First African Taxi Driver in Hanover Fights Racism with Integration
Nigerian-born Abayomi Oluyombo Bankole, the first African taxi driver in Hanover, has faced racism in Germany. Despite this, he has dedicated his life to promoting integration and improving relations between Africans and Germans.
Bankole's journey began in the 1970s when he arrived in Hanover. He faced racism from colleagues who taunted him with bananas and told him to 'go back to the jungle'. Despite this, he managed to bridge gaps by organizing a football match between police officers and Africans in 1975. Martin Brody, initially skeptical, became a supporter of the initiative.
Bankole's efforts didn't stop at sports. He started an intercultural Christmas festival to bring people of different faiths together. His work earned him the Federal Cross of Merit in 2018.
Meanwhile, Germany's colonial past continues to stir controversy. Carl Peters, who established German East Africa arbitrarily and killed many Africans, is honored as a hero in Hanover's Engesohde City Cemetery. A monument to Peters stands on Bertha-von-Suttner-Platz, with a plaque acknowledging his crimes.
Bankole, who hasn't returned to Africa in 33 years, continues to feel threatened by racism in Germany due to recent developments. Despite this, he remains committed to fostering integration and understanding between Germans and Africans. His efforts serve as a reminder of Germany's complex colonial past and the ongoing struggle for unity and acceptance.
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