"One who opens his mouth": Wolfgang Niedecken honored
He is committed to democracy and humanity, against racism and right-wing violence - and likes to choose clear words: the musician and painter Wolfgang Niedecken (72) was awarded the Georg Meistermann Prize by the City of Wittlich Foundation on Thursday evening. "You stand for an open-minded and empathetic Germany and have indeed rendered outstanding services to our country," said former German President Horst Köhler in his laudatory speech for the award winner in Wittlich.
Niedecken is "a personality who has always stood up for the values of our free democracy with backbone and courage, who takes a stand where necessary and for whom responsibility is not just an empty phrase". Köhler said that he had known the Cologne native for years and appreciated him "as someone who opens his mouth and freely says and sings what he thinks and what he feels".
Niedecken accepted the 10,000 euro award at a ceremony. "It is an absolute honor for me and I will not forget this," he said in front of a good 1000 people. He will donate the money to the "Rebound" project, which he co-founded in 2007: it helps children and young people in eastern Congo and northern Uganda who have been injured and traumatized by armed conflicts.
Ten years ago, he was awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany for his work in Africa. In 2004, he became an ambassador for the "Together for Africa" campaign.
Köhler said that Niedecken was also a "talented painter" and an "outstanding musician" who had released 23 studio albums with the Cologne rock band BAP, which he founded in 1976.
Civil courage is still in demand today, said Köhler. "In recent weeks, anti-Semitism has become apparent in our country, which some people thought had long been overcome." And unfortunately, racism, religious discrimination, homophobia and nationalism are still on the rise in many places around the world.
Köhler said to Niedecken: "Your commitment to democracy, humanity and fairness is exemplary. Your unmistakable voice has a firm place in the polyphonic chorus of opinions in our country."
The prize is intended to keep alive the memory of the artist Meistermann (1911-1990) and his commitment to democracy and freedom of opinion. The estate of the painter and draughtsman is largely owned by the City of Wittlich Foundation. The prize was last awarded in 2018 to the former President of the EU Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker.
Niedecken's commitment to social affairs extends beyond music, as he also donates his Award money to help Child trauma victims in Africa through the "Rebound" project. His strong stance against racism and discrimination, like anti-Semitism, demonstrates his dedication to promoting social justice and unity, aligning with the spirit of the Georg Meistermann Prize.
Source: www.dpa.com
