SONDER is a European initiative committed to addressing Afrophobia by raising awareness, fostering empathy, and empowering communities to embrace inclusion and respect. Designed for the wider public, the project sheds light on the lived experiences of people of African descent and encourages informed dialogue, allyship, and societal change. Through education, storytelling, and community initiatives, SONDER invites everyone to be part of a more inclusive Europe.
SONDER envisions a European society in which people of African descent are valued, represented, and treated with dignity. Our vision is to create a cultural shift built on knowledge, understanding, and solidarity where individuals and communities stand together against discrimination in all its forms.
The SONDER project is designed to trigger significant change and innovation by addressing deep-rooted issues of structural racism, discrimination, and social exclusion faced by AfroEuropean communities, particularly in Mediterranean countries. The project’s ambition is to progress far beyond the status quo by implementing a multifaceted approach that combines research, storytelling, education, and community engagement to foster an inclusive and empathetic society.
Our mission is to increase awareness and understanding of Afrophobia following the experiences of Afroeuropeans, particularly black women, in the Mediterranean region, challenge harmful stereotypes, and amplify voices that are often overlooked. SONDER promotes learning, advocacy, and dialogue, inspiring individuals to recognise prejudice and take meaningful action to counter it in everyday life.
Support the wider public in understanding what Afrophobia is, how it manifests, and why it matters.
Promote empathy-based learning and encourage active solidarity and allyship within communities.
Create opportunities for dialogue, storytelling, and participation that help communities reflect, learn, and connect.
SONDER aims to identify, document, and address the specific forms of discrimination and structural racism faced by AfroEuropeans, particularly in Mediterranean countries (Greece, Cyprus, Spain, Italy).
The concept of "colorblindness" has often been advocated as a means to promote equality by ignoring racial differences. However, this approach can obscure the realities of racism and prevent meaningful discussions about race and discrimination. "SONDER" advocates for "color consciousness," a critical awareness of race and racism that acknowledges the significance of racial identity and the impact of structural racism.
Establish an online platform where black women can share their stories and access resources. This platform will foster digitalization of historical material and testimonies, ensuring that the experiences of marginalized groups are preserved and disseminated.
Developing support networks and advocacy groups within the Afro European communities in Mediterranean countries. These networks will strengthen community resilience and promote active participation in combating racism and discrimination.
Organize community labs involving diverse participants to discuss and collaborate on addressing racism. These labs will facilitate inter-generational exchanges and cross-cultural dialogue, contributing to social cohesion and mutual understanding.
Host participatory art projects that reflect the themes of the project and promote social cohesion. These projects will serve as modern forms of educating and engaging communities in a dialogue about multicultural European societies.
Discover how SONDER is working to inspire understanding and lasting change through impactful actions:
We develop accessible materials that explain Afrophobia and its impact, helping the public learn and reflect.
We highlight lived experiences and personal stories that bring visibility, connection, and understanding.
We organise activities that bring people together to share perspectives, challenge stereotypes, and promote inclusion.
We share our message through events, outreach, and communication activities, making SONDER visible across Europe and encouraging collective action toward a more inclusive society.
Ready to meet the organisations
behind SONDER’s mission?
