Brigitte Malungo's raw account of racism stirs Büsum audience to action
The organizing team was particularly moved by Brigitte Malungo's remarks, and the many attendees at the reading of My Skin Speaks Out were visibly—and audibly—deeply affected, almost overwhelmed by the raw power of the author's experiences with racism.
The first short story Malungo performed, "Rest in Peace, Mbutu," addresses a racially motivated murder, setting a stark tone from the outset. "Racism kills!" she declared unambiguously, repeating the words during the subsequent audience discussion. The crowd listened with palpable shock and sorrow as she shared further accounts—familiar yet newly harrowing in their authenticity—of racist discrimination in housing searches, the exhausting question "Where are you really from?" and the exclusion of being treated as "other."
These stories, she explained, are "my past, my present, and—judging by current events—unfortunately my future. Everyday racism and microaggressions are my daily reality as a Black woman, an inescapable part of my life." Her words from the preface served as a fitting introduction to the discussion moderated by Tobias Bachmann of "Büsum Stays Colorful." With empathy and purpose, he opened the floor, focusing on two key questions: the resilience Malungo has cultivated through confronting pain, and the solidarity she hopes for from those not directly affected by racism. Her response was comprehensive: "Solidarity is a marathon. It means taking concrete action when witnessing racism, but also educating ourselves, challenging the racist structures in our society, and speaking out against racism—again and again."
After the discussion, attendees had the chance to get books signed and take photos. Mayor Oliver Kumbartzky also presented Malungo with Büsum's mascot, "Neele," and she inscribed the town's guestbook. "Büsum Stays Colorful" extended thanks to the Hotel-Restaurant Zur Alten Post and VR Bank Westküste for their support.
