Pánsá Pánsá Podcast

Since our last community conversation exploring African immigrant experiences and intergenerational relationships, I have continued to reflect on one important question: **What does fatherhood mean within African immigrant communities in the diaspora?**Fatherhood is one of the most influential yet often overlooked conversations within our communities. While African families exist in many different forms — including single-parent households led by mothers, households where fathers are the primary caregivers, and families navigating separation, loss, or changing family structures — the role of fathers continues to evolve, especially in the context of migration.In this special community conversation, organized through a collaboration among African diaspora podcasters, we explored the complex and evolving experiences of African immigrant fathers living in the United States, Canada, and Europe.The central question guiding our discussion was:**How has migration transformed the role of African fathers and changed expectations around parenting, family responsibilities, and involvement in children’s lives?**As African men build new lives away from their countries of origin, many are navigating new expectations around childcare, household responsibilities, financial obligations, emotional connection, education, discipline, and moral guidance. Migration does not only change where families live — it often reshapes relationships, identities, and the meaning of responsibility within the family.I had the honor of moderating this important conversation alongside fellow podcasters and community voices:* Kelechi Ibe-Lamberts of *My Black Is Transnational** Nancy Mulemwa of *Concrete Pasture** Motolani Ogunsanya of *More Sibyl*Please support and subscribe to these powerful platforms as we continue using our voices to document, question, and celebrate African experiences across the diaspora.At the beginning of the conversation, I reflected on a powerful statement from President Barack Obama about fatherhood:“Every man is trying to live up to his father’s expectations or make up for their father’s mistakes.”This quote captures the complexity of fatherhood — the ways men inherit traditions, respond to their own childhood experiences, and attempt to create something better for the next generation.For this discussion, six courageous African immigrant fathers from Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and The Gambia shared their personal experiences, perspectives, and wisdom. I deeply appreciate each panelist for volunteering their time and vulnerability to contribute to this important dialogue.Together, we explored critical questions:• How do African immigrant fathers define fatherhood while navigating cultural change?• Does migration create additional challenges for fathers due to changing social expectations and family structures?• What barriers do African immigrant fathers experience in their new countries?• How do immigration, work demands, and financial pressures affect father-child relationships?• What opportunities have fathers discovered in the diaspora that they wish they had experienced growing up?• How can African communities redefine fatherhood in ways that include emotional presence, nurturing, and connection — not only financial provision?This conversation is about understanding the realities of African fatherhood today and exploring how we can support stronger families across generations.This conversation is not about criticizing fathers or celebrating one specific family structure. Instead, it is about understanding the realities of African fatherhood today and exploring how we can support stronger families across generations.Thank you to all our panelists and collaborators for sharing their stories and wisdom with our diaspora community.Please listen, share, and join us for the second part of this important conversation on African fatherhood in the diaspora.

Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) remains one of the most difficult yet necessary conversations facing communities around the world. While often surrounded by cultural beliefs, secrecy, and silence, FGM/C is a practice that has devastating lifelong consequences for girls and women physically, emotionally, and psychologically.

Dr. Ibrahim Puri brings her years of research and teaching experience to this conversation, breaking down a complex and sensitive topic in a way that is accessible, compassionate, and educational. Through her ability to simplify difficult conversations, she helps listeners understand not only what FGM/C is, but also why it continues to exist and what communities can do to protect future generations.

Before discussing FGM/C, Dr. Ibrahim Puri shares her personal journey, including her family background, immigrant experience, and the challenges she encountered while navigating life as a student and newcomer in America.

Our conversation explores the history and origins of FGM/C, including the misconception that it is only an African practice. Dr. Ibrahim Puri explains that FGM/C has occurred in various regions around the world and discusses the social, cultural, and gender-related factors that allow the practice to continue.

She explains the four recognized types of FGM/C and highlights the serious health consequences experienced by survivors. These consequences may include severe bleeding, infections, painful menstruation, urinary complications, cysts, chronic pain, childbirth complications, obstetric fistula, infertility challenges, and increased risks during delivery, including risks to newborn health.

Beyond the physical consequences, Dr. Ibrahim Puri emphasizes the profound psychological impact of FGM/C. Many survivors experience trauma, anxiety, depression, shame, and symptoms associated with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). She discusses how FGM/C can affect identity, relationships, sexuality, and emotional well-being throughout a survivor’s lifetime.

Dr. Ibrahim Puri also shares insights from her recent dissertation research examining the association between FGM/C and HIV, highlighting the importance of understanding the broader health implications of the practice.

We discuss the prevalence of FGM/C among African immigrant communities in the diaspora, including challenges faced in the United States. Although FGM/C is illegal in the United States and recognized as a violation of human rights, some families attempt to avoid legal consequences through practices such as “vacation cutting,” where girls are taken abroad to undergo the procedure.

This episode is not about blaming communities—it is about education, awareness, protecting girls, supporting survivors, and creating conversations that lead to lasting change.

As Dr. Ibrahim Puri reminds us, ending FGM/C requires courage, compassion, and collective action. By continuing to speak about this issue openly, communities can challenge harmful practices and create a safer future for girls and women everywhere.

Guest BioDr. Jessica Ibrahim Puri is a social scientist, researcher, and instructor of Field Studies in Public Health at Northwestern University. Her research focuses on female genital mutilation/cutting, adverse childhood experiences, gender-based violence, trauma, health equity, and global health.She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Loyola University Chicago, her Master of Public Health from DePaul University, and her Ph.D. from Northwestern University.

Call 800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) for available resources if:

· You believe you are at risk of FGM/C;

· You have undergone FGM/C;

· You have questions about FGM/C;

· You have information about someone who is performing FGM/C in the United States; or

· You know of someone who may be at risk of FGM/C here or outside the United States.

Why is cancer becoming one of the biggest public health challenges across Africa? Why are so many highly trained African scientists leaving the continent? And what can be done to improve cancer care for millions of people?

In this thought-provoking episode of the Pansa Pansa Podcast, host Kemi Seriki sits down with Dr. Motolani Ogunsanya, Nigerian-born scientist, public health researcher, and Assistant Professor at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.

Dr. Ogunsanya's remarkable journey spans from Nigeria to the United States, where she has become an internationally recognized researcher studying cancer outcomes, health behaviors, health disparities, and rare diseases affecting underserved communities.

The conversation begins with her personal immigration story—why she left Nigeria, the challenges of adapting to life in America, and balancing family life, motherhood, and a demanding academic career.

The discussion then shifts toward one of Africa's fastest-growing public health crises: cancer.

Together they explore:

• Why cancer diagnoses continue to increase across Nigeria and Africa
• Whether lifestyle changes, environmental pollution, or better diagnosis explain the rising numbers
• Why cancer survival remains significantly lower in many African countries
• The shortage of cancer specialists and treatment facilities
• Late diagnosis and lack of public awareness
• The role of prevention and early screening
• Cervical cancer vaccination and public health education
• Breast cancer, prostate cancer, childhood cancers and other common cancers affecting Africans
• The future of cancer research across Africa

Dr. Ogunsanya also explains how her earlier HIV/AIDS research in Nigeria prepared her for today's work in cancer outcomes research and health equity.

Beyond cancer, this episode examines the larger issue of brain drain, asking whether Africa can continue losing many of its brightest scientists, physicians, engineers, and healthcare professionals while facing enormous health challenges at home.

The discussion also explores racial health disparities in America, healthcare inequalities affecting minority populations, and why underserved communities often experience poorer health outcomes.

Finally, Dr. Ogunsanya shares her vision for the future of cancer care in Nigeria and across Africa—and discusses how Africans living in the diaspora can become part of the solution.

About Our Guest

Dr. Motolani Ogunsanya, DPh, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in Clinical and Administrative Sciences at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center and a faculty member of the TSET Health Promotion Research Center and Stephenson Cancer Center.

Her research focuses on:

• Health economics and outcomes research
• Cancer survivorship
• Rare diseases
• Health behavior
• Minority health
• Patient-reported outcomes
• Health disparities
• Psychometric instrument development
• Mobile health (mHealth)
• Black prostate cancer survivorship
• Socioeconomic influences on lupus diagnosis and treatment outcomes

She earned her graduate degrees in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of Texas at Austin and has dedicated her career to improving healthcare for underserved populations both in the United States and globally.

As Mo! Sibyl, Motolani is a polyglot and speaks 3.25 languages, including Korean, English, 0.25 French, and her native Yoruba. She currently lives in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She is also the host, producer, and interlocutor of The More Sibyl Podcast (www.mosibyl.com; @mosibyl). A weekly podcast for Blacks and Asians and those who love them. It is a platform for important issues such as acculturation, travels, preserving cultural values, mental health issues, heart stories, and so much more. Her podcast is on iTunes, Anchor, Stitcher, Google Podcast, Spotify, and every other venue.

Sometimes, the conversations we need most begin with a simple social media post.I first came across a short Instagram reel posted by Damilola Adesina addressing childhood trauma within African immigrant families. Although the video lasted only a few moments, it captured a reality that many African families quietly live with but rarely discuss. The message immediately resonated with me because it echoed many of the conversations we have had on Pánsá Pánsá Podcast on identity, culture, parenting, emotional wellbeing, and healing.I invited Damilola to join me for an honest and compassionate discussion about childhood trauma, emotional healing, and the growing importance of mental health care within African immigrant communities.I am deeply grateful for the wealth of knowledge Dami shared with our audience. More importantly, I appreciate her willingness to be vulnerable by sharing her own family's story and her personal journey toward healing from childhood and intergenerational trauma. Her openness demonstrates extraordinary courage and reflects her commitment to helping others recognize that healing is possible.We explored why many African immigrant parents struggle to respond to their children's emotional needs. For many parents, this is not because they lack love for their children, but because they themselves were never taught emotional regulation, vulnerability, or healthy ways of processing trauma. Many are carrying unresolved pain, surviving emotional burnout, or simply repeating parenting patterns they inherited.As Dami explains, we cannot pass down what we were never given.We discussed the following:Damilola's personal journey and what inspired her to become a therapist

The stigma surrounding mental health within African immigrant communities

Why many African cultures normalize suffering instead of addressing emotional painThe difference between community support and professional therapyWhy family members, friends, and religious leaders cannot replace licensed mental health professionalsThe importance of recognizing childhood and generational traumaParenting through healing instead of survivalPractical ways to reduce the stigma surrounding therapy in African communitiesBuilding emotionally healthier families for future generationsThis conversation is not about blaming African parents. Rather, it is an invitation to understand how historical, cultural, economic, and migration experiences have shaped parenting practices—and why healing is essential for both parents and children.About Our Guest:Damilola Adesina is the Founder and Owner of Ireti Counseling and Wellness and a National Board Certified Licensed Professional Counselor.She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations, with a minor in African Studies, from the University of Georgia in 2010 before receiving her Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of St. Thomas in 2016.As a first-generation Nigerian American, Damilola understands firsthand the unique emotional challenges experienced by many children of African immigrants. Growing up, mental health was rarely discussed, leaving many families to unknowingly pass down unresolved pain and trauma from one generation to another.Her own healing journey inspired her to establish Ireti Counseling and Wellness—a practice dedicated to creating a safe, compassionate, and nonjudgmental environment where clients can explore their experiences and begin the work of healing.Damilola also co-hosts the For a Season Podcast, where she and her sisters openly discuss healing, faith, relationships, and personal growth.She specializes in:AnxietyDepressionSelf-esteemParentingPostpartum depressionHer therapeutic approach integrates several evidence-based modalities, including:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Solution-Focused Brief TherapyPerson-Centered TherapyFamily Systems TherapyNarrative Therapy

It was such a great pleasure to have a fellow podcaster from Zambia, Nancy Mulemwa Siisii, the host of Concrete Pastures on Pánsá Pánsá conversation. We met through the connection of one of my guests Prof. Boukary Sawadogo who was featured on both our podcasts in promoting his recently published book. Before coming to the pansa pansa platform, I was also a guest on Concrete Pastures. I appreciate her willingness to talk about her experience as a fellow immigrant, a single parent raising two beautiful children, and Nancy Mulemwa Siisii's selfless work on her podcast.

Nancy Mulemwa Siisii was born and raised in Zambia, Africa, but she later migrated to America and settled in New York, where she has lived for 20 years. She has over 15 years of experience in the financial industry as a financial center manager. As a dreamer, she continues to have a passion for making substantive bonds with audiences and inspiring people to reach for their dreams.

Being an immigrant has been one of her life's most challenging and extraordinary experiences. Nancy was inspired to start her podcast “Concrete Pastures: An African Immigrant Story” as a platform to reach out to fellow immigrants and dreamers. She passionately stated, “my goal is to provide a platform for myself and others to share their stories as we deconstruct the world’s view of immigrant status, and unlock the joys, laughs, and bravery that being a dreamer brings about”.

During our conversation, Nancy talked about her childhood experience growing up in Zambia and her relationship with her parents and maternal grandmother. We discussed why many immigrants leave their countries to migrate to another country for a better life or as a student to obtain an education. Especially for women, we discussed the challenges/struggles of being an African immigrant woman in America. Nancy talked about her first shocking experience of her first job in America, working as a nanny for a wealthy family in Manhattan, caring for five children for a peanut salary of $350.00 weekly as a sleep-in nanny/housekeeper.

With ambition and a positive outlook on the future, suffering does not last forever. Nancy pulled herself out of the humiliating situation because she knew there were better opportunities. Today, Nancy Mulemwa Siisii is a financial center manager in a bank with 15 years of experience. As an African immigrant female in the financial industry, she discussed her experiences dealing with the politics of a cooperate world dominated by expected gender and race. Nancy talked about how all these experiences motivated her interest in starting Concrete Pasture Podcast. With the podcast, she said she continues learning and admires African immigrants' strength and resiliency.

Nancy talked about the challenges of divorce and being a single parent of two adorable children. It is tough enough as immigrants living in a country in most cases without close relatives such as a parent, siblings, other extended families, and village or community that we have a commonality in the value system. It is even more challenging being a single parent raising children in a country with limited or no family support.

This episode is more than one woman's story—it is a tribute to millions of immigrants who leave everything familiar in pursuit of opportunity while carrying their cultures, dreams, and families with them every step of the way.If you've ever wondered what it truly means to start over in a new country, build a career from the ground up, raise children far from home, or redefine success on your own terms, this conversation is for you.Please support Nancy Mulemwa Siisii by subscribing to Concrete Pastures: An African Immigrant Story and following her on Instagram. Her work continues to amplify the voices, experiences, and resilience of African immigrants across the globe.

My conversation as a guest on The More Sibyl Podcast a fellow Nigeria on my story as an African in the diaspora. I learned about  The More Sibyl Podcast while I was listening to Concrete Pasture Podcast.  The host of Concrete Pastures Nancy Mulemwa Siisii my sister from Zambia invited More Sibyl as a guest on Concrete Pasture Podcast. I started following The More Sibyl Podcast and I listened to some of her latest episodes. I contacted More Sibyl after listening to one of her episode which caught my interest as the guest described the lack and limited services for children with autism in Nigeria.  I wanted to share information with the guest which I thought my be helpful. More Sibyl connected back with me and we have been talking about collaboration. I am looking forward to collaborate with More Sibyl and Nancy Mulemwan Siisii in the future as we continue our community conversations.  

Podcast Note from The More Sibyl Podcast 

It's Black History Month on this side of the pond. Though we get the shortest month in the year we gon’ make it loud and long. And what better way to do this than chatting with a Nigerian who’s passionate about pan-African relationships and has made it her life work to close the social distance between our cousins (Blacks abroad) and us? I chatted with Ms. Kemi Seriki of the Pánsá Pánsá Forum, a Nigerian immigrant of Yoruba ethnic diversity.

I was overjoyed when I learned that Oludara Adeeyo had published a new book, Affirmation for Black Women. Late last year, I received a notification from the Marketing and Publicity Associate of Simon & Schuster regarding the recent publication from Oludara Adeeyo, and I couldn't wait to have her again on my platform. Adeeyo was a returning guest on Pansa Pansa Podcast. She was initially featured in 2021 before our first book Self Care for Black Women, was published. As I told Adeeyo during our conversation, "You published two books in one year. Who does that? Only someone with Nigerian heritage. Nigerians never carry last!

The Pansa Pansa Podcast welcomes back Oludara Adeeyo, a licensed psychotherapist, psychiatric social worker, and bestselling author whose work centers on helping Black women prioritize their mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Based in Los Angeles, California.

When Oludara first appeared on the Pansa Pansa Podcast, her groundbreaking book, Self-Care for Black Women, had not yet been released. In this long-awaited follow-up conversation, we take a deep dive into the book that has since received widespread praise from readers and publications, including the Boston Globe, for its practical and compassionate approach to self-care.

During our conversation, Oludara explains why self-care is not a luxury but a necessity for Black women, who often carry the emotional weight of family, community, work, and society while neglecting their own needs. She thoughtfully walks us through the three pillars of her book—Mind, Body, and Soul—and discusses how intentional self-care can transform every aspect of a woman's life.

One of the most touching moments in our discussion centers on the book's dedication to her late mother:

"For my mother, who did not live long enough to experience the peace of radical self-care."

Oludara reflects on how her mother's experiences inspired her to write this book and why she hopes future generations of Black women will choose healing over burnout and prioritize themselves without guilt.

Our conversation also extends beyond the experiences of African Americans to include immigrant women, particularly African immigrant women, who often navigate multiple layers of oppression based on race, gender, immigration status, cultural expectations, religion, and identity. We discuss how the principles in Self-Care for Black Women are equally relevant to women in the African diaspora who frequently place the needs of family and community above their own mental and emotional health.

We also explore Oludara's second book, Affirmations for Black Women, where she explains what affirmations truly are and why they play an essential role in building confidence, resilience, and emotional wellness. She distinguishes between practicing affirmations as a daily habit and using them during moments of fear, uncertainty, or self-doubt. According to Oludara, daily affirmations can also become a form of prayer and intentional manifestation, helping individuals align their thoughts with the lives they seek to create.

In the closing moments of our conversation, we examine affirmations through the lens of Yoruba culture. Long before affirmations became a popular self-help practice, Yoruba traditions embraced daily words of encouragement and identity through Oríkì. Oriki is a rich oral tradition of praise poetry that celebrates an individual's ancestry, lineage, character, achievements, and potential. It is passed down through generations, and Oríkì serves not only as a cultural expression but also as a powerful reminder of one's identity, purpose, and inner strength. We discuss how reconnecting with these traditions can inspire modern approaches to mental wellness and self-care.

I encourage our listeners and viewers to purchase copies of Self-Care for Black Women and Affirmations for Black Women for themselves, and to share these empowering books with friends, daughters, sisters, mothers, and loved ones.

Recently, I was listening to one of my favorite podcasts, Hidden Brain, hosted by Shankar Vedantam. The podcast explores the complexities of human behaviors and the psychology behind them in our changing world. This particular episode on the Hidden Brain was called Decoding Emotions, and the title caught my attention. I found the episode very interesting. Batja Mesquita was the guest and the author of Between Us – How culture creates emotion. As the author described the book, “We may think of emotions as universal responses, felt inside, but in Between Us.” The acclaimed psychologist Batja Mesquita asks us to view emotions through what they do in our relationships, one-on-one, and within more prominent social networks. She argues that "acknowledging differences in emotions allows us to find common ground, humanizing and humbling us all for the better.”

Mesquita was a native of Amsterdam who migrated to the US for a Phd. program, and she compared the emotional expression of both worlds. After listening to this topic, I thought that our community could benefit from this discussion, and we could expand on how our cultural background and emotional expression may be part of the answer to the difficulties in creating intergenerational relationships within our African immigrant community.

I thought of having this conversation and inviting at least two guests who can broaden the conversation thoughtfully and present it in a way the community would understand. Dr. Abi Fapohunda and Dr. Kelechi Lambert graciously accepted to participate in the conversation. Both guests are in academia in public health and have done published research on topics focusing on the African immigrant community. Dr. Fapohunda and Dr. Ibe Lamberts extensively reviewed the podcast and how some of its content applies to African immigrants. In this conversation, we discussed how culture and emotional expression presented by African immigrant parents affect intergenerational relationships within the community. As Mesquita stated, “In each cultural group, parents shape their children’s emotions to fit the culture’s normative relationships.”

During our discussion, there was an acknowledgment that emotional expression is different across cultures. We further understood that cultural background dictates or predicts how emotions are felt and expressed. It shapes how individuals think in a specific situation or how they react to it.

During our conversation, there is an understanding that it may be challenging to relearn new emotional expressions when the original culture and emotions are interrelated. Can we relearn how we express our primary emotions, such as anger, fear, surprises, sadness, disgust, and happiness? Then there is secondary emotion such as shame, pride, and guilt which, according to studies, also varies in their expression depending on age, gender, and cultural background. We further talked extensively about the shared beliefs in African society relating to respect for parents and towards elders of the community. We talked about the positive aspect of this practice.

If we have to improve intergenerational relationships within African immigrant communities, there must be mutual respect between the two groups. Most importantly, when we treat elders of our community with care and respect, we are setting examples to the outside group that we value our elders. In conclusion, we must relearn new ways of expressing some emotional expression to fit our new home. But the question is, do we have to relearn different emotional expressions, and what challenges could pose difficulties in relearning unique emotional expressions that fit the new world? Especially in a country with a diverse cultural group and racial diversity, how do we relearn the standard of new emotional expression? I am grateful to Dr. Abi Fapohunda and Dr. Kelechi Lambert for joining me in this meaningful conversation and sharing their wisdom.

As we continue to explore the challenges African immigrants face in the diaspora, Pánsá Pánsá Podcast turns its attention to an issue that deserves far more conversation: navigating the American education system as an immigrant parent of a child with autism or other special educational needs.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Ngozi Ebunyum's Journey

02:08 Navigating the NYC Public School System

04:57 The Power of Prayer and Persistence

08:20 Fighting for Proper School Placement

12:12 Language Barriers and Advocacy Challenges

20:21 Dealing with School System Biases

25:41 Community Advocacy and Support

35:19 Understanding IEPs and Evaluation Processes

45:24 Self-Care and Emotional Resilience

50:40 Empowering Parents and Community Action

I am grateful for Mrs. Ngozi Ebinum, a fellow Nigerian immigrant and mother of three autistic children, for coming to the Podcast. Mrs. Ebinum courageously shared her experience navigating the New York City education system while advocating for appropriate educational services for her children.

Also joining the conversation was Rosemary Ofili, who spoke highly of Mrs. Ebinum's persistence and courage in ensuring that her children receive the support and educational services they deserve. Rosemary and her sister, Josephine, have also dedicated themselves to advocating for children and families within the NYC public school system.

For many immigrant families, navigating the American education system can be overwhelming. Parents may have limited knowledge of how the public school system works, what educational options are available, or what rights they have when their children need additional support. Many families may also be unfamiliar with resources such as charter and magnet schools, early-childhood education, and special education services.

For parents of children with disabilities, learning differences, or autism, the process can be even more challenging. An Individualized Education Program (IEP) identifies a child's educational needs, establishes goals, and outlines the special education services and supports the school will provide. Parents participate in developing and reviewing the IEP to help ensure their child's educational needs are addressed.

During our conversation, Mrs. Ebinum spoke candidly about the difference between expectations and the reality of life in America. She discussed her children's initial autism diagnoses, their individual needs, and the services they receive through NYC agencies and community organizations.

She also shared her family's experiences with organizations including the Kennedy Center and YAI, as well as her children's journey through the NYC public school system. She described what she experienced as inadequate and unprofessional services, along with biases and obstacles she encountered while searching for appropriate educational settings.

This conversation is about more than autism or the education system. It is about knowledge, persistence, parental advocacy, and ensuring that our children receive the education and support they deserve.

Mrs. Ebinum offers valuable advice to parents who have a child diagnosed with autism and to anyone supporting an immigrant family navigating special education. Her story reminds us of the importance of learning the system, understanding available resources, asking questions, and advocating persistently for our children.

I deeply appreciate Ngozi Ebinum for her generosity, honesty, courage, and vulnerability in sharing her family's experience with our community.

A special thank-you to Rosemary Ofili and her sister Josephine for the selfless work they continue to do in advocating for children and families within the NYC public school system.

As an African proverb reminds us:

“However tall a tree may be, it will never stop the sun from shining.”

Persistence matters. Advocacy matters. And when we continue to push forward, we can overcome the barriers standing in our way.

Listen, share, rate, and follow Pánsá Pánsá Podcast.

On April 9th, 2022, we held the third and final part of this ongoing conversation within our community. Dr. Kelechi Ibe Lamberts of My Black is Translational was the moderator of the conversation. Mr. Abdoulaye Cisse of BABA coordinated the chart conversation and other technical support. I gave a closing statement, and I am very grateful to members of our community who continue to contribute their thoughts, ideas, and expertise to the betterment of our community. Summary:This conversation explores the intergenerational dialogue between African immigrant parents and their children, focusing on the challenges and experiences faced by both generations. We emphasized the importance of community support, understanding cultural identities, and the need for parents to thrive in America rather than just survive. Participants share personal stories and insights on navigating dual identities, the pressure of familial duty, and the significance of self-care. It highlights the struggle to maintain cultural heritage while adapting to a new environment, the importance of financial literacy and health awareness, and the need for community support to navigate these challenges. Participants share personal experiences and insights on preserving African culture and the responsibilities of parenting in a diverse society. We explored the intergenerational dialogue between African immigrant parents and their children, focusing on cultural preservation, adaptation, and community support in the US. The panel explores the multifaceted issues faced by African immigrant communities in the US, including cultural identity, community engagement, and intergenerational support. It emphasizes practical solutions for empowering families and preserving cultural heritage while adapting to American society.

Takeaways:

It takes a village to raise a child, emphasizing community support.

Understanding parents' perspectives is crucial for bridging generational gaps.

Navigating dual identities can be challenging for children of immigrants.

Parents often prioritize duty to others over self-care.

Cultural assumptions can lead to misunderstandings between generations.

Children can help parents thrive in America by encouraging new experiences.

Self-care is essential for both parents and children to thrive.

Open dialogue about enjoyment and fulfillment is necessary.

The immigrant experience is unique and varies among individuals.

Community support can come from various cultural backgrounds.

It's easy to get burnt out without balance.Interdependence and duty to others are crucial in African culture.

Self-care can be perceived as selfish in some cultures.

Diverse immigrant experiences shape individual perspectives.

Cultural identity is a struggle for many immigrants in the US.

Fear of losing cultural heritage is common among immigrant parents.

Positive aspects of African culture should be highlighted.

Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Intergenerational Dialogue01:00 The Importance of Community Support06:11 Understanding Parents' Perspectives10:58 Navigating Dual Identities18:45 Thriving vs. Surviving in America24:02 Cultural Assumptions and Individual Experiences31:00 Self-Care vs. Duty to Others41:04 Cultural Interdependence vs. Independence42:28 Diverse Immigrant Experiences44:22 Cultural Identity and Parenting46:15 Preserving African Heritage49:24 The Danger of Cultural Distancing52:43 Balancing Investments and Responsibilities57:16 Positive Aspects of African Culture01:01:06 Navigating Financial Literacy and Health01:07:51 Creating Solutions for Future Generations01:22:40 Empowering the Next Generation01:25:35 Navigating Parental Responsibilities01:29:16 Cultural Awareness and School Involvement01:32:06 Understanding Systemic Challenges01:36:18 Creating Supportive Community Structures01:42:28 Building Connections and Compassion01:40:18 Embracing Ownership and Success01:45:24 Closing Reflections and Future Directions