Outrage as taxpayer-funded swimming pool planned event ‘exclusively’ for black children (Germany)

A taxpayer-funded swimming pool in Germany promoted an event “exclusively” for black people on Friday — sparking a torrent of outrage that forced it to be scrapped at the last minute by unapologetic organizers.

The newly opened $346,000 public pool Volksbad — German for “people’s bath” — was due to host the divisive summer event organized by the anti-discrimination charity Each One Teach One, the German outlet Bild reported.

Swimmers were told the pool “doesn’t open to the general public until 6:00 p.m [Friday]; before that, it is open exclusively to black communities.”

It sparked widespread disgust, but was only nixed late Thursday after organizers said they “received racist threatening emails and threats of violence.”

Before that, the event at the pool next to the iconic theater the Volksbühne drew condemnation from politicians across the spectrum.

“Apartheid as a model for Germany?” Alice Weidel, the leader of Germany’s far-right Alternative fur Deutschland party, said, sharing a photo of the pool’s schedule before it was ripped up.

“In the tax-funded art project ‘Volksbad’ white people are temporarily denied access. What is this supposed to mean? Tax funds for such events should be cut immediately!”

The Volksbad is described as “open to the public free of charge” and for “anyone looking to cool off in the heart of the city,” according to the city’s website.

Even more moderate politicians said the supposed anti-discrimination event made a mockery of the pool’s name, which translates as the “people’s bath.”

Each One Teach One – Anti-Discrimination Project

Each One Teach One (EOTO) e.V. is a Berlin-based community organization focused on empowerment, cultural preservation, and anti-discrimination work for Black, African, and Afro-diasporic people in Germany antiracisteducation.org+1.

The “Each One” Anti-Discrimination Project
Each One Anti-Discrimination is a flagship initiative of EOTO e.V. that:

Provides counselling for Black, African, and Afro-diasporic individuals in all cases of discrimination, including subtle or hard-to-identify forms EACH ONE+1.

Monitors anti-Black racism in Berlin through a documented case-based report, such as the Monitoring Report 2024, which highlights structural discrimination in housing, policing, and interactions with authorities EACH ONE.

Maintains an Intersectional Archive to preserve and share knowledge on anti-Black racism EACH ONE+1.

The project is rooted in the UN’s International Decade for People of African Descent (2015–2024), aiming to protect rights, document discrimination, and provide access to support services EACH ONE.

Services and Access
Counselling: Empowerment- and participant-centred, available in person or online, in multiple languages EACH ONE.

Walk-in hours: Tue & Thu, 4–6 pm (anti-discrimination counselling) EACH ONE.

Phone: +49 157 73551948 / +49 157 52471741 EACH ONE.

Location: Kamerunerstraße 16, 13351 Berlin EACH ONE.

Youth & social counselling: Tue 2–6 pm, Thu 4–6 pm EACH ONE.

Mission and Impact
EOTO’s mission is to combat discrimination, address structural barriers, and empower Afro-diasporic communities through education, cultural preservation, and advocacy antiracisteducation.org+1. The “Each One” project is both a support service and a research tool to make visible the realities of Black people in Germany and to inform policy and social action EACH ONE+1.

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