Sign against racism

On the occasion of the day of action "Beware, prejudices! We set an example against racism" on March 18, 2021, KoKont, the Winzerla district office and the Partnership for Democracy Jena are setting an example against everyday racism. The caution-prejudice stickers on Enver-Şimşek-Platz are intended to draw attention to everyday racism in our society and call for reflection. The day of action takes place in the run-up to the International Day against Racism on March 21.

"Our thoughts determine our actions. Prejudices can lead to racially motivated actions, including the most serious acts of violence and hate crimes. Enver Şimşek was murdered by the NSU for racist reasons. His family was discriminated against and publicly stigmatized by prejudice-led official investigations. This must not be forgotten and must not be repeated," says Alexander Krampe from the Partnership for Democracy Jena.

Assaults are particularly visible signs of racism in our society. However, they are only the tip of the iceberg. Many people are discriminated against in everyday life because of their actual or perceived origin or religion, their appearance or other racist attributions.

The "Beware, prejudice!" stickers make it clear that prejudices against others are often not noticed in everyday life and that everyone should question racist actions and statements in their environment.

"We must remain vigilant. We must constantly ask ourselves whether our thinking towards others and others is not shaped by prejudice. And we must confront prejudice with passion and determination," said Dr. Thomas Nitzsche, Lord Mayor of the City of Jena. "I am glad that so many initiatives in our city are committed to diversity and against prejudice and racism."

David Summers, employee at KoKont, adds: "Unfortunately, racism and discrimination are still a reality in Jena too. On the other hand, there is also an active civil society that needs to be supported and networked. It is a task for society as a whole and at the same time a duty for each and every one of us to resolutely oppose all forms of racism and discrimination. This applies on a structural level as well as in everyday life."

This includes KoKont, the Winzerla district office and the Jena Partnership for Democracy together with many others. The Winzerla district office promotes social interaction in the district, KoKont has had its own office in Winzerla since January 2021 and the Partnership for Democracy supports projects for democracy, diversity and against group-related misanthropy.

The Partnership for Democracy Jena, sponsored by the Demokratischer Jugendring Jena e.V., has been promoting and initiating projects for democracy, diversity and against group-related misanthropy in Jena since 2011. Further information can be found at www.demokratie-jena.de.

The coordination and contact point in the Jena city program against xenophobia, right-wing extremism, anti-Semitism and intolerance (KoKont), sponsored by the BLITZ e.V. educational organization, has been in existence since 2001 and is committed to promoting a democratic culture. As a contact point and specialist center, it is aimed at interested parties from the entire city area. Further information can be found at
https://www.kokont-jena.de/

The Winzerla district office has existed in the district since 2002 and is funded as part of the federal Socially Integrative City program. Among other things, the district office is also responsible for the participation processes of the people in the district, which resulted in the naming of Enver-Şimşek Square.

"Living democracy!"
Since 2015, the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth has been funding projects across Germany to promote democracy, shape diversity and prevent extremism through the federal "Live Democracy!" program.