Natasha Kelly in Weimar: Migration stories shape Germany's memory

Natasha Kelly in Weimar: Migration stories shape Germany's memory

On November 11, 2025, bestselling author Natasha Kelly will be making a name for herself in Weimar. Born and raised in Germany, her 16th birthday coincided with the day the Berlin Wall fell - a special date that has always stayed with her. Her current book publication, “Black. German. Female”, is her thirteenth work and reflects her deep, personal experiences. In a conversation about her view of social issues and migration stories, she makes it clear that these stories are an essential part of German memory. She particularly highlights stories of Black, Jewish, working class and LGBTQ people.

“I come to Weimar with respect,” Kelly says, calling the city a place known for both humanism and political violence. Their message is clear: migration stories shape Germany's memory and should not be ignored. In her book, she examines the relationship between individual experience and power structures, advocating for the term “being German” to be viewed in a more complex way than simply reducing it to national identity.

Reflection on identity

As Professor of Global African Arts at the University of Bayreuth, Kelly is committed to teaching and scientifically examining African and African-diasporic perspectives. She criticizes the term “migration”, especially since she has lived in Germany for over 40 years. In her opinion, there needs to be a reassessment of what it means to be German. “We should move beyond stereotypes,” Kelly said.

A central theme in Kelly's work is the visibility of black women in Germany. Her book release, which came out in 2023, was particularly well received by young Black women who can see themselves in her stories. She emphasizes that women with an African background have always lived in Germany - the oldest figure depicted in her book lived in the 17th century.

Listen and dare to discuss

Kelly believes that conversations about discrimination and racism work best when everyone involved is willing to listen and approach the topics with emotional distance. She describes herself as an “Afrofuturist” and is convinced that it is important to develop visions of the future that go beyond existing power structures. “It’s up to us to shape the narrative and fight for a fairer society,” she concludes.

Overall, Natasha Kelly vividly shows how complex identity and belonging are in Germany. Her work is a call to engage with one's own history and to create space for diversity in social memory.