BLACK JOY BIKE PARADE BERLIN
Black Joy Bike Parade Berlin
Joy, Activism, and Community
The Black Joy Bike Parade began during the pandemic in 2020 as a unique bike tour that combined physical activity with history. With travel restrictions in place and limited intersectional activities available, our goal was to motivate Black people to explore Berlin like tourists while combining social activism with joy and exercise.
We also wanted to address growing concerns among expats about the safety of activities in Berlin or outside. These concerns were often discussed in Facebook groups. We observed that many Afro-Berliners and their children rarely participated in bike tours or outdoor activities.
We believed this might be due to various barriers, feelings of not belonging, financial constraints, or other reasons. Regardless of the diverse and varied reasons, we wanted to encourage the community – from young to old and across intersectional perspectives – to take up space and share joy.
Our aim was to create a positive experience. We organized the first tour in June 2020, and due to high demand, another tour followed in September 2020.
As the groups grew larger and we sought safe ways to manage them, we came up with the idea of a parade. Thus, the Black Joy Bike Parade was born – a demonstration that feels like a parade, standing for joy, resilience, and the Black community's right to occupy space. This parade is not just an event; it is a movement that emphasizes the importance of visibility and presence of the Black community in public spaces.
Why is this important?
The Black Joy Bike Parade provides a platform to share the unique stories and experiences of the Black community in Germany. It celebrates the diversity and strength of our community while making a powerful statement against discrimination and for inclusion. At a time when marginalized groups are often rendered invisible, the parade shows that we are present and that our joy and resilience are unstoppable.
The Black Joy Bike Parade invites people from all backgrounds to join and show solidarity. Together, we create a space of joy and togetherness, demonstrating that our community is alive, thriving, and proud. Participating in this parade is more than just a walk or a bike tour it is a step towards a more just and inclusive society.
Experience the Black Joy Bike Parade 2024
The Black Joy Bike Parade 2024 was an incredible event where over 200 participants came together to celebrate joy, activism, and community. The program kicked off with inspiring speeches, including one from Roy, a native Berliner, who highlighted the importance of visibility and unity in our city. We then rode through the streets of Berlin, accompanied by iconic Berlin songs like “Dickes B” by Seeed, perfectly capturing the spirit of summer and freedom in our city.
After the parade, we headed to Maaya, where we ended the day with music, dancing, and a book giveaway, generously supported by Ullstein Verlag. The atmosphere was electric, with many new connections and friendships formed.
We are already looking forward to 2025 and plan to come back even bigger and brighter. We are seeking dedicated allies and sponsors to help us make the Black Joy Bike Parade an even more powerful event. Together, we can make another strong statement next year. A huge thank you to everyone who participated and supported us this year – see you in 2025!