Monthly Honoree of Citizen Reporter on our Website in June: Reinhold Adam
Fresh Take:
Meet Reinhold Adam, Our Citizen Reporter of the Month for June
Hey there, folks! Let's dive into the world of Reinhold Adam, a true Gelsenkirchen gem, our Citizen Reporter of the Month for June. This 78-year-old man, born and raised in the heart of the Ruhr region, has a passion for culture, politics, and supporting those less fortunate.
Jumpstarting His Citizen Reporter Journey
Ever wondered what sparked Reinhold's interest in citizen reporting? Back in August 2010, he saw an opportunity to contribute to our website, share events, and report on them, and well, the rest is history. His engaging articles reached over 40,000 online readers, as per the website's stats.
A Quick Intro
Reinhold Adam, a miner by trade and a storyteller by heart, worked on the Zeche Nordstern at 14 and spent three decades of his life mining coal. For him, being a miner wasn't just a job; it was a calling. Today, he's still actively sharing his love for the Ruhr region and its history, giving tours, presenting, and organizing events like the memorial for fallen miners on June 26, 25, and counting.
Deep Roots in a City
Gelsenkirchen might not be everyone's cup of tea, but for Reinhold, it's home—his turf. With a history dating back centuries, the Ruhr region is an essential cultural and economic hub in Germany, and Reinhold's heart beats for its rich industrial heritage and community spirit.
Passion for the Crowd
Reinhold's commitment to social issues stems from his roots—the small street in Horst South where he grew up fostered a strong sense of community. It was there that he became an active union member and served on the Nordstern works council for 14 years.
The Mark of the Mine
Reinhold's time spent in the mines has left an indelible mark on him. It's the values of the Ruhr region and its people that have shaped him, especially the sense of community and solidarity, which were essential down the shafts.
History as a Beacon
Reinhold has a knack for bringing the past to life through his stories. He believes in evoking emotions through memories to keep history alive and relevant, and it's a philosophy he's incorporated into the Geschichtsforum Nordstern Park.
Writing: A Vibrant Soul on Paper
Reinhold has been writing for 50 years and discovered his passion for it through the working-class poet Josef Büscher. He's also attended readings by Ilse Kibgis and Kurt Küther, and later organized his own. One of his favorite events was the readings held in the Nordstern Park coal mine tunnels by the glow of miners' lamps.
Nordstern Park: A Piece of His Heart
Reinhold's connection to Nordstern Park runs deep. Through his professional work at the Nordstern mine and his joy in its post-closure transformation, he founded the Nordstern Park History Forum 21 years ago and still leads it today.
Culture, Politics, and History: A Balancing Act
For Reinhold, balancing culture, politics, and history is about learning from the past to shape the future. He believes a city without history is like a person without memories, and it's important to keep history alive to prevent repeating the past's mistakes. But Reinhold isn't all work and no play. He enjoys cycling, photographing the beauty of the countryside and the city, and lovingly tending to his garden behind his old mine house.
Reinhold Adam, our Citizen Reporter of the Month, showcases a diverse range of interests in his reporting, delving into topics such as lifestyle, home-and-garden, education-and-self-development, and personal-growth, in addition to culture, politics, and history. During his free time, Reinhold nurtures a passion for gardening, demonstrating his dedication to both personal growth and an appreciation for home-and-garden matters.
