Matongé: a Modern Multicultural Quarter

A multimedia story about multiculturalism at the heart of Europe

“I don’t see many people of colour running for positions at the European Parliament. We’re so underrepresented. Our votes are meaningless.”

“African people living in Europe should adapt to the norms of the country in which they’re living. I think that this is the best way to avoid frustrations. Minorities should act like Europeans when living in one of its countries, but never forget where they come from. Although I’m African, I behave like a European when I’m here. But as soon as I go back to my motherland, I embrace my culture to the fullest.”

”There’s too much racism and discrimination in this country. Matongé is a good example of this: the police here suspects and checks people of color more often than others. That’s sad. Politicians should speak up about it.”

“I’m not Belgian yet, but I’m legally staying in this country. I’m a dance teacher. If I had to choose between voting for a white or black representative, I’d vote for the one that has the best interests for the people in Belgium.“

‘’When I turn 18, I hope that I’ll be more involved in politics.’’

“Living in Europe made me realize that the only way is to stick together : immigrants and natives. We are a part of this continent as much as they are, so they don’t really have a choice. This country belongs to us as well, because we contributed to its growth. I’m speaking for anybody with non-European roots.”

Around the corner from the EU institutions in Brussels lies Matongé. The quarter, a shining example of modern multicultural Belgium, was established by Congolese migrants and its main street feels like a journey through the multifaceted African continent.

What does Matongé’s proximity to the motherboard of European democracy mean for the people who live there? And what do they, in turn, mean to European politics?

Photoseries and stories by Diana Takacsova & Trudy Kazangu for Are We Europe