Dr. Otito Iwuchukwua is a brilliant organizational psychologist, an author, scientist, and educator. She is a member of the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. She is a Pharmacist Scientist with a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, specialization in Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, from Temple University School of Pharmacy in Philadelphia.

Dr. Iwuchukwu, PhD, is on a mission to write books that help people connect with themselves, each other, and the world around them through stories. Her latest book, The Belonging Paradox, is a personal navigator’s guide to understanding oneself in relationship to others in various life spaces. Through individual belonging stories, research insights, and incisive reflection questions, the book encourages readers to perceive belonging and then beam it out into the world. When we belong to ourselves, no matter who we are or where we are, we can let go of the stories we tell ourselves as we reframe challenging interpersonal relationships. Otito believes that belonging is both personal and collective and is not an individual mission to be conquered. We need a community to reflect belonging fully. The Belonging Paradox helps readers see, in no uncertain terms, that if we truly learn to belong to ourselves, we can offer genuine belonging to others in our lives.

Summary

In this conversation, we explored the complex experiences of African immigrants in America, focusing on themes of migration, identity, and belonging. Dr. Otito Iwuchukwua shares her personal journey, discussing the challenges of cultural shock, navigating professional spaces, and the importance of mentorship. The discussion also highlights the significance of pharmacogenomics and the role of storytelling in fostering community and understanding. Ultimately, the conversation emphasizes the need for connection, cultural exchange, and the power of belonging in shaping the immigrant experience.

Takeaways

Dr. Otito Iwuchukwua the importance of belonging and identity.

Cultural shock is a common experience for immigrants adjusting to life in the U.S.

Navigating professional spaces can be challenging for immigrants, especially in predominantly white environments.

Pharmacogenomics is a field that studies how genetics affect drug responses.

Mentorship plays a crucial role in the success of immigrants in their professional journeys.

Racial dynamics in America can create barriers to belonging for immigrants and people of color.

The Belonging Paradox explores the complexities of feeling like an outsider.

Parents can help their children feel a sense of belonging by connecting them to their cultural roots.

Cultural exchange and storytelling can bridge gaps between different communities.

Chapters:

01:20 Exploring Migration and Identity

03:09 Dr. 'Otito Iwuchukwua Background and Family History

05:10 Motivations for Migrating to the U.S.

07:14 Emotional Aspects of Leaving Home

09:08 Cultural Shock and Adjustment in the U.S.

13:14 Finding Community and Belonging

16:04 Professional Journey in Pharmacogenomics

19:44 Understanding Genomics and Precision Medicine

22:00 Navigating Challenges as a Woman of Color in Science

27:31 Mentorship and Role Models in Academia

29:53 Navigating Professional Identity as an Immigrant

36:00 Understanding Racial Dynamics in the U.S.

44:23 The Concept of Belonging

55:59 Experiencing Liminal Spaces as Immigrants

01:00:10 Defining True Belonging

01:02:31 Nurturing a Sense of Belonging in Children

01:04:21 Cultural Connection and Identity

01:09:00 The Role of Home in Belonging

01:12:23 Navigating Intraracial Discrimination

01:15:04 Understanding Scarcity and Resource Dynamics

01:18:11 Empathy and Shared Experiences

01:22:15 Building Bridges Across Cultures

01:26:27 The Power of Storytelling and Community

To furtherconnect with Dr. Iwuchukwua please visit her website @ http://www.otitoiwuchukwu.com/

Migration is not just a change of geography, but it is a rebirth of self. Every immigrant, no matter race or cultural identity, carries two worlds with them. The world they left behind and the world they must learn to call home. In this episode, I have the chance to engage in a profound conversation with Mwangi Wanjao, a storyteller and writer from Nairobi, Kenya, now residing in Canada.

In this conversation, we explore challenges of migration, which includes identity, race, and the immigrant experience. Particularly, we focus on the challenges African immigrants face in predominantly white spaces. Mwangi shares his journey, cultural shocks, and the complexities of navigating dual identities while emphasizing the importance of authenticity and belonging. The discussion also touches on the impact of American racial discourse on Canada as well as the rest of the world, and the need for communities among diverse Black identities to address discrimination as well as their differences.

Mwangi Wanjau is a professional writer and blogger originally from Nairobi, Kenya, and now based in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada. His work boldly explores themes of identity, equity, and global citizenship. With a passion for uplifting the Black community and elevating underrepresented voices, Mwangi is recognized as a top writer on Medium in the “Race” category. His essays often weave personal narratives with broader social critique, offering sharp reflections on the African diaspora experience, systemic inequities, and the personal journey of self-improvement.

Through the lens of digital storytelling, he has built a platform dedicated to empowering those who don’t feel seen—reminding readers that their stories, identities, and truths matter. Whether unpacking issues of race, migration, or personal growth, Mwangi writes with clarity, purpose, and an unshakable belief in the power of words to drive connection and change.

Takeaways

Mwangi Wanjao is a storyteller and writer from Nairobi, Kenya.

He explores themes of migration, identity, and race.

Cultural shock includes differences in social interactions and community.

Coded racism in Canada often manifests as surface-level friendliness.

Identity can feel performative when navigating different cultural spaces.

Names carry deep personal significance and can reflect identity struggles.

African immigrants face unique challenges compared to Black Canadians.

Community among Black identities can be complex and nuanced.

American racial discourse influences perceptions of racism in Canada.

Authenticity is crucial for asserting one's identity in a new country.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mwangi Wanjao and His Work

03:30 Journey from Nairobi to Canada

05:26 Expectations vs. Reality in a New Country

07:33 Cultural Shock and Early Experiences

12:08 Understanding Coded Racism in Canada

18:06 The Complexity of Code-Switching

23:28 The Significance of Names and Identity

24:23 Reclaiming Identity Through Names

28:11 Navigating Dual Identities in Canada

32:08 Community Dynamics Among Black Canadians

35:09 The Impact of American Racial Discourse

38:05 Understanding Intergroup Discrimination

41:57 Embracing Authenticity in a New Home

Links to articles on Medium:

https://medium.com/an-injustice/what-it-means-to-be-black-in-canada-95f003499ac3?sk=f2628ff5f35b3a19694540a792bf0e5d

https://medium.com/about-me-stories/too-foreign-here-too-local-there-877213227efe?sk=70b3efd6af749bdd0f48d232cbcb01ae

https://medium.com/an-injustice/i-stopped-using-my-white-name-with-white-people-d8dfa60de65d?sk=291ba9e36fb2c3f11c380533bf89c828

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