Black History Month: Rhythmus und Comedy

In the organizer's words:

Black History Month celebrates the achievements and contributions of Black* people in the arts, culture, politics and society. In this context, the event format "Rhythm and Comedy" offers an extraordinary opportunity to highlight two central elements of Black* history and identity - music and humor.

Music has been an essential means of expression for the Black* community for centuries. It has served as solace and resistance during difficult times, such as slavery and the civil rights movement, and as a means of passing on stories, traditions and messages. Genres such as gospel, blues, jazz, hip-hop and reggae emerged from these experiences and shaped the musical landscape worldwide. Music was and is a tool for expressing emotions, celebrating identity and uniting communities.

The importance of comedy has played an equally important role in Black history. Black* comedians used humour to reflect oppression, address social ills and mobilize resistance through laughter.

The concept of "Rhythm and Comedy" combines these two powerful elements of black culture into a unique format that both entertains and educates. The combination of music and comedy creates an atmosphere that invites both reflection and celebration.

The Black History Month program in Cologne takes place in cooperation with our Office for Integration and Diversity. The event "Rhythm and Comedy" is organized by Soleil Ndongala, the Rhythm and Comedy Collective and the Sonnenblumen Community Development Group e. V.

*Black people = chosen self-designation that addresses all people who themselves have an African or Afro-diasporic (e.g. Afro-Caribbean, Afro-American, Afro-German) background.