Labyrinth of the First Gen: Exploring Identity, Migration, First-Gen Entrepreneurship

In this powerful episode of Labyrinth of the First Gen, we meet Jeannine, founder of WakaWaka Dance Academy in Lille, France, the city’s largest Afro-diasporic dance school. Born in Cameroon and raised in France, Jeannine shares her journey as a first-generation entrepreneur, leaving her 9-to-5 job to create a space where diaspora voices and young Black and mixed-race girls can reclaim pride, joy, and cultural identity & belonging through movement.

We explore her entrepreneurship journey, the realities of living in a “colorblind” France, building community through dance, and how cultural spaces can serve as tools of resistance, resilience, and healing — a true example of how immigrant stories inspire creative impact.

🕰️ Timestamps:
00:03:00 — Quitting her 9-to-5 for purpose
00:05:40 — Why she started a dance school
00:07:20 — Building a business rooted in identity
00:08:00 — Dance as pride and personal power
00:11:00 — Finding purpose through movement
00:12:15 — Living in France as a Black woman
00:15:00 — The paradox of racism in France
00:18:25 — Her message to Black girls: Joy is your birthright
00:19:20 — The meaning of WakaWaka, inspired by Cameroon

🌍 Keywords:
#AfroDiaspora #BlackInFrance #CulturalPreservation #DanceEmpowerment #FirstGenStories #AfroFrench #WakaWakaDance #BlackGirlsDance #JeannineWakaWaka #LabyrinthPodcast #RoutesAndRoots

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In this episode of Labyrinth of the First Gen, we sit down with the Electronic Sound Collective, a genre-defying music group born from NYC’s immigrant roots. These first-generation artists blend diasporic rhythms, Afro-Latin influences, and electronic sounds to create music that is both healing and revolutionary.

From playing underground shows during uncertain times to intentionally creating music for peace, the Collective shares how their migration stories, cultural heritage, and life in New York City shape their identity & belonging, artistry, and entrepreneurship journey as a collective.

“We play for peace very intentionally… to not only play for peace but to create peace within ourselves. Because if we're at peace, then the frequency that we push out is automatically of peace.”—Manifest, Electronic Sound Collective

Whether you’re into global fusion, immigrant stories, or exploring how music builds cultural bridges, this episode dives deep into the power of sound as resistance, healing, and connection.

🎶 Topics include:

• First-gen and immigrant identity in music

• How NYC influences artistic reinvention

• Building a music collective as a first-generation entrepreneurship journey

• Using sound to foster community, belonging, and diaspora connection

Discover the transformative story of Ingrid Hu Dahl—educator, queer artist, and author of Sun Shining on Morning Snow. In this powerful episode of Labyrinth of the First Gen, Ingrid shares her journey as a first-generation, mixed-race daughter raised in a bilingual home, navigating identity & belonging, grief, and cultural healing.

🎸 From her days as a touring musician to founding Rock ’n’ Roll Camp for Girls, Ingrid shares her entrepreneurship journey and how diaspora voices and storytelling shape resilience, purpose, and community impact.

🌀 Topics include:

• Queer and multiracial identity in first-gen families

• Memoir writing as a tool for healing and legacy

• Community building through youth empowerment

• Grief, ancestral memory, and reclaiming strength

💬 “Always be curious about people’s stories, their legacies, and their journeys.” — Ingrid Hu Dahl

Tune in for an intimate, honest conversation exploring immigrant stories, creativity, and the power of embracing your roots while building your own path as a first-generation creator.

Episode Chapters 

00:00 Intro to Ingrid Hu Dahl

00:0021 Episode Overview

00:02:00 Who Is Ingrid?

00:04:55 Growing Up Multiracial

00:08:17 Memoir as Resistance

00:12:00 Founding Rock Camp for Girls

00:17:50 Grief & Cultural Healing

00:22:14 Honoring Ancestral Stories

00:25:16 Queer and First-Gen Identity

00:28:11 Where to connect with Ingrid

00:28:57 Resources & Takeaways

00:29:20 Episode Wrap Up

In the season finale of Labyrinth of the First Gen, host Weyu Shameka is joined by Nisani Walser, a Garífuna American from Brooklyn, NY, to explore the journey of reconnecting with one’s cultural roots. Nisani shares her experience rediscovering her Garífuna heritage through language, travel, and family stories, reflecting on how visiting ancestral lands fosters identity & belonging.

Currently writing a book about her grandfather’s journey from Honduras to America, Nisani highlights how immigrant stories and family resilience shape her mission to preserve diaspora voices and culture for future generations. This episode celebrates the power of heritage, storytelling, and entrepreneurship journeys in cultural preservation.

For more on Nisani’s work, visit: nisaniwalser.com

• Episode Breakdown:
  00:00 - Introduction to the Season Finale
  00:12 - Guest Introduction: Nisani’s Identity and Heritage
  01:28 - Exploring Garífuna Roots and Cultural Heritage
  05:55 - Family and Community Connections
  10:58 - Reflections on Cultural Diversity and Identity
  17:41 - Preserving Culture Through Writing
  20:45 - Grandfather’s Legacy and Resilience
  29:06 - Conclusion and Farewell

In this episode of Labyrinth of the First Gen, we sit down with Fernando, a celebrated musician, educator, and cultural ambassador dedicated to preserving and promoting Afro-Brazilian culture. Fernando shares his journey from learning traditional instruments to advocating for social justice and cultural pride in the United States, highlighting how music can bridge communities and celebrate identity & belonging.

Explore the roots and rhythms of samba, capoeira, and forró, and learn how these art forms reflect Brazil’s rich Afro-Brazilian heritage. Fernando’s work as a cultural activist and educator empowers marginalized communities, while his passion for cultural preservation ensures Afro-Brazilian traditions continue to inspire future generations.

Connect with Fernando on Instagram to follow his ongoing journey and projects.

Key Themes and Time Stamps:

• Afro-Brazilian Music and Culture (00:00-15:00): Explore the cultural significance of samba, capoeira, and forró.

• Fernando's Musical Journey (15:00-25:00): His path in music and dedication to Afro-Brazilian traditions.

• Social Justice and Cultural Preservation (25:00-40:00): Using music as a force for change.

• Teaching and Empowering Communities (40:00-55:00): Impact of Fernando’s work in Brazil and the U.S.

• The Future of Afro-Brazilian Culture (55:00-65:00): His vision for sustaining cultural heritage.

In this episode of Labyrinth of the First Gen, we sit down with Maya Doig-Acuña (she/they), an Afro-Panamanian storyteller navigating the intersections of identity, culture, and belonging. Maya reflects on her family’s immigration journey, growing up in Brooklyn, and the ways she maintains and celebrates her Afro-Panamanian heritage.

Through intimate stories and academic insights, Maya illuminates the rich history of the Afro-Panamanian diaspora, exploring the legacy of enslaved Africans, Maroon communities, and modern migration patterns. She highlights the vibrant Afro-Panamanian community in Brooklyn, the importance of memory and place, and the complexities of belonging to multiple communities. This episode offers a heartfelt look into the Afro-Latinx experience in the U.S., celebrating resilience, culture, and the power of preserving one’s roots.

Episode Breakdown:

• 00:00 - 05:00 | Introduction: Maya shares her background and the significance of her academic work.

• 05:00 - 10:00 | Family Roots: How her parents’ immigration shaped her identity and worldview.

• 10:00 - 15:00 | The Impact of Community: The role of extended family and neighborhood in shaping cultural values.

• 15:00 - 20:00 | Memory and Place: Navigating multiple cultural identities through memory and connection to place.

• 20:00 - 25:00 | The Afro-Panamanian Diaspora: A historical overview of Maroon communities and heritage.

• 25:00 - 30:00 | Afro-Panamanian Identity in Brooklyn: Preserving cultural traditions in the U.S.

• 30:00 - 35:00 | Navigating Identity: Reflections on the complexities and rewards of belonging across multiple communities.

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This is a Bilingual Episode: English & Spanish

Episode Description:
In this bilingual episode of Labyrinth of the First Gen, we journey to Bolivia’s Yungas region to explore the transformative power of community radio in cultural preservation, activism, and identity. Our guest, Fidel, shares his inspiring story of founding a radio station that has become a lifeline for the Afro-Bolivian community, amplifying local voices and safeguarding traditions.

Through Fidel’s perspective, we discover how his station addresses community needs, promotes social justice, and preserves cultural expressions like the saya dance. He also explains the cultural and social importance of the coca leaf to the Yungas people, highlighting the intersection of heritage, environment, and community resilience. Fidel’s work demonstrates how diaspora voices and local media can empower, educate, and sustain unique cultural legacies for future generations.

This episode is presented in English and Spanish, reflecting the bilingual and multicultural richness of Afro-Bolivian life. Listeners will gain insight into the challenges and triumphs of a community working to maintain identity, culture, and social cohesion in the modern world.

Episode Breakdown:

• 00:00 - 05:00 | Introduction: Weyu shares her personal connection to Bolivia and introduces Fidel.

• 05:00 - 10:00 | Meet Fidel: Background on Fidel, his community radio station, and his motivations for creating this platform.

• 10:00 - 15:00 | The Power of Community Radio: How Fidel’s station amplifies local issues and provides a vital voice for the community.

• 15:00 - 20:00 | The Role of Coca: Cultural and social significance of coca to the Yungas and the Afro-Bolivian people.

• 20:00 - 25:00 | Preserving Cultural Heritage: Insights into the saya dance and the importance of sustaining traditions.

• 25:00 - 30:00 | Social Activism and Community Development: Fidel’s advocacy and the social impact of his radio station.

• 30:00 - 35:00 | The Future of the Yungas: Fidel shares his vision for challenges and opportunities facing his community.

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In this bilingual episode of Labyrinth of the First Gen, host Weyu Shameka talks with Mercedes, a Brazilian economist, coach, writer, researcher, and music manager. Mercedes shares her journey navigating Brazil’s vibrant culture while confronting racism, homophobia, and femicide. She reflects on defying societal norms, including her marriage to a younger partner, and discusses gender roles, empowerment, and inspiring the next generation to break stereotypes. Presented in English and Brazilian Portuguese, this episode celebrates resilience, identity, and social change.

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In this inspiring episode of Labyrinth of the First Gen, host Weyu Shameka talks with Catalina, a Colombian expat navigating life in Belgium. Catalina shares her journey balancing motherhood, career, and cultural adaptation while maintaining her roots. From raising bilingual children to building community in a new country, she reflects on self-discovery, resilience, and connection. Catalina’s story highlights the immigrant experience, offering insights into embracing new beginnings while honoring cultural identity.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 - 01:48 — Introduction and Episode Overview

01:48 - 04:22 — Meet Catalina: A Journey Across Cultures

04:22 - 08:00 — Cultural Challenges and Adaptation in Belgium

08:00 - 12:52 — Finding Home and Cultural Identity in a Foreign Land

12:52 - 22:26 — Balancing Career and Motherhood in Belgium

22:26 - 28:42 — Raising Bilingual Children and Navigating Cultural Differences

28:42 - 31:11 — Building Community, Friendships, and Support Networks

31:11 - End — Conclusion and Listener Engagement

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In this heartfelt episode of Labyrinth of the First Gen, we sit down with Bruna, a Brazilian English teacher who recently moved to Uruguay with her family. Bruna shares her motivations for relocating, the challenges of adapting to a new culture, and teaching English and Portuguese in a Spanish-speaking environment. Her story highlights the power of learning languages at any age, building community abroad, and embracing change. A must-listen for anyone curious about immigrant experiences and cultural integration.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 - 01:06 — Introduction and Episode Overview

01:06 - 08:19 — Meet Bruna: A Brazilian Teacher in Uruguay

08:19 - 16:01 — Teaching English and Portuguese in a Spanish-speaking country

16:01 - 22:42 — The Power of Learning Languages at Any Age

22:42 - 32:45 — Building Community in a New Country

32:45 - 36:17 — Future Plans and Final Thoughts

36:17 - End — Closing Remarks and Listener Engagement