Mama Africa was established in 2010, a pivotal time when migration was a hotly debatedissue in Europe. The prevailing negative political discourse and media coverage had led to a lack of authentic public discussions, particularly those involving migrants, refugees, and
locals. In response, Mama Africa was founded with a unique approach, aiming to fill this
void by providing a platform for these groups to share their perspectives.

Mama Africa was founded through the unforeseen convergence of diverse individuals who
fled war and persecution in their respective countries. These individuals braved the desert
and narrowly escaped death while crossing the Mediterranean Sea, ultimately finding refuge and meeting at a reception centre in Bari, Italy. To share their stories, they used theatre, dance, and music to convey why they left their various homeland. They drew inspiration from a poem titled "Africa," written by Stephen Ogbonna, to help articulate their experiences.

At that time, the goal of the theatre performance was to serve as a platform for intercultural
dialogue across ethnic groups and cultural divisions in Bari. It aimed to "Bridge the Cultural
Gap" by fostering conversations between immigrants and the local community, promoting
mutual learning, building relationships and trust, and collaborating to enhance our
communities. The performance also sought to address and reduce racism and
discrimination. Furthermore, it aimed to generate broader, authentic conversations and
explore notions of home, identity, mobility, multilingualism, and gender equality involving
migrants, refugees, and locals alike. As a result of positive feedback, the theatre
performance was showcased in churches, schools and all towns and villages surrounding
Bari; the performance has since been used for projects laboratories in schools and churches.Mama Africa emerged from the need to co-create a dedicated space and time wheremigrants, refugees, and locals could reflect on their identities and origins and collaborate onhow to live harmoniously in the same neighbourhood or city. This initiative, rooted incollaboration, fostered new ways to communicate and relate to each other in public spacesand at work. This space symbolises our incredible journey since 2010, and we hope it nspires you to take action in fostering diversity and inclusion in your own community.