Black Austrians: Living In Austria As A Black Person

Austria is a predominantly white country with a history of National Socialism and racial discrimination. According to estimates, around 40,000 people with dark skin lived in Austria in 2010, most of them in the Federal Capital. Afro-Austrians, or Black Austrians, refer to Austrians of African or sub-Saharan descent, as well as those living in Austria without Austrian citizenship. While the Afro-Austrian community is small, they have a rich history in the country dating back to the 14th century. In recent years, the number of Africans migrating to Austria has increased sharply, leading to a rise in racist attacks and exclusion of Afro-Austrians, even those well-integrated into society. Despite the challenges, the Afro-Austrian community is vocal about racial equality and has been actively participating in the Black Lives Matter movement.

A history of Africans in Austria dates back to the 14th century

During the late 1800s and early 1900s, the few Africans that came to Austria to study, work, or engage in diplomacy rarely stayed in the country past their appointments. In the era of National Socialism, negative stereotypes about Africans were prevalent, and racial policies prevented any relations between members of different groups. Official discrimination was practised at all levels, and children of mixed race were subjected to intrusive anthropological investigations.

After the Second World War, the number of students of African descent in Austria grew from 19 in the winter semester of 1953/54 to almost 640 in 1961/62. This increase was due in part to African-American soldiers who were stationed in Austria during the war and entered into relationships with Austrian women. Their children were colloquially referred to as "war children".

In recent decades, the number of Africans migrating to Austria has risen sharply, with around 40,000 people with dark skin living in Austria in 2010, most of them in the Federal Capital. However, this increase in diversity has not been without challenges. According to a 2012 survey, around 50% of people of African descent in Austria feel discriminated against and are racially abused or harassed in public. Recent years have also seen a significant increase in racist attacks in the country. Despite these difficulties, the African diaspora in Austria continues to grow and contribute to the nation's history and culture.

Afro-Austrians face racism and microaggressions

The term "Afro-Austrian" refers to Austrians of African descent, specifically those with ancestors from Sub-Saharan Africa. While the exact number is unknown, estimates suggest that around 40,000 people with dark skin lived in Austria in 2010, most of them in the Federal Capital. This number has been steadily increasing over the past few decades due to various factors such as the end of the Cold War, the opening of borders, and global economic developments.

Despite the growing presence of Afro-Austrians in the country, they still face significant racism and microaggressions in their daily lives. A survey from 2012 showed that around 50% of Afro-Austrians feel discriminated against and are racially abused or harassed in public. This discrimination takes many forms, from direct racism and microaggressions to the exclusion of integrated Afro-Austrians due to changing reasons for migration.

One common microaggression experienced by Afro-Austrians is being asked, "Where are you REALLY from?" even after stating their place of birth. This question can be dismissive and condescending, implying that they are not truly Austrian despite their citizenship or residency. Another example is the touching of Afro-Austrians' hair without permission and the making of comments or questions about their hairstyles. These actions can be invasive and make individuals feel like they are constantly on display.

More insidious forms of racism are also prevalent in Austria. For example, the use of blackface by children on Epiphany is considered a traditional practice and is not widely recognized as offensive. Additionally, many Austrians deny the existence of racism in their country, often stating that they "never had anything like segregation." This denial of the history and presence of racism in Austria makes it difficult to address and combat the issue effectively.

The impact of these experiences cannot be understated. Many Afro-Austrians report feeling alone, isolated, and targeted because of their race. They may also struggle with self-confidence and self-acceptance, especially when facing the Austrian beauty standard, which is typically tall, skinny, and blonde-haired. It is crucial to recognize and address these issues to foster a more inclusive and welcoming society for all Austrians, regardless of their skin color or origin.

Black Lives Matter movement in Austria

History of Afro-Austrians

Austria has a long history of Afro-Austrian or Black Austrian people, referring to Austrians of African, specifically sub-Saharan, descent. The first documented African immigrant was baptised in St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna in 1629, believed to have been an escaped slave of the Ottoman Sultan. During the dual monarchy of Austria-Hungary, many Africans and people of African descent became servants and slaves, rarely having the opportunity for social advancement.

Recent Migration

In recent decades, the number of Africans migrating to Austria has increased sharply. In 1970, there were fewer than 100 refugees, and in 1991, there were 1,639. By 2010, around 40,000 people with African ancestry were living in Austria, most of them in the Federal Capital. This increase in migration is due to several factors, including the end of the Cold War, the opening of borders, and global economic developments.

Racism and Police Brutality

Austria has seen a significant increase in racist attacks in recent years, with even integrated Austrians of sub-Saharan descent being excluded and discriminated against. A 2012 survey showed that around 50% of people of African descent in Austria feel discriminated against and experience racial abuse or harassment in public. This discrimination is particularly evident in the country's police force.

The Black Lives Matter movement gained momentum in Austria following the murder of George Floyd in the United States. Protests against police brutality and racism were held across the country, with a particular focus on addressing structural racism. Activists highlighted historical and ongoing cases of police brutality and murder of Black people in Austria, such as the death of Marcus Omofuma in 1999.

Black Austrian Activists

Several Black Austrian activists have played a crucial role in the Black Lives Matter movement in the country. Politician, medical doctor, and activist Mireille Ngosso organised a rally that mobilised over 50,000 people. Naomi Saphira Weiser, founder of Black Lives Matter Vienna, also organised a protest in front of the US Embassy in Vienna, with more than 10,000 attendees.

The Way Forward

The Black Lives Matter movement in Austria aims to address systemic racism and create a more inclusive society. Activists emphasise the importance of education, awareness, and cross-cultural engagement to foster understanding and respect for diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

The Black Lives Matter movement in Austria is a response to the country's history of racism and police brutality against Black people. Through protests, activism, and cross-cultural engagement, Austrians are working towards a more equitable and just society, challenging structural racism and advocating for the rights and representation of Black individuals in the country.

Afro-Austrians are underrepresented in the media

Afro-Austrians are Austrians of African descent. More specifically, the term refers to those of sub-Saharan African descent. The term was developed to curb discrimination regarding origin and replace derogatory terms such as "Negro" or "Moor". Afro-Austrians are underrepresented in the media, and this is reflected in a broader lack of awareness about the existence of Black Austrians.

A 2017 researcher into Afro-Austrian identity in Vienna noted that she frequently encountered surprise at the existence of Black people in Austria. This is despite the fact that Black people have been present in Austria since at least the 14th century. The researcher also noted that Austria's history of Black people is often omitted from history lessons, and that Austria's lack of involvement in colonialism has contributed to a lack of awareness about Black Austrians.

According to estimates, around 40,000 people with dark skin lived in Austria in 2010, most of them in the Federal Capital. This is a sharp increase from previous decades, with some reasons for the rise including the end of the Cold War, the opening of borders, and recent global economic developments. Despite this increase, Afro-Austrians remain underrepresented in the media.

A survey from 2012 showed that around 50% of people of African descent in Austria feel discriminated against and are racially abused or harassed in public. The European Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) conducted surveys in 13 EU countries in 2016 and 2022, which found that across Europe, an average of 47% of respondents in 2022 said they had been discriminated against because of their skin colour, origin, or religion in the past five years. This figure was even higher in Austria, at 76%.

The underrepresentation of Afro-Austrians in the media contributes to a lack of awareness about their existence and their history in Austria. It also fails to reflect the growing diversity of the country and the audience's demand for media that reflects the world they live in.

Black people in Austria: feelings of isolation and otherness

A history of Afro-Austrians

The term Afro-Austrian refers to Austrians of African descent, specifically those with ancestry from Sub-Saharan Africa. The first documented African immigrant to Austria was baptised in St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna in 1629. It is assumed that they were an escaped slave of the Ottoman Sultan. During the dual monarchy of Austria-Hungary, many Africans and people of African descent were exploited economically and became servants and slaves.

Racism in Austria

In recent years, the number of racist attacks in Austria has increased significantly. In a 2012 survey, around 50% of people of African descent reported feeling discriminated against and racially abused or harassed in public. In 2022, 76% of respondents in Austria to a European Agency for Fundamental Rights survey reported experiencing discrimination due to their skin colour, origin or religion in the past five years. This was the second-highest percentage of the 13 EU countries surveyed, after Germany.

Experiences of isolation and otherness

Black people in Austria have reported feelings of isolation and otherness due to their minority status in the country. One Black woman described her experience of living in an "inherently White country" as going through "five stages of identity that feel almost like the stages of grief". She described moments of pride in her Blackness and African roots, but also moments of feeling like an "extraterrestrial being" due to the stares she received when wearing shorts or a tank top. Another Black woman described how she had to do research before moving to Austria, knowing that she would not be able to find hair care products for textured hair or ingredients to cook soul food.

Black people in Austria also face microaggressions and direct racism. One Black man described being spat on, beaten up, and called the N-word numerous times while growing up in Austria. Another Black woman recounted an experience of being systematically skipped by a supermarket deli counter employee who later claimed she "didn't see" her.

Finding community

Despite the challenges of living in a predominantly White country, Black people in Austria have also found community and support. The woman who experienced the supermarket incident connected with other Black people in Austria through YouTube, and they shared similar experiences of discrimination. She also found community through other teaching assistants, both foreign and Austrian, who were living in a foreign country and dealing with homesickness.

A global fight for equality

The Black Lives Matter movement has also brought attention to racism and equality in Austria, with Black Austrians sharing their experiences and calling for change. One Black Austrian commented: "It’s not about revenge, but equality. We are doing everything we can to change the system, but to do it in a peaceful way we would need help from the people in power".

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