The lovingly designed showcase exhibition "Archive of Black Personalities and Stories of Color" by Wiesbaden illustrator Mariela Georg is currently on display there. Impressive portraits of black personalities from Germany and around the world are accompanied by literary works that give space to their voices and perspectives. An exhibition that not only makes diversity visible, but also brings democratic values to life in everyday life. The exhibition is being held in cooperation with the "Demokratie Leben in Wiesbaden" (Living Democracy in Wiesbaden) specialist and coordination office and is part of the events taking place as part of the International Weeks against Racism, which will run until March 30.

For Social Affairs Director Dr. Becher, the visit was more than just a symbolic appointment, it stands for a clear stance against discrimination and for an open, diverse urban society: "Democracy means looking, listening and taking responsibility - especially in places where people feel excluded or discriminated against. In Wiesbaden, we create spaces where people can tell their stories, come together and help shape the city. This is not a matter of course, but a task that we face anew every day. Especially in times when social division is on the rise and fundamental democratic values are being openly called into question, we need determined municipal work for cohesion. Democracy must not only be protected, but actively shaped every day - and we do this in Wiesbaden with many committed partners."

For over 17 years, Wiesbaden has been participating in the federal program "Live Democracy!", which supports over 320 municipalities and districts across Germany in promoting democratic culture. In the Hessian state capital, this has resulted in a multi-layered network: Together with civil society actors, the Wiesbaden Partnership for Democracy develops projects that strengthen social cohesion, break down prejudices and enable participation - low-threshold, close to life and effective. One example of this is the "Laden im Parkfeld" in Biebrich - a meeting place where specialists from youth welfare, social work and neighborhood development create intergenerational offers for children, young people and adults: from homework help and open afternoons for children and young people to music workshops and district festivals. The store is not only a place to meet, but also a place where people can feel that "my voice counts".

A central format of local democracy work is the "WIR in Wiesbaden" event program, which has been held annually since 2008. Over 50 civil society organizations, from cultural associations and educational initiatives to religious communities, work together to create a diverse programme of readings, discussions, workshops, film screenings and art events. The basic idea is that by engaging in conversation with one another, people can overcome prejudices and gain new perspectives. A sequel is already planned for 2025, again with a thematic focus on diversity, democracy and cohesion.

Another focus is on early education. Daycare centers and elementary school are specifically supported in consciously embracing diversity and counteracting discrimination. Specialists reflect on their work in workshops, analyze materials and receive funding to purchase children's books that are diversity-conscious, empowering and free of stereotypes. This is complemented by the thematic focus "Prejudice-conscious education and upbringing in nurseries and elementary school", which implements innovative approaches to promoting inclusion and respect in early childhood education with educational materials - such as the picture book "Our Dignity" - and a competence network.

For young people, the "Wiesbaden Youth Forum" is a participation format that enables genuine co-determination. Young people between the ages of 14 and 27 can contribute their own ideas and implement them in self-managed projects - with pedagogical support from the Stadtjugendring (SJR) and in close cooperation with the city. In this way, they not only learn how democratic processes work, but also play an active role in shaping them.

The many projects show this: Democracy in Wiesbaden does not live in mission statements or Sunday speeches - but in everyday life, in concrete encounters, in educational programs and creative formats. New initiatives are already planned for 2025 that address current challenges such as social division, disinformation and everyday racism. Engagement remains necessary - and in Wiesbaden, it is a natural part of the city's identity.

Further information and opportunities to get involved can be found at demokratie-leben-in-wiesbaden.de or in the latest report from the specialist and coordination office piwi.wiesbaden.de/dokument/v/3311048.

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