When we hear about Black History Month, many people think that it belongs to the United States, but it is also important here in Austria—because Black history is part of Austrian history.
Black people lived in Austria during the Habsburg monarchy and are here today as students, workers, artists, and citizens. Yet their stories are rarely taught in schools or discussed in politics. This is no coincidence. What we remember—and what we ignore—is always political.
Austria often likes to see itself as a country without racism. Instead, racism is associated with other countries. But Black History Month reminds us that racism also exists here and that it has a long history.
Black Austrians have experienced discrimination in schools, in the labor market, and in encounters with the police. By remembering figures such as Angelo Soliman and Marcus Omofuma, we are confronting uncomfortable truths. These are Austrian stories that demand appropriate consequences.
That is why Black History Month is important for Austrian politics.
In Austria, Black History Month is mainly organized by communities, students, and activists, such as the Initiative Schwarze Menschen in Österreich (Initiative of Black People in Austria) and AFRA, rather than by the government. They use this time to educate, speak out, gain recognition, and demand structural change. This is directly related to current political debates on asylum policy, migration, policing, citizenship, equality, and human rights, as well as the lack of a national action plan against racism.
Black History Month reminds us that democracy is strengthened when we learn about a country’s entire history—including Black history. A society can only be equal when everyone feels seen and included. Austria’s future will be more equitable when its entire history is remembered.
Black History Month is not about condemning the past. It is about understanding the present. As long as Black Austrians are treated like guests in their own country, Black History Month will remain necessary. Not as a celebration imported from elsewhere, but as a reminder that democracy only works when the history of every individual counts.
Events in February 2026 around “Black History Month”
- 10 Feb — Congolese Cooking Workshop (Fondation La Grande). More information
- 14 Feb — Afro Haircare Community Meetup. More information
- 20 Feb — Event at Institut für Afrikawissenschaften at University of Vienna (More information)
- Throughout Feb – Weltmuseum Wien Program (Mehr Infos)
How can I find more events on Black Austria:
- BlackAustria.info – Central calendar for events related to Black History Month and the diaspora.
- Universities (e.g., University of Vienna) – Calendars of student associations and institutes.
- Cultural institutions such as the Weltmuseum Wien – you will find lectures, workshops, and guided tours on the program pages.
