Mohrenstrasse becomes Anton-Wilhelm-Amo-Strasse – a sign of change!

Mohrenstrasse becomes Anton-Wilhelm-Amo-Strasse – a sign of change!

The capital Berlin is about to experience a historic moment: Mohrenstrasse in the Mitte district will be renamed Anton-Wilhelm-Amo-Strasse on August 23rd. After years of litigation, which culminated in a ruling by the Higher Administrative Court in July, this step is welcomed by many and actively supported by politicians. The decision clearly shows how necessary it is to create space for critical reflection and changes in the city's history. So reports too Berlin Live about the background to the name change.

The name “Mohrenstraße” was not only changed for reasons of sensitivity; Rather, there are numerous voices that classify them as problematic and racist. Historically, the term is strongly associated with the enslavement and discrimination of African people. Anton Wilhelm Amo, after whom the street will be named in the future, was a remarkable black philosopher and lawyer who worked in the 18th century and is considered the first African-born scholar at a European university. It is used to appreciate this social correction. How rbb24 writes, there is a small festival to celebrate the renaming, which is being organized by various initiatives, including the Greens.

Renaming details

The renaming follows a general order that was published on May 4, 2021. Since then, local residents have had highly polarized discussions about the issue, and some have even sued against the change because they found the original name depreciative. Nevertheless, the legal dispute has now apparently been settled after the Higher Administrative Court decided that there was no right to sue. From September 15th, residents can change their identification documents free of charge at the Klosterstrasse Citizens' Office. The Mitte district office is responsible for the legally binding publication of the change in the official gazette DW reported.

In addition, the Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) will also rename the subway station, which previously had the same name. The new street signs will be installed on August 22nd so that everything will be ready in time for the inauguration ceremony.

An important reflection

But the renaming of Mohrenstrasse is more than just a change of signs. It is also in the context of a broader discussion about the colonial past and the need to make it visible in the cityscape. Political scientist and human rights activist Joshua Kwesi Aikins emphasized that decolonization does not only happen through renaming, but also requires deeper thinking and action.

The debate about Mohrenstrasse is part of a longer-term trend that can be observed in many cities. More and more people are actively engaging in a critical examination of their own history - and it is becoming clear that names that once seemed harmless are now seen in a different light.

Changing the name of Mohrenstrasse is something that many from civil society have been demanding for years. It is a way to make racism visible in the city and to question ways of thinking that have long been taken for granted. This process is far from complete, but this step is a sign of change in Berlin and beyond.