Berlin has renamed a boulevard that previously bore the name of a racist figure, renaming it to Anton-Wilhelm-Amo-Strasse in recognition of Anton Wilhelm Amo, Germany’s first African-born scholar. This decision is the result of a protracted legal battle and reflects a broader movement to address the country’s colonial past and its enduring impact on its society.
The renaming of the boulevard underscores the ongoing efforts to remove symbols of racism and colonialism from public spaces in Germany. Anton Wilhelm Amo, a 18th-century scholar and former slave, is being honored for his contributions to Germany’s intellectual and scientific heritage. The decision to rename the street is seen as a meaningful step toward acknowledging the historical injustices of the colonial era and fostering a more inclusive national narrative.