In this episode of the Pansa Pansa podcast, I had the privilege of having a conversation with Cedric Muhikira, a self-taught author who explores themes of identity, migration, and resilience in his new novel 'Libax'. During our discussion, we explored immigrant experience, cultural shocks, the duality of identity, and the importance of community and friendship as they relate to his personal experience and the character in his book. Muhikira also shares insights of his journey from Rwanda to the United States, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of immigrants as they navigate their new lives. Throughout our discussion, Muhikira emphasized the power of storytelling and encouraged the listeners to connect with immigrants' experiences through empathy.  

Bio:

Cedric Muhikira is a self-taught author and storyteller known for his poignant exploration of identity, migration, and resilience. His debut novel, Libaax: Grow Your Roots Where You Land, follows the journey of Ayaan, a young Somali immigrant navigating life in Detroit while grappling with questions of belonging, family, and cultural duality. Drawing inspiration from his own experiences growing up between cultures, Cedric weaves rich narratives that resonate with readers from all backgrounds.

A passionate advocate for immigrant voices, Cedric blends literature and music, especially Somali qaraami and Detroit hip-hop, to create emotionally layered stories that celebrate cultural heritage while challenging societal boundaries. His characters are vividly human, shaped by their environments yet striving to define their paths. With a style that is lyrical, cinematic, and deeply empathetic, Cedric uses fiction as a way to explore the complexities of identity and the universal search for home.

Beyond writing, Cedric engages in cross-cultural dialogue through community workshops, speaking events, and collaborative arts projects that aim to uplift underrepresented narratives. He believes in storytelling as a tool for healing, connection, and transformation.

Keywords:

immigration, cultural identity, resilience, dual identity, community, adaptation, belonging, storytelling, African diaspora, literature

Takeaways:

The immigrant experience is filled with cultural shocks and adaptations.

Navigating dual identities can be challenging for immigrants.

The title 'Libax' symbolizes strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

Building a home in a new land requires patience and community support.

Immigrants often face struggles that are overlooked by those back home.

Friendship and community play a crucial role in the immigrant journey.

Writing can be a poetic expression of the immigrant experience.

Displacement can lead to a sense of belonging in unexpected places.

Cultural misunderstandings can complicate relationships for immigrants.

Music serves as a bridge between cultures and identities.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Cedric Muharra-Kira and His Work

02:56 The Journey of Ayan: Identity and Migration

06:53 Cultural Shock and Dual Identity

10:13 The Significance of the Title 'Libax'

12:17 Building Home: Friendship and Community

16:03 Navigating Professional Challenges as an Immigrant

19:09 The Poetic Style of Writing

21:18 Displacement and Belonging

24:57 Understanding Culture Shock

28:36 Assimilation and Identity Transformation

31:25 The Power of Shared Experience

33:38 Romantic Misunderstandings and Emotional Depth

40:04 The Importance of Community and Belonging

43:19 Messages of Resilience and Hope

46:04 Introduction to PANSA PANSA Live Podcast

What happens when the pressure to succeed collides with the weight of cultural expectations? In this robust conversation, I sat down with Mouhamadou B. Diagne, a Harvard-trained Muslim chaplain and scholar who, as a child immigrant, transitioned from not speaking English to becoming a leading voice for mental health advocacy in African immigrant communities.

Bio:

Mouhamadou Diagne immigrated to the US from Senegal as a child. Despite not initially speaking a word of English, he became fluent after only two months and distinguished himself as a high-high-achieving, engaged student. He would win the prestigious Posse Foundation Full-Tuition Leadership scholarship to study psychology and educational studies at Carleton College. While there, his work in the Chaplain’s Office led him to pursue a calling in College Chaplaincy. His first stop was pursuing a Master of Divinity at Harvard Divinity School, with a concentration in Islam and African Religions. He wrote a thesis detailing a plan for counseling Muslim African Immigrants in the United States. In the decade since graduation, Mouhamadou has held ground-breaking chaplaincy positions at Columbia and Bucknell Universities before transitioning to a career in admissions and DEI, serving as the inaugural Chief Diversity Officer at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine, and currently a Multicultural Outreach and Recruitment specialist at Fitchburg State University in MA. He recently founded his own consulting company, offering Muslim wedding and relationship counseling services.

Summary

In this conversation, Muhamadou Diagni shares his journey as a Muslim chaplain and advocate for mental health within African immigrant communities. He discusses the complexities of navigating dual identities as an African and Black individual in America, the cultural dynamics that shape these experiences, and the mental health challenges faced by African immigrants. Diagni emphasizes the importance of community support, the role of faith in mental health, and the need to break the stigma surrounding mental health issues. He advocates for greater awareness and understanding of mental health within African immigrant households, encouraging individuals to seek help and support.

Takeaways

Muhamadou Diagni emphasizes the importance of community support in navigating dual identities.

He highlights the unique mental health challenges faced by African immigrants, including acculturative stress.

The conversation addresses the cultural dynamics between African and African-American communities.

Diagni discusses the role of faith in mental health and the importance of integrating religious beliefs into counseling.

He advocates for breaking the stigma surrounding mental health in African immigrant communities.

The need for more mental health resources and awareness is stressed throughout the conversation.

Diagni shares personal experiences of navigating identity conflicts and the impact on mental health.

He encourages younger generations to seek help and prioritize mental well-being.

The conversation highlights the importance of understanding cultural differences in mental health treatment.

Diagni calls for greater empathy and solidarity among different cultural groups.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Muhamadou Diagni

02:45 Navigating Dual Identities as an Immigrant

09:52 The African vs. African-American Dynamic

12:11 Cultural Straddling: Balancing African and Black Identities

18:04 Racism Within the Muslim Community

23:28 The Intersection of Culture and Religion

30:03 Choosing Carleton College: A Personal Journey

34:44 Navigating Academic Challenges and Mental Health

40:55 Cultural Stigma and Mental Health in Immigrant Communities

52:02 Acculturative Stress and Mental Health Issues

55:16 Breaking the Stigma of Mental Health

01:00:40 Integrating Faith and Mental Health Support

01:05:46 Empowering the Younger Generation for Mental Health Advocacy

In many immigrant households, the past is never discussed but is always present in our lives. Families who crossed oceans carry their pain in silence. The child born into a new land wrestles with belonging. And when they finally speak, it’s often in different languages—culturally, emotionally, and generationally.

Today, I sit down with Safi Lynch, a therapist who understands these tensions deeply. As a child of immigrants and a mental health practitioner, she helps families make peace with the past—while taking ownership of the future.

Bio:

Safi Lynch Wilson is a dedicated mental health professional who provides culturally responsive therapy to immigrant communities and people of the diaspora. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by those navigating identity, trauma, and displacement, Safi creates a space where clients feel seen, heard, and supported.In addition to her therapeutic work, Safi conducts psychological evaluations for asylum seekers, helping them tell their stories with compassion and clarity to support more favorable outcomes in their legal processes.Born in Liberia and immigrating to the United States at the age of 12, Safi's personal journey has powerfully shaped her commitment to serving communities that often go unheard. Her lived experience informs her empathetic and culturally attuned approach.Safi is also a proud military spouse and the mother of three children, including a set of twins—roles that further enrich her perspective and resilience in both her personal and professional life.

Summary

In this enlightening conversation, Safi Lynch and I delve into the complexities of mental health within immigrant families. We explore the cultural expectations that shape the identities of immigrant children, the stigma surrounding mental health, and the importance of understanding intergenerational trauma. The discussion also contrasts indigenous and Western approaches to healing, emphasizing the need for empathy and forgiveness across generations. Safi shares her insights as a licensed therapist, highlighting the unique challenges faced by immigrant families and the importance of creating safe spaces for dialogue and understanding.

Takeaways

Cultural expectations can significantly impact mental health in immigrant families.

Shame and stigma often prevent individuals from seeking mental health support.

Intergenerational trauma is a common issue among immigrant families.

Understanding the unique experiences of immigrant children is crucial for effective therapy.

The indigenous approach to healing emphasizes community and collective wellness.

Western therapy often focuses on individual pathology, missing cultural context.

Empathy and forgiveness are essential for healing across generations.

Parents should create safe spaces for their children to express themselves.

Children of immigrants often struggle with identity and cultural expectations.

Therapists must dig deeper to understand the layered issues faced by immigrant clients.

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Immigrant Family Dynamics

13:24 Cultural Expectations and Mental Health

20:33 The Burden of the Golden Child

24:14 Building a Sense of Self in Immigrant Families

28:57 Understanding Generational Trauma vs. Personal Accountability

29:50 Understanding the Past for a Better Future

35:59 Navigating Parent-Child Dynamics in Immigrant Families

46:55 Cultural Perspectives on Mental Health

53:21 Empathy and Healing Across Generations

To contact Safi Lynch services:

https://www.safilynchtherapeuticservices.com/consultations

https://providers.therapyforblackgirls.com/listing/safi-lynch-wilson-lcsw-c/

I first came across Franck Zanu through a compelling YouTube video titled “The White Dispossession of America.” It was my first encounter with the Zanu Project and with Mr. Zanu’s work. His perspective on this subject was bold, thought-provoking, and deeply engaging.

As I listened, I began thinking about the broader themes that connect his work to conversations I’ve been having on this podcast—especially around the crises facing African nations, the realities of African immigrant experiences, and the complex layers of race relations in America. I reached out to Mr. Zanu, and I was thrilled when he accepted my invitation to continue that conversation the podcast.

Bio:

Franck Zanu hosts the fast-growing podcast “Zanu Project. Rethink”. He is different. He is intense, explosive, analytical, and deeply thought-provoking. He is a life- coach, inspirational speaker, and human development consultant. Zanu’s approach to working with people is unique. While he is empathetic, intuitive, and objective, the most distinctive aspect of his approach is how he challenges you to view the issue from a completely different perspective. He successfully turns the issue upside down, transforming your perspective inside out so you see things from a brand-new perspective, energizing you to take action and achieve instant results. His path is marked by many colors, both professionally and culturally. He is a US citizen born in the Republic of Benin, West Africa. He has worked as a reporter for the New York Tribune and a photojournalist for the Washington Times stationed in the South.

Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Bulgaria, and other countries in Africa. He is an award-winning speaker on Black History at the African American Affairs Commission and Sikorsky Aircraft, both in Connecticut.

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Mr. Zanu shares his unique perspective on cultural identity, governance, and the challenges faced by the African diaspora. He reflects on his early life experiences, the impact of education and travel, and the importance of questioning established norms. Mr. Zanu emphasizes the need for cultural preservation and understanding the complexities of brain drain, while also addressing the dual identities that immigrants navigate in their new environments. His insights challenge listeners to think deeper about their roles in shaping a better future for Africa and its diaspora. In this conversation, We discussed the complexities of the African immigrant experience in America, focusing on the understanding of racial dynamics, misconceptions about success, and the importance of cultural identity. He emphasizes the need for community building and challenges the prevailing narratives around race and class in addressing inequality. We looked into a new approach to governance in Africa, suggesting the establishment of think tanks to redefine the future and address systemic issues.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Frank Zano's Journey

04:14 Early Life and Immigration Experiences

07:34 Professional Growth and Global Exposure

10:21 Cultural Observations and Identity Challenges

13:06 The Importance of National Identity

16:21 Critique of African Governance and Colonial Legacy

19:15 The Flaws in Post-Colonial Leadership

22:30 The Role of Education in Development

25:21 The Need for a New Narrative

28:14 Conclusion and Future Directions

39:19 The Illusion of Population Numbers in Africa

43:25 Colonization: Markets Over Resources

47:37 Cultural Identity and Assimilation Challenges

55:03 Misconceptions of Success in America

01:17:06 The Impact of Colonization on Self-Determination

01:21:31 The Role of Think Tanks in Addressing African Issues

01:27:09 Race vs. Class: Understanding Inequality in America

01:36:38 Questioning the Narrative: A New Perspective on Marginalization

01:41:50 The Historical Context of Development in Africa

01:47:54 A Call for New Leadership and Governance in Africa

Chinedu Achebe is insightful storyteller, cultural commentator, and author of the deeply personal and powerful novel, When It All Falls Down. The book is a continuation of his earlier work The Miseducation of Obi Ifeayin. In his new book 'When It All Falls Down,' he invites us into the layered world of Obi, a Nigerian-American navigating fatherhood, marriage, politics, cultural expectations, identity, and examine legacy in America. During our conversation, Chinedu Achebe further discusses the complexities of belonging for Africans in the diaspora. He shares personal stories about loss, vulnerability, and the importance of emotional intelligence, while also addressing broader societal issues such as mental health, historical trauma, and the challenges faced by immigrant communities. The dialogue emphasizes the need for open conversations about these topics and the significance of continuous learning and growth.

Bio:

Chinedu Achebe is a Nigerian American who was born in Richmond, Virginia. He is the oldest of 3 siblings. Chinedu graduated from the University of Houston with his Bachelors degree in Economics. He published his first book, Blunted on Reality in 2012. Chinedu also has written articles in the Huffington Post, Medium, and Bella Naija. He currently lives in Houston, Texas with his wife and two children.

The takeaways

• Chinedu Achebe's writing is deeply influenced by personal experiences and loss.
• The relationship between fathers and sons is crucial in shaping identity.
• Male vulnerability is often suppressed in African cultures, leading to emotional stunting.
• Infidelity and its impact on family dynamics are common themes in Achebe's work.
• Mental health issues, including postpartum depression, are often overlooked in African communities.

• Historical trauma, of the Biafra war and how it continues to affect generations.
• Aging immigrants face challenges when considering returning to their home countries.
• The model minority mindset among African immigrants can lead to a lack of critical self-reflection.
• Redefining blackness is essential for solidarity among people of African descent.
• Continuous learning and reading are vital for personal and community growth.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Chinedu Achebe

02:49 Exploring Fatherhood and Legacy

05:37 The Impact of Parental Relationships

08:54 Navigating Male Vulnerability

11:39 Cultural Expectations and Emotional Expression

14:21 The Pressure of Success in African Communities

17:10 Infidelity and Family Dynamics

19:56 Mental Health and Sexual Wellness

23:08 Historical Trauma and Its Legacy

41:41 The Biafra Trauma and Its Legacy

47:32 Aging in the Diaspora: Returning to Africa

52:46 The Model Minority Mindset Among African Immigrants

01:03:18 Redefining Blackness and Intergroup Discrimination

01:07:49 Affirmative Action: Access and Opportunity

01:18:31 The Importance of Continuous Learning and Knowledge

01:22:32 closing statement Copy of PANSA PANSA - OUTRO.mp3

Our conversation stems from social media dialogue to explore emotional expressions often shaped by deeply rooted cultural traditions and an individual’s personality, which can result in patterns of Enmeshment & Control and even generational Trauma.

Oludara (Dara) Adeeyo is a Los Angeles-based mental health therapist, author, and social media content creator passionate about encouraging people, especially Black women, to face every day with self-confidence and self-love. 

Oludara’s first series of books, published by Adams Media, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, share specific advice and activities designed to help Black women outwardly express their inner joy: Self-Care for Black Women (2022), Affirmations for Black Women: A Journal (2022), Mind, Body, & Soul: A Self-Care Coloring Book for Black Women (2024), and Meditations for Black Women (2025). 

Oludara has a private practice, Dark Berry Wellness, where she specializes in helping marginalized folks, especially Black women, manage their stressors, boost their self-confidence, and manifest their desires by releasing people-pleasing impulses.  

Summary

This conversation explores the complexities of parenting styles within African immigrant households, focusing on cultural norms, emotional expression, enmeshment, and generational trauma. The discussion highlights the challenges faced by immigrant parents in navigating their cultural expectations while raising children in a different societal context. It emphasizes the importance of healthy communication, the impact of favoritism, and the need for boundariesin family dynamics. The conversation also addresses the role of community support and cultural sensitivity in therapy, advocating for self-compassion and understanding in the parenting journey.

Takeaways

A.   Parenting styles in immigrant households can be influenced by cultural norms.

B.   Emotional expression is often shaped by cultural traditions and individual personalities.

C.  Enmeshment in families can lead to toxic dynamics and confusion about roles.

D.  Cultural differences can create challenges in relationships, especially for children of immigrants.

E.   Anger is often used as a means of control in parenting, which can be abusive.

F.   Immigrant parents may experience anxiety that affects their parenting expectations.

G.  The pressure to succeed can create mental health challenges for children in immigrant families.

H.  Healthy communication strategies are essential for fostering emotional expression.

I.     Favoritism in parenting can lead to low self-esteem and rivalry among siblings.

J.    Respect for elders must be balanced with the child's need for self-expression.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Parenting Styles in African Households

04:20 Cultural Norms and Emotional Expression

07:30 The Impact of Enmeshment in Family Dynamics

10:11 Navigating Anger and Control in Parenting

13:23 The Immigrant Experience and Parenting Challenges

16:32 The Pressure of Expectations on Immigrant Children

19:20 Fostering Healthy Emotional Expression

22:15 Unlearning Toxic Family Dynamics

25:15 The Role of Gender in Parenting Expectations

28:20 Reflections on Modern Parenting and Gender Roles

31:57 Breaking Patriarchal Norms in Parenting

35:06 Balancing Respect for Elders and Self-Expression

37:25 Navigating Immigrant Parenting Challenges

40:37 Cultural Expectations and Open Communication

41:34 Understanding the Need for Respect in Relationships

45:05 Dismantling Generational Patterns

48:36 Cultural Critique and Personal Growth

52:28 Community Influence on Individual Boundaries

55:22 Age-Appropriate Responsibilities in Parenting

57:42 Mental Health Impacts of Adult Responsibilities

58:52 Generational Trauma and Family Dynamics

01:01:47 Radical Acceptance and Community Compassion

01:03:31 closing statement Copy of PANSA PANSA

I recently came across an article Luc Olinga wrote published on Medium titled I Am Black Man. DEI Is The New Racism. Race relation in America is a sensitive topic many people do not like to engage in because they are afraid of saying the wrong thing. During our conversation, we explored many areas on this topic.

Bio:

Luc Olinga is a French journalist based in New York City. He worked for the French newswire Agence France-Presse (AFP), the world’s third-largest, for 15 years in Europe and the U.S. From 2014 to 2021, he served as AFP’s U.S. Business Correspondent in New York before becoming the Economics, Business, and Tech Editor for North America, based in Washington, D.C.
After leaving AFP, he led tech coverage at the U.S. business news platform TheStreet. He is currently documenting the Men’s Counter-Revolution in the U.S., traveling across the country to explore the perspectives of Black men on the nation’s shifting social and political landscape. You can read his work on Medium.

Born and raised in Cameroon, he later moved to Paris, France, where he spent most of his adult life.

Keywords

DEI, African immigrants, cultural identity, educationinequality, race relations, storytelling, community engagement, meritocracy, personal growth, immigrant experience

Summary 

In this conversation, Mr. Luc Olinga shares his experiencesas an African immigrant navigating cultural identity, race relations, and the complexities of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in America. He reflects on his upbringing in Cameroon, his educational journey in France, and his transition to the United States, discussing the challenges and opportunities he faced. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of community engagement, educational equality, and the need for higher expectations within the Africanimmigrant community. Olinga critiques the current DEI initiatives, arguing that they often fail to address the root causes of inequality and can sometimes perpetuate new forms of racism. The conversation concludes with a call toaction for African immigrants to take charge of their narratives and work towards empowering their communities.

Takeaways 

DEI initiatives can sometimes perpetuate new forms of racism.

Cultural identity plays a significant role in personal development.

Expectations from parents and community influence children's success.

Educational inequality is a root cause of broader societal issues.

Community engagement is crucial for empowering African immigrants.

The immigrant experience is shaped by both cultural heritage and new environments.

Meritocracy must be balanced with awareness of systemic inequalities.

Personal resilience is key in navigating challenges in foreign countries.

The importance of storytelling in understanding cultural experiences.

African immigrants often face unique challenges in the U.S. job market.

Chapters

00:53 Exploring African Immigrant Experiences in America

01:20 Introduction to Olinga's Journey

04:27 Childhood Memories and Cultural Reflections

07:10 Navigating Education in France

09:59 Experiences of Race and Identity in France

13:10 Transition to the United States

15:53 The Impact of African Roots on Identity

18:57 Opportunities and Challenges in America

21:23 Understanding DEI: A New Perspective

24:44 Corruption vs. DEI: A Comparative Analysis

27:33 The Misconceptions of DEI

30:16 The Role of Education in Addressing Inequality

33:29 The Future of DEI and Its Implications

36:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

48:16 Inequality in Education: A Root Cause

51:26 The Role of Affirmative Action

54:12 Challenges in the Educational System

57:21 Community Engagement and Mentorship

01:00:31 Breaking the Cycle of Victimhood

01:02:54 Cultural Perspectives on Success

01:05:58 Expectations and Community Responsibility

01:09:44 The African Immigrant Experience

01:15:11 Meritocracy vs. DEI: A Complex Debate

We must explore all avenues to get to the root of a problem. According to an African proverb, "A wise man follows the advice of his neighbors, but a fool trusts his own illusions." The final episode on the theme of mental health discussion on the Pansa Pansa Podcast is about mental illness and addiction. It is a delight to have Dr. Olawale Ojo as a guest to bring his expertise to our diaspora community as a psychiatrist specializing in addiction. The purpose of this episode is to elaborate on the intersection between mental illness, addiction, and cultural stigma among Africans in the diaspora and mainly how these factors affect our youth as well as family relations.  In the past three episodes on mental health awareness, we have dived into the diversity of engaging topics. During our discussion, Dr. Ojo shared the story of his humble beginning, which came from dedicated parents and community mentors who empowered and believed in him. He talked about growing up in a society where mental illness is often misinterpreted and ill-treated, which he stated resulted in his interest in psychiatry.    

Bio:

Dr. Olawale Ojo began his medical journey at Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria, where his passion for mental health first took root. After earning his medical degree, he embarked on an exciting adventure to Brooklyn, New York, completing his general psychiatric residency at Interfaith Medical Center. It was there that he discovered his calling in addiction psychiatry. Driven to make a meaningful impact, Dr. Ojo moved to Indiana, Indiana University (IU), to specialize in addiction psychiatry. His commitment to helping those struggling with addiction led him to his current roles as the associate program director of the IU Addiction Psychiatry treatment program and the medical director of the IU Methodist Addiction Treatment and Recovery Center (ATRC).

In these roles, Dr. Ojo is dedicated to developing innovative inpatient consult addiction services, an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), and a dual diagnosis outpatient clinic. His work is not just a career but a mission to transform lives and provide hope to those in need. When he's not busy mentoring residents and leading community efforts related to addiction treatment and mental health awareness, Dr. Ojo enjoys spending quality time with his family and playing video games. His dedication to his patients and community is truly inspiring, making him a beloved figure in addiction psychiatry.

Our conversation starts by exploring Dr. Ojo's experience as an immigrant in America, navigating an educational system quite different from Nigeria's educational system, adapting to a job that many may consider demeaning, and how these experiences shaped the person he is today. We then dived into stigma-sounding mental illness, traditional practices, and how reliance on non-scientific methods of treatment affects the long-term outcomes for individuals with mental illness.  We further discuss how cultural biases on mental illness and/or parents' lack of relationship with their children within African immigrant communities may affect the recognition of the symptoms of mental illness in their children. We discussed mental illness and different types of addiction, specifically substance use, technology, gambling, and food, that may be more widespread or misunderstood in African immigrant families. Finally, we discussed solutions and resources available and how community leaders, as well as organizations, can help break the stigma around mental illness and addiction. Dr. Ojo provides extensive advice to parents who suspect their child may be struggling with mental illness and/or addiction.

Call for action:

A. Please share this episode with others who may benefit from it

B. Normalizing discussing mental health openly

C. Seek help if you or someone you know is struggling with addiction and/or mental illness by calling 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

We must explore all avenues to get to the root of a problem. According to an African proverb, "A wise man follows the advice of his neighbors, but a fool trusts his own illusions." The final episode on the theme of mental health discussion on the Pansa Pansa Podcast is about mental illness and addiction. It is such a delight to have Dr. Olawale Ojo as a guest to bring his expertise to our diaspora community as a psychiatrist specializing in addiction. In the past three episodes on mental health awareness, we have dived into the diversity of engaging topics. The purpose of this episode is to elaborate on the intersection between mental illness, addiction, and cultural stigma among Africans in the diaspora and mainly how these factors affect our youth as well as family relations.

Dr. Olawale Ojo leads the inpatient addiction psychiatry consult services at Methodist Hospital, serves as the medical director of the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and developed a dual diagnosis outpatient clinic at IUH Adult Outpatient Psychiatry Clinic at Goodman Hall. Additionally, he serves as the Associate Program Director of the IUSM Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship Program.

Please join me on the next episode with Dr. Olawale Ojo has he elaborates on the intersection between mental illness, addiction, and cultural stigma among Africans in the diaspora and mainly how these factors affect our youth as well as family relations.

These excerpts offers a glimpse into our discussion on mental illness and different types of addiction, specifically substance use, technology, gambling, and food, that may be more widespread or misunderstood in African immigrant families.

An African proverb says, "You cannot uproot the baobab tree with one hand," meaning that people's hesitancy or trust towards modernization is sometimes ingrained in the traditional belief system. One must first explore the strength or depth of the belief system. I recently came across a research publication on Pubmed titled "Indigenous Mental Healthcare and Human Rights Abuses in Nigeria. Reading this report allows me to reflect on how these beliefs and the stigma of mental illness persist among African immigrants in the diaspora, affecting seeking appropriate care. I was eager to contact the researchers of the paper, Dr. Adegboyega Ogunwale and Dr. Oladayo Bifarin, to further discuss their findings. I wanted to further explore with both guests how traditional beliefs played a role in Africans' perception and management of mental illness. And to explore how the stigma hinders patients from seeking the appropriate mental health care both among Africans. Our discussion covers so many areas of issues on mental health care in Nigeria, including internalized and externalized stigma on mental health framework. The guests discussed the importance of cultural competency in mental health care and the language used by the caregivers. There was a discussion on limited government resources for citizens suffering from mental illness. My guests further discussed how the stigma surrounding mental illness or lack of availability of quality care contributes to addiction or an increase in the number of people addicted to drugs, alcohol, or other forms of addiction. Dr. Adegboyega explained how gender influences the experience of abuse in Indigenous mental health treatment settings. For example, women who may be going through mental disorders or experiencing psychosis may be labeled as witches and/or stoned to death.

Bios:    

Dr. Adegboyega Ogunwale is the Chief Consultant Psychiatrist at Neuropsychiatric Hospital Aro, Abeokuta, and Chair of the Emerging Forensic Systems Interest Group, International Association of Forensic Mental Health Services. Dr. Ogunwale's key areas of expertise include Forensic Psychiatry, General Adult Psychiatry, Mental Health Legislation, and Medical Law & Ethics. His research work has focused on general adult psychiatry, abnormal homicide, mental health services in prison, and mental health legislation.  He was awarded the Rafaelsen Young Investigator's Award of the International College of Neuropsychopharmacology in 2011 and the UK Chevening Scholarship in 2017. Dr Adegboyega Ogunwale joined the Department of Forensic & Neurodevelopmental Sciences as an MPhil/PhD student in June 2022 and is looking forward to completing his studies in 2026. Dr. Ogunwale completed his MBBS (Medicine & Surgery) at the University of Ilorin, Nigeria, and his MSc in Forensic Mental Health Research at King's College, London. Dr Ogunwale is a member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (UK) and a fellowship with the West African College of Physicians.

Dr. Oladayo Bifarin is a Clinical academic- Registered Nurse (Mental Health), Research & Effectiveness Lead at Mersey Care NHS FT, Liverpool, and a Sr. Lecturer (Mental Health Nursing). Dr. Bifarin is an applied health researcher with a keen interest in examining mental health care pathways across the lifespan, specifically focusing on understanding culture's influence on the caregiving process and reducing health inequalities. He is a Sr. Research Leader (SRL) within the NIHR Sr. Research Leader Program for Nurses and Midwives. Dr. Bifarin teaches pre- and post-registration nursing modules such as Evidence-based Practice and contributes to teaching ethics, clinical governance, social gerontology, and Qualitative research paradigms and methods. Dr. Bifarin holds PhD from the University of Bradford, United Kingdom; he earned his MSc from Edge Hill University, United Kingdom, and his BSc from Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria.

(Photo Time Magazine The Niger Delta, Nigeria. October 2012)