Stories that take root

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.