Had she foreseen her own legacy, standing here, at the Alwine Wellmann Stele? This stele, erected in her memory in 2019 at Osnabrück’s Johannisfriedhof, speaks volumes about a woman who dared to defy the rising tide of Nazism. Alwine Wellmann, the “Red Alwine,” as she was known, was a force to be reckoned with. Born in Osnabrück in 1891, she wasn’t just a politician; she was a voice for the voiceless.
The Alwine Wellmann Stele marks the final resting place of a woman who dedicated her life to social democracy and women’s rights. Alwine, a trained bookkeeper, began her political journey at the young age of 16, joining the social democratic Free Trade Unions. Her fervor led her to the SPD in 1917. Her powerful speeches and journalistic contributions to the Osnabrücker Abendpost and Freie Presse quickly gained recognition.
Alwine Wellmann’s story is one of courage and defiance. In 1924, she became a member of the Prussian Landtag, a significant achievement, especially for a woman in that era. She used her platform to champion women’s rights and fight for social justice. She fearlessly challenged the Nazi party, even daring to interrupt their rallies. In a particularly audacious move in April 1933, she refused to give the Nazi salute during a city council meeting in Osnabrück’s Rathaus. This act of defiance earned her the ire of the Nazis. She was briefly imprisoned and later forced to emigrate to Sofia, Bulgaria, under the threat of severe punishment if she continued her political activities.
Even in exile, Alwine Wellmann remained a target. The Gestapo monitored her constantly. She lived a life of hardship, teaching private German lessons to survive. To avoid deportation after being stripped of her German citizenship, she entered a marriage of convenience with a Bulgarian Social Democrat. Alwine Wellmann’s story intertwines with the tumultuous history of pre-war Germany. Her life in Bulgaria was a testament to her unwavering spirit. She endured bombing raids, suffering permanent heart and hearing damage. Yet, her resolve never wavered.
Finally, in 1948, Alwine Wellmann returned to a devastated Osnabrück. She resumed her political work with the SPD and dedicated herself to helping fellow victims of Nazi persecution. She worked tirelessly, navigating bureaucratic hurdles and advocating for their rights. Sadly, her dedication was met with resistance as former Nazis regained positions of power. Her position as advocate for the persecuted was eliminated in 1953. Alwine Wellmann’s story is not just a historical account; it is a powerful reminder of the importance of courage, resilience, and the fight for justice. The Alwine Wellmann Stele serves as a lasting tribute to her indomitable spirit and her significant contributions to Osnabrück and beyond.