Neglected Stories / Verschwiegene Geschichten

In both Germany and the U.S., important questions of how history is written, taught, and publicly contested are at the center of social issues. Communities of people who have been historically marginalized and whose stories lack public attention are leading many of these conversations and are facing incredible pushback and persecution for doing so. How would immigrants describe Nazism, or how do Black Germans see their country’s colonial past? How are Black Americans expanding the discourse about structural racism in the United States? Where are there spaces for solidarity, and where might be important distinctions? Our project addresses such narratives in both societies—the U.S. and Germany— including those that have long been neglected, are often suppressed and are highly relevant to our social, historical, and present realities. Our project aims to be a transatlantic learning field and source of inspiration for exploring different memory practices, sharing the narratives of the communities, and developing approaches to intervene in dominant public discourses.

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Criteria for participation

• you feel connected to a community that shares powerful (hi)stories and the experience of marginalization. That can mean many different things: you’re facilitating dialogues in your community, working for social justice in your neighborhood, being involved artistically in a community, or doing NGO- or memory work.
• you are comfortable communicating in English
• your work and life allow you to fully participate in two immersive 10-day seminars
• you must have a passport—if you do not have one with at least 6 months of remaining validity, you should apply immediately due to processing times

We are aware that international participation may not be possible for undocumented people and people with an uncertain residence status for structural reasons. If your participation is tied to complex visa processes, we would like to support you in the best possible way.

Costs

• The participation fee of roughly 750€ (not final) covers both parts of the program in Germany and the US.
• Educational leave (“Bildungsurlaub”) and CEUs (Continuing Education Units) may be possible.
• Flights, ground transportation, lodging, and meals are included in the program.
• Accommodation in a double room (with a roommate) is included in the program fee. Choosing to stay in a single room (no roommate) carries an additional out-of-pocket cost.
• The participant must cover any other costs incurred (passport, travel/health insurance, etc.). If you are unable to advance the full price – speak with us, and we will try to find a solution.

To apply, please fill out this Google Form

Deadline for Applications: March 31, 2024

If you have any questions about the program, don’t hesitate to contact us via email at cvsweet@olemiss.edu (US-based applicants) or miriam.moch@gsi-bevensen.de (Germany-based applicants).