On Wednesday, September 25, CYA hosted an insightful workshop titled “Uncovering Hidden Stories: The Afro-Greeks of Avato,” * presented by the artist duo Latent Community (Sotiris Tsiganos and Ionian Bisai). The workshop brought together 18 participants including Fall ’24 semester students, members of the CYA community, and visitors from the general public, to explore the intricate history and lived experiences of the black-Greek community residing in Avato, a remote town in northern Greece.

The workshop is part of the ongoing interdisciplinary project AVATO, initiated by Latent Community in 2019. Through film, discussion, and historical context, the workshop delved into the marginalized and often overlooked history of Avato’s Black Muslim community, descendants of those who arrived in Greece during the Ottoman slave trade. The community’s story reflects broader themes of displacement, identity, and the complexities of cultural belonging within Greece’s diverse historical landscape.

The workshop was divided into several segments, beginning with an introduction to Latent Community and their work, followed by a brief overview of the Avato case. Attendees were then treated to a 10-minute film screening, which provided a visual representation of Avato’s landscapes and its people, followed by an in-depth discussion on the historical and political contexts surrounding the community. 

One key focus of the workshop was the artists’ exploration of the “politics of memory”—how historical narratives are constructed and the challenges faced by the black-Greek community in being recognized as a part of the nation’s cultural fabric. Another part of the discussion was the relationship between representation, racial identity, and historical erasure in modern Greece.

When asked about their work, Sotiris and Ionian shared that their aim was not overt activism but rather creating space for audiences to absorb and reflect on the narratives being shared. They explained that building trust within Avato’s close-knit community took time, particularly given the media scrutiny the group has faced in recent years. The artists noted that their goal was to document and share these stories in a respectful and genuine manner, allowing the people of Avato to define their identities on their own terms.

The workshop was well-received. Participants expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to learn about an often-hidden chapter of Greek history, and to engage directly with the artists behind the AVATO project. 

We would like to thank Latent community for offering participants a chance to reflect on the complexities of Greek identity, historical memory, and the continuing struggle of minorities for racial and cultural recognition in Greece. 

If you missed the event at CYA, you can watch a video recording by clicking here.

* The term ‘afro-greeks’ was used by CYA for the event title, it is not a term the Avato locals use to define themselves. The subject of self-determination and wording used were subjects discussed during the lecture.