The Ateneu La Bòbila in Porta is hosting the first edition of an event that forms part of a project aimed at encouraging civic participation from the margins.
Following months of preparation, internal training and outreach work, the first “Participatory Space for Democratic Innovation” of the Café Barcelona 2025 (CBCN 2025) project took place on 29 September. Over a cup of coffee, the event fostered dialogue between members of migrant, refugee, Roma and racialised communities in the Barcelona Metropolitan Area.
At this inaugural event, around four moderators brought together people of Roma origin, from the Maghreb, indigenous peoples of Abya Yala, Latin Americans, Pakistanis, Chinese and Black Africans. All were keen to make their voices heard and share their views on the four topics under discussion: the right to housing, job insecurity, police pressure and the rise of exclusionary ideologies.
We have taken particular care to ensure balanced representation, not only in terms of ethnic background, but also in terms of age, sexual orientation, religious beliefs and gender identities. When diversity is believed in and embraced, things fall into place naturally. This project is a manifestation of this way of seeing the world.
Every 20 minutes, our guests moved to a different table, where they discussed a different topic. The tables were named after the neighbourhoods where people of colour live: Bon Pastor (Barcelona), La Florida (L’Hospitalet de Llobregat), Sant Josep Obrer (Reus) and Font de la Pólvora (Girona). Refreshments, drinks, fruit, coffee and a childcare service were provided for those who needed it.
Finally, it was time for the round-up, during which the hosts attempted to summarise the wealth of discussions and ideas that had emerged at their respective tables.
An excellent start to a project that fills our hearts with joy and hope. We will hold further meetings and, in due course, everything will be made public in a report designed to influence stakeholders. May joy change sides. Without joy, no revolution can flourish.
Source: La Fragua Projects
Photos: La Fragua Projects