Welcome to AAGE

The AAGE (African-American German Exchange) e.V., is a non-profit organization founded to offer support and provide cultural awareness to the European population through cultural events, educational courses and social services. We hope that through our program we can help eliminate some of the social tension which exists in our society. We believe that a positive interaction between cultures can be a stepping stone towards a society where people live in harmony and peace with each other.

OUR VISION

Through our programs, we will offer cultural events, as well as beginning to intermediate courses and seminars in German and English. Our programs are aimed at combating bias and stereotypes with information and education, while providing a platform where people can learn from each other.

OUR GOAL

Our goal is to establish the first African-American Cultural Center in Europe. This center would provide education about the diversity of the African-American culture. It would also provide information about the many significant achievements of African-Americans throughout history.

OUR HERITAGE

All of us are acquainted with quite a few everyday items which were invented by African-Americans.
Just a few examples:
* Dr. Charles Drew established worldwide blood banks in 1940
* Mr. Garrett A. Morgan’s gas mask saved many lives during WWI (1941) and we all use his automatic traffic signal (1923)
* In 1883 Mr. Jan Matzeliger invented the automatic shoe making machine which revolutionized the shoe making industry

The AAGE is also striving to create a comprehensive picture of the African-American living in Germany. We plan to narrow the understanding gap between Germans and African-Americans through communicating and interacting with each other. We will also establish special programs to assist both adults and children of mixed heritage to identify and acquaint themselves with their African-American legacy.