed live in German sign language by Dodzi Dougban.
The event can also be accessibly attended via live stream with options of German Sign Language and Easy Language translation.
