We all have perpetrated and received. Handed out and endured. Individually and collectively. Some countries carry a huge collective debt or “Schuld” – like Germany – and have to embark on the long journey of reckoning with the horrific crimes that were perpetrated. After the Nuremberg trials, Germany was forced (in a good way) into continued cultural introspection and change, reparations and re-envisioning. Not every citizen took it up of course, but over the course of 75 years the culture has changed in deep ways.

It took decades of radical and intellectual movements, artists, filmmakers, educators, psychologists, Nazi hunters, demonstrations, violence and killings, and ongoing systemic overhaul. As well as Vergangenheitsarbeit and Trauerarbeit. Both terms describe inner psychological work, the former refers to the past, the latter to grieving. So much denial, shock, numbness, and grief, and especially deep shame and guilt had to be worked through collectively and individually. (Below more about the long German words)

Germany is being held accountable up to this day. And the process of “redeeming” was slow, not perfect, and is still a work-in-progress, will always be. Growing up I felt the difficult work to deal with our past was not happening fast enough, not deep enough, was not happening in people hearts. Twenty-seven years old, I left in 1981. So much change has happened since with the second, third and fourth generations. Now you can find everywhere reminders, memorials, public sculptures, installations and monuments, copper plaques in the sidewalk (Stolpersteine), museums, restored Jewish cemeteries, parks and signs, films, art, music, national remembrance days. The country, its people and culture are so much more open, playful, tolerant, anti-authoritarian, multi-cultural. This fact gives hope.

With the 641 Garage BLM Memorial Mural, I am bowing to the victims of injustice and racism, terror, cruelty, and neglect here in America. I acknowledge them as beloved mothers, brothers, sisters, aunts, nephews, comrades, uncles, fathers, grandmas, friends, colleagues, students, elders, youngsters, and contributors to society….

 And here is the link to Michele Norris’ Washington Post article from June 3, 2021, titled "Germany faced its horrible past. Can we do the same?"  She will explain to you the long German words I am using above.

For me reading this superbly researched & written essay was a big relief. It echoes many of my opinions, thoughts and feelings. It stays complex. Norris explains some of the complicated long German psychological terms well, brings that part of the culture alive. And I was struck that it took another Black writer – among others with Bryan Stevenson, Isabel Wilkerson, etc – to present this comparison or connection between America and Germany for us to think about. Especially these days it is important to dig into history with tolerance for complexity. I hope you take time to read this formidable essay.