I was born in Potsdam to German and Sudanese parents. At three months old, I fled with my parents from East Germany to Sudan, where we found a new home for nearly two years. There, in the midst of the desert, I took my first steps—during a sandstorm in the Sahara.

But the peace didn’t last long, and once again, we had to move. This time, our journey took us to West Berlin, where we found refuge in the Marienfelde refugee camp. After a few months, we were offered an apartment across from the KaDeWe, where I spent my childhood and discovered life in this vibrant city.