In memory of courageous people.
Over the course of the year, 20 trees will be planted in the Garden of Diversity, making the Forum greener, contributing to a climate-resilient city and inviting people to linger.
In the „Stories that take root“ project, we would like to dedicate some of these trees to people who have fought for human rights and democracy and from whom we can learn, especially with regard to the challenges of the present.
In times of growing right-wing extremism and the normalisation of racist slogans, it is important for us to encourage the many courageous people in Bochum and the Ruhr region in their fight for democracy and human rights and to remind them of the stories of people who have always stood up for human rights, even in difficult times.
The garden with these trees is also intended to offer a place of tranquillity that invites people to recharge their batteries in the face of the difficult issues that go hand in hand with the fight for human rights. The trees also symbolise growth and the strength of those to whom these trees are dedicated.
„Don’t just clench your fist in your pocket.“
Ulrich Sander recorded the biography of Willi Hoffmeister, who died in 2021, under the title of the same name. The peace activist and trade unionist was politically active throughout his life. His family history and growing up under National Socialism shaped his political commitment; he became a member of the FDJ, the KPD and the VVN-BdA, and was also a co-organiser of the Easter marches in the Ruhr region.
„Şêr şêr e, çi jin çi mêr e.“
„A lion is a lion, whether female or male.“
Leyla Ferman, co-founder of Women for Justice e.V., an organisation that is particularly committed to helping Yazidis from Shingal in Iraq who were abducted by the so-called Islamic State. She talks about the ongoing genocide against the Yazidis since 2014, about surviving women and the importance of documentation, justice and a culture of remembrance.
„Freedom of expression is the foundation of human rights, the source of humanity and the mother of truth.“
„People don’t want to know about the real criminals today because they were covered up back then.“
„It’s the little things that citizens do. That’s what makes the difference. My little thing is planting trees.“
Jennifer Haas
Library and archive
Phone
+49 (0) 1573 2562413email address
jennifer.haas@fritz-bauer-forum.deOpening hours:
Monday to Wednesday 10.00 - 16.00 | Thursday 14.00 - 17.00 | Fridays by appointment