Kirstie Angstmann lives in Freiburg, Germany, but she was born in Ghana and moved to Europe many years ago. She has a background in cultural projects and has served on Freiburg’s Migrant Advisory Board and Women’s Commission for the last four years. She is a strong advocate for advancing the inclusion of migrants, minorities, and particularly migrant women in urban settings.
Could you tell us about your journey to Germany? How did Freiburg become—and start to feel like—home for you?
My journey started in Ghana, where I studied cultural management and worked at the Goethe-Institut, the German Cultural Centre, in the cultural department. I frequently travelled to Germany for Ghanaian-German cultural projects, including arts residencies and collaborations. It was during this time I met my husband, which ultimately led to my permanent move to Freiburg.
Freiburg became home over time. Coming from Ghana, a collectivist society that values community, family, and shared responsibility, I initially had to adapt to German culture, which emphasises structure, efficiency, and individual rights. However, these cultural differences have shaped my dual identity and given me a broader perspective on life. Freiburg is a beautiful city, surrounded by the Black Forest and close to France and Switzerland. It’s not too big, not too small—it’s perfect.
How do you balance your Ghanaian and German identities?
These two cultures have enriched my worldview, fostering a dual identity that blends the warmth of Ghanaian communal values with Germany’s structured precision. This has influenced my civic engagement and how I navigate societal systems.
However, at my core, I still feel more Ghanaian than German. My heritage and upbringing shape my identity, even as I embrace my life in Germany.
You’ve served on the Migrant Advisory Board since 2020. How has this experience shaped your perspective as a citizen of Freiburg?
Joining the Advisory Board was transformative. I was the African woman with the least experience in Freiburg—just five years—when I ran for election, and my candidacy even made the local news. Being elected gave me a sense of belonging and responsibility, as I could now actively contribute to the city’s policies and represent the migrant community.
However, there are challenges. The Advisory Board can only make recommendations, and it’s often unclear if political stakeholders value or act on them. While the platform is symbolic in some ways, it’s also essential for raising issues and advocating for systemic change.
Representation is key, but systemic and institutional barriers limit what bodies like the Migrant Advisory Board can achieve.
Many minority groups in cities face stereotypes and discrimination, which can hold them back from fully participating in society. How can political representation help overcome these barriers?
Representation is key, but systemic and institutional barriers limit what bodies like the Migrant Advisory Board can achieve. For instance, while we make recommendations, there’s often a lack of follow-through. This highlights a broader issue: the need for institutions to truly value migrant contributions and perspectives.
A significant focus has been on education and integration. For example, newcomers, particularly asylum seekers, are often confined to camps with little access to language courses or vocational training. Germany faces a shortage of skilled labour, yet these individuals, who could contribute, are left idle. This creates frustration and leads to social issues, such as drug-related activities in places like Freiburg’s Eschholz Park. Addressing these systemic failures is essential for both integration and societal benefit.
You’ve also focused on racism in education. What changes do you believe cities like Freiburg need to make in this area?
We need to start addressing racism early—say no to racism in kindergartens and schools. Freiburg, like Germany as a whole, is becoming increasingly diverse. In many places, four out of ten residents have a migration background. We need to teach children to embrace diversity from a young age.
This requires systemic changes, such as training educators in intercultural competencies. Currently, many teachers are ill-equipped to handle diversity in their classrooms. The Migrant Advisory Board has partnered with parent associations and other organisations to push for reforms. We’re also advocating for changes in teacher training programmes to include models for intercultural education.
I took the leap after just five years, believing it was time for African voices to be heard.
How is the Migrant Advisory Board composed?
Out of 52 candidates, 19 were elected, including four Africans. This was the first time Africans were elected in Freiburg, which was historic. While others had lived in Freiburg for decades, I took the leap after just five years, believing it was time for African voices to be heard.
You’ve also been involved in engaging migrant women. Can you share more about this work?
Many migrant women are underemployed, often working as cleaners despite having professional qualifications from their home countries. I started organising workshops and connecting them with resources like Frauen und Beruf, where they could receive career counselling.
These women often lack information about how the system works, so I’ve helped guide them towards opportunities. Many have since entered professions like nursing and elder care, fields in high demand in Germany. It’s about creating spaces where migrants feel valued and can contribute meaningfully to society.
Do you think the Migrant Advisory Board can drive lasting change?
The Advisory Board is a tool for bridging the gap between migrants and political stakeholders. While it has its limitations, it’s a platform for raising issues and pushing for systemic reforms. For example, our collaboration with the Women’s Commission led to meaningful changes in education and anti-racism initiatives.
Ultimately, the key is persistence. Change takes time, but by amplifying migrant voices and working collectively, we can make progress.