Photo by Elizabeth Ragwar, used with permission.
On June 7, 2025, I participated in an empowering conference in Denmark focused on African women in Europe. The energy I felt there inspired me to embrace the potential for impact. Originally from Ghana, I have spent the past two years advancing my education in Germany, where the loneliness of navigating a new culture often weighs heavy on me.
The Start of the Journey Back to Germany
As I prepared to leave Denmark on June 9, the gray Copenhagen sky set the tone for what would become a challenging journey. Arriving at the central station, I faced a panic-inducing moment: my train was not at the designated platform. With the help of a local, I discovered the change in track and sprinted to make my train, only to cross paths with Rachel, a speaker from the summit.
Setbacks and New Connections
My train soon encountered an electricity failure near Nyborg, halting our journey for hours. After prolonged waiting, the announcement came that we would need to return to Copenhagen. There, unexpectedly, I reunited with Rachel and Elizabeth Ragwar, participants from the conference.
“Even though we have several challenges in Kenya, the Kenya Railways is not one of them. It’s always on time!”
After sharing our frustrations, we collectively managed to find accommodation for the night, extending our kindness to an elderly German man and his daughter also seeking refuge. Our short walk to the hotel turned into a trek due to my navigation struggles, but we arrived exhausted yet relieved.
Creating a Community of Support
Settling into a cozy room, we opened up about our experiences as migrants in Europe—the challenges we faced, cultural dislocation, and personal struggles. Rachel recounted the difficulties she faced due to an intolerable teacher in Germany, while Elizabeth described her painful deportation experiences. Together, we navigated the complexities of our shared identity as women of color in Europe.
The Lengthy Return to Germany
The following morning, we enjoyed a hearty breakfast, unaware of the logistical hurdles ahead. We learned that no direct train to Hamburg existed, necessitating a series of train changes. Disruptions persisted as we encountered mechanical failures and delays on each leg of our journey.
Despite the physical toll of carrying heavy bags, Rachel’s positivity shone through. Learning more about her work empowering communities in Kenya and Elizabeth’s shift from IT to digital marketing illuminated their resilience, highlighting their strength as persistent advocates for change.
Encountering Discrimination
After a long day of travel, we finally reached Hamburg, only to face a distressing experience at the Deutsche Bahn information desk. While Rachel and Elizabeth received assistance in German, my request in English was met with dismissiveness by the staff member, Herr Richter.
“You need to say bitte,” he snapped, insisting I use the German word for “please.”
My friends supported me, advocating for my treatment. Herr Richter’s abrupt behavior revealed systemic discrimination that the three of us had endured in various forms throughout our lives, highlighting the persistent challenges faced by people of color in Europe.
Reflections on the Journey
Upon departing for our next destinations, Elizabeth’s insightful dialogue about systemic racism resonated deeply with me:
“Black people have gotten used to being treated like shit — at school, at work, everywhere. And when you speak up, people say you’re playing the race card. But this is systemic. And unless we speak about it, nothing will change.”
As I continued my journey to Dresden, I reflected on her words, noticing the subtle but undeniable distinctions in how individuals are treated based on race. My experience throughout this chaotic journey highlighted the need for systems that ensure respect and equality for all.
Conclusion
Our choice to travel by train emphasized sustainability, but the associated challenges unveiled the mental strain of navigating a system filled with barriers. One passenger aptly put it:
“What is the point of saving the environment when the journey costs you your mental health, dignity, and humanity?”
Reflecting on my experience, it has become clear that our collective journey — both literal and metaphorical — requires a resolve to not just endure but to advocate for the fundamental respect and dignity every individual deserves.
