In Part 1 of this two-part Expert’s Corner conversation, host Sarah Uwadiae sits down with family lawyer Lucy Diale Mewanu to unpack the foundations of Canadian family law and the common misconceptions many immigrants bring into marriage, separation, and parenting disputes.

Drawing from her frontline legal experience, Lucy explains the core principles that guide family courts in Canada and how cultural expectations from highly patriarchal societies can clash with the realities of the legal system. The conversation explores how silence, endurance, and “being patient” are often encouraged culturally, but can leave women and children vulnerable when relationships break down.

They discuss what actually matters to the court in custody decisions, how separation is defined legally (not just emotionally), and why understanding your rights early can prevent long-term harm. Lucy also speaks about protective measures such as restraining orders, the legal risks of online slander during disputes, and how to navigate community rumours and gossip while a case is ongoing.

This episode is an essential primer for immigrants and newcomers who want to understand the legal landscape before crisis hits.

Topics covered include:

• Basic principles of Canadian family law
• Common myths about divorce, separation, and parenting
• Culture, patriarchy, and the pressure on women to “endure”
• Custody and the best interests of the child
• Restraining and protection orders
• Social media, slander, and legal consequences
• Managing rumours and community pressure during disputes

This episode is for education and public awareness only and is not legal advice. For guidance on your specific situation, consult a qualified family lawyer.

About the guest Lucy Diale Mewanu, BA (Hons), LL.B., is a Senior Associate and Managing Lawyer of the Family Law practice at Osuji & Smith Lawyers in Alberta, Canada. She serves as Board Chair of Ruth’s House Society, volunteers with Calgary Legal Guidance, and dedicates annual pro bono hours to increasing access to justice for vulnerable individuals and families. Originally from Cameroon, Lucy immigrated to Canada in 2012 and was called to the Alberta Bar in 2021. Her work centres on family protection, community education, and culturally responsive legal advocacy.

-

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss future conversations.

📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube

📸 Follow us on Instagram: @AfrosInTheDiaspora

In this episode of Afros in the Diaspora, we speak with Maria, founder of AfroCare Support Network, about addressing HIV stigma in Black communities and the importance of culturally grounded care.

Maria shares her journey as an immigrant, the inspiration behind AfroCare, and the systemic challenges that continue to impact access to support — from stigma within communities to barriers in funding and healthcare systems.

This is an honest and necessary conversation about community, care, and change.

About Afros in the Diaspora

Afros in the Diaspora amplifies the voices, experiences, and expertise of African and Black diaspora communities across industries and lived experiences.

Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss future conversations.

📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube

📸 Follow us on Instagram: @AfrosInTheDiaspora

Immigration is more than a physical move — it is an emotional, psychological, and cultural transition that can deeply impact identity, relationships, and mental well-being.

In this Expert’s Corner episode of Afros in the Diaspora, Sarah sits down with mental health therapist Ayen Mabor to explore the mental health realities many immigrants face but rarely talk about. From grief and identity shifts to family pressures, relationship strain, and navigating racism, this conversation offers honest insight and practical support.

Ayen shares guidance on recognizing emotional burnout, breaking stigma around therapy in Black and immigrant communities, finding culturally aligned mental health support, and rebuilding self-compassion while adjusting to life in a new country.

This episode is for immigrants, first-generation individuals, families, and anyone supporting someone navigating migration and cultural transition.

About Afros in the Diaspora

Afros in the Diaspora amplifies the voices, experiences, and expertise of African and Black diaspora communities across industries and lived experiences.

Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss future conversations.

📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube

📸 Follow us on Instagram: @AfrosInTheDiaspora

What does it take to build and sustain a Black dance company rooted in culture, authenticity, and community?

In this episode of Afros in the Diaspora, Sarah sits down with dancer and cultural leader Casimiro “Cas” Nhussi to explore his journey into dance, the realities of building a Black dance company, and the challenges of funding, visibility, and long-term sustainability in the arts.

Cas shares insights on staying culturally grounded while evolving creatively, supporting the next generation of dancers, and building work that lasts beyond trends. This conversation is a must-listen for dancers, creatives, and anyone building purpose-driven work rooted in culture and community.

Afros in the Diaspora amplifies the voices, experiences, and expertise of African and Black diaspora communities across industries and lived experiences.

Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss future conversations.

📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube

📸 Follow us on Instagram: @AfrosInTheDiaspora

If you watched this episode, don’t forget to subscribe to Afros in the Diaspora on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts.

Follow us on Instagram and TikTok: @afrosinthediaspora

Share this episode, tag us, and join this growing community!

Finding safe, stable housing is one of the most important — and often most challenging — parts of settling into a new country. In this episode of Afros in the Diaspora: The Expert’s Corner, host Sarah Uwadiae sits down with Realtor Rose Lokiru for a practical, educational conversation about navigating the Canadian housing market as an immigrant.

This episode breaks down what newcomers and long-settled immigrants need to know about renting, buying, tenancy rights, and protecting themselves from common pitfalls. From avoiding rental scams and understanding tenant protections to preparing for mortgage approval and exploring alternatives like rent-to-own or co-ownership, Rose shares clear, accessible guidance designed to help listeners make informed housing decisions.

Whether you’re renting your first apartment, considering your first home purchase, or still finding your footing years after arriving in Canada, this conversation offers tools, clarity, and reassurance.

What You’ll Learn

• Renting vs buying: how to decide what’s right for you
• Your rights and protections as a tenant in Canada
• How to identify rental scams and unfair landlord practices
• When and how to prepare for buying a home
• Government programs and incentives for first-time buyers
• What documents lenders look for in mortgage approval
• Saving strategies for a down payment
• Rent-to-own, co-ownership, and alternative paths to homeownership
• Common first-time buyer mistakes — and how to avoid them

About the Guest

Rose Lokiru is a licensed Realtor who works closely with immigrants, newcomers, and first-time buyers navigating the Canadian housing market. She is known for her education-first approach, helping clients understand their rights, avoid costly mistakes, and build long-term housing stability with confidence.

About The Expert’s Corner

The Expert’s Corner is a series within Afros in the Diaspora that provides educational insights, practical tools, and community-informed conversations to support immigrants — whether newly arrived or still finding their feet — as they navigate life in Canada.

Disclaimer

This episode is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek personalized guidance from qualified professionals for their individual situations.

Don’t forget to follow Afros in the Diaspora on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts.

Follow us on Instagram and TikTok: @afrosinthediaspora

Subscribe, share this episode, tag us, and join this growing community!

Elvis Prince Tognia joins us for a deeply moving conversation about resilience, responsibility, and the power of communication.

Born and raised in Cameroon, Elvis grew up in a family where resources were limited and education was only available to one child—the eldest. After completing university, he immigrated to the United States without speaking a word of English, while carrying the responsibility of supporting his family back home.

In this episode, Elvis shares how learning English as an adult transformed his life and became the foundation of his purpose. Today, he is an author, keynote speaker, emcee, and communication coach who teaches others how to speak with confidence, clarity, and impact.

We discuss his journey from survival to service, the mindset shifts that shaped his growth, and how communication became both his passion and his calling.

This episode is a testament to what’s possible when resilience meets purpose—and when a voice is finally given space to rise.

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss future conversations.

📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube

📸 Follow us on Instagram: @AfrosInTheDiaspora

In this bite-sized Am I the Asshole? Black Immigrant Edition episode, we unpack a situation where someone dishes it out… but can’t take it when the same energy is returned.

Send your anonymous stories to this link ~ bit.ly/4rMTayO ~ for a chance to be featured in a future episode.

Don’t forget to follow Afros in the Diaspora on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts.

Follow us on Instagram and TikTok: @afrosinthediaspora

Subscribe, share this episode, tag us, and join this growing community!

Moving to a new country comes with excitement—and real challenges.

In the first episode of The Expert’s Corner, Sarah Uwadiae speaks with a PhD-trained Registered Social Worker and Counsellor - Dr. Linda Kongnetiman-Pansa, with over three decades of experience spanning healthcare, human services, private practice, and academia.

Our guest, Dr. Linda Kongnetiman-Pansa is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Calgary and the University of British Columbia’s Faculty of Social Work, and is recognized as a leader in policy and systems transformation. In her counselling practice, she centers people’s lived experiences, offering non-judgmental, compassionate support while working to bridge gaps between individuals and the systems meant to serve them.

Together, we unpack how new immigrants can navigate government services, non-profit organizations, community resources, and informal networks, while preserving their identity, dignity, and emotional well-being.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What social support really means when settling in a new country
• How to access government and non-profit services without shame or fear
• The emotional and mental health impacts of migration and transition
• Maintaining identity and dignity while navigating new systems
• The role of community, culture, and personal agency in building stability
• When and how to ask for help—and why it matters

This episode is for new immigrants, newcomers, refugees, international professionals, and anyone supporting people through settlement and transition.