Christmas Market Controversy Over Lumumba Drink: Historian's Outrage
Originally published on RTL.de
Historian and ex-Green Party city councilor, Annalena Schmidt, has fueled the debate surrounding the popular Christmas drink Lumumba, labeling it racist. Her post on X (previously Twitter) states, "Patrice Lumumba symbolizes the African independence movement! He was murdered! And you call 'cocoa with a shot' after him!"
With the commencement of the winter markets and cocoa with rum (Lumumba) sales, the beverage's name being deemed racist becomes even more controversial.
Lumumba: Controversy Stems Back
Annalena Schmidt is not the first individual to point out this seemingly problematic drink name. In 2011, Cameroon-born journalist and media critic Simon Inou, now living in Austria, criticized it as racist. Last year, Tahir Deller, press spokesperson for the Initiative of Black People in Germany, agreed with the sentiment in a WDR interview.
However, the drink Lumumba remains available at numerous Christmas markets, which sparks various opinions. While some are shocked by the drink's background or dislike its continued sale under the controversial name, others dismiss the criticism as unfounded.
Some argue that no one intends to drink a cocoa with a shot with racist intentions, and it is unnecessary to associate everything with racism. However, Tahir Deller pointed out it was not just the racist intention that was troublesome but also the naming causing "black people to be degraded ..."
But Who Was Patrice Lumumba?
Patrice Lumumba was a Congolese politician who served as the first prime minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo after earning independence. A pioneer in the African independence movement, Lumumba was shot to death by opposition firing squad following a coup with US backing in 1961.
Lumumba was a charismatic leader considered a symbolic figure despite his untimely death.
Is the Lumumba Drink Connection Racist?
Although many perceive a racial connection to the popular Christmas market Lumumba drink, clear evidence is lacking. Therefore, it cannot be definitively concluded, and you can still order "hot chocolate with a shot" with pleasure, regardless of the name.
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Patrice Lumumba was a powerful figure in the fight for Congolese independence. Born into a prominent family in Onalua, Belgian Congo (currently Democratic Republic of Congo), Lumumba showed exceptional promise with his education and eloquence.
He soon became involved in the Mouvement National Congolais (MNC), representing the Congolese people's demands for an end to Belgian rule and racial discrimination. In 1960, when Congo gained independence, Lumumba delivered a passionate speech condemning colonial brutality and racism. His vision for a unified Africa, free from Western influence, made him a target for Western powers, especially Belgium and the United States.
While Lumumba's name being associated with the popular Christmas drink is not yet proven to be racist, it does contribute to the broader conversation surrounding cultural appropriation and the commodification of historical figures. The promoters must consider how such naming choices can affect both the drink's reputation and, more importantly, Lumumba's legacy.
