In this episode, I had the opportunity to sit down with Nana Asare-Nova Felder, a community educator, organizer, cultural worker, graduate of the City University of New York, and a lifelong student of African and African-American studies. Nana Asare was raised in a multicultural home by a Kenyan immigrant mother and an African American father, a Black activist, cultural teacher, and Harlem bookseller. He grew up at the intersection of two powerful identities that shaped his worldview, his work, and his commitment to unity within the global African community. For nearly two decades, Asare-Nova and his late father were a foundational presence on Harlem's historic 125th Street, selling books, DVDs, and cultural materials while offering lessons on Pan-African history—cultivating a space that inspired many, in exploring Black history beyond the classroom.

Summary:

During our conversation, Nana Asare Nova Filder shares his rich heritage as the son of a Kenyan mother and an African-American father. He reflects on the impact of his multicultural upbringing in New York City, emphasizing the importance of identity, community engagement, and the challenges faced by today's youth. Nana Asare discusses the evolution of street-level intellectual culture and its significance in shaping the political consciousness of African Americans. He emphasizes the need for liberation of the mind, the significance of education, and the responsibility of individuals to take charge of their own learning and community development. During our conversation, I also highlighted the importance of cultural identity and the need for unity among African people globally, advocating for empowerment over victimhood and collective responsibility for future generations.

Takeaways

Asare Nova Filder emphasizes the importance of understanding one's heritage.

Growing up in a multicultural home shaped Asare's identity positively.

The role of community engagement is crucial for youth development.

Street-level intellectual culture provided a unique educational experience.

The impact of technology on community engagement and activism is significant.

Today's youth face different challenges compared to previous generations.

Understanding trauma is essential for addressing community violence.

The importance of cultural connection in shaping identity is paramount.

Asare's father's experiences in Africa influenced his worldview.

The need for community leadership and engagement is critical for progress.

Liberation involves mental and emotional freedom.

Understanding our history is crucial for future progress.

Education is a shared responsibility among parents, community, and the system.

Cultural identity is essential for empowerment.

We must take personal responsibility for our actions and choices.

Unity among African people is vital for collective growth.

Empowerment is a choice we must actively make.

The time for action and community involvement is now.

Each individual has a role in shaping the future of the community.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Asare Nova Filder

26:26 Growing Up in a Multicultural Household

32:42 Activism and Community Engagement in Harlem

39:12 The Harlem Experience and Cultural Roots

46:55 The Evolution of Community Engagement

54:39 The Impact of Technology on Black Culture

01:02:44 Reflections on Youth and Violence Today

01:17:55 Liberation and the Legacy of Our Ancestors

01:24:31 Challenges in the Public School System

01:37:22 Community Responsibility and African-Centered Solutions

01:46:27 From Victimhood to Empowerment: A Shift in Perspective

01:56:30 The Responsibility of Community Engagement

02:02:37 Cultural Identity and Generational Wisdom

02:09:20 Building Bridges: Connecting African and African American Communities

02:16:39 Understanding Our Shared Culture and History

02:22:51 Empowerment Through Unity and Action

In this episode, I had the opportunity to have conversation with Dr. Nwakaego A. Nmezi, a renowned rehabilitation psychologist whose work bridges mental health, chronic illness, disability, and culturally grounded care.

Bio:

Nwakaego Nmezi a licensed Counseling Psychologist with specialty training Rehabilitation Psychology. Her clinical and research areas of interest are in addressing health inequities in cardiovascular health outcomes among marginalized and underserved patient populations.

Dr. Nmezi is a staff psychologist a MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital. She obtained her doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Florida and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Rehabilitation Psychology at Johns Hopkins University. As a clinician her principal focus is on helping adults adjust to acute and chronic illness which often includes focusing on the psychological sequela of physical health condition.

Our conversation focus on many of the issues addressed on her research on African immigrants. It covers depression, acculturation, cardiovascular health, access to mental health care, and aging. Dr. Nmezi offers deep insights into how the experiences of African immigrants uniquely shape their health outcomes.

Our conversation also explores the intersection of mental health and cultural identity among African immigrants, emphasizing the importance of understanding cultural nuances in mental health care. Dr. Nmezi shares personal experiences that shaped her professional journey in psychology, highlighting the challenges faced by second-generation immigrants in navigating multiple cultures. The discussion also addresses the stigma surrounding mental health in African communities and the need for culturally competent care. Research insights reveal the links between depression, acculturation, and cardiovascular health, underscoring the necessity of tailored interventions. The episode concludes with advice for healthcare providers and the African immigrant community on fostering open conversations about mental health.

Takeaways

The importance of cultural identity in mental health.

Second-generation immigrants often navigate multiple cultures.

Stigma around mental health is prevalent in African communities.

Cultural competency is crucial in mental health care.

Personal experiences can shape professional paths in psychology.

Acculturation affects mental health outcomes significantly.

Access to mental health care is a critical issue.

Normalizing mental health conversations is essential for community healing.

Physical and mental health are interconnected.

Healthcare providers should create space for cultural understanding.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

03:55 Dr. Nwaka Egu-Namzi's Background and Cultural Identity

07:29 Challenges of Second Generation African Immigrants

11:17 Cultural Perspectives on Mental Health

16:45 Influence of Personal Experiences on Career Path

20:14 The Role of Culture in Health and Healthcare

24:54 Cultural Sensitivity in Psychological Practice

31:07 The Interconnection of Physical and Mental Health

35:28 Understanding Mental Health Symptoms in African Immigrants

38:48 Understanding Depression and Its Symptoms

41:23 The Importance of Mental Health Conversations

44:56 Acculturation and Its Impact on Mental Health

47:52 The Link Between Depression and Cardiovascular Health

51:47 Acculturation Patterns Among Older Immigrants

53:19 Access to Mental Health Care Services

55:58 Cultural Sensitivity in Healthcare

01:00:02 Normalizing Mental Health Discussions

01:06:06 Advice for Healthcare Providers and Immigrants

In this insightful episode, I had the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Oluwabunmi Ogungbe, an assistant professor at Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Groundbreaking research she conducted includes:

1. Migration-Related Weight Changes among African Immigrants in the United States

2. Acculturation and Cardiovascular Risk Screening among African Immigrants: The African Immigrant Health Study

3. Social determinants of hypertension and diabetes among African immigrants: the African immigrants' health study:

In the initial part of our conversation, Dr. Ogungbe shares her personal journey as an immigrant from Nigeria navigating America's educational and social systems. Most of our discussion focused on her groundbreaking research on the cardiovascular health of African immigrants in the United States. Ogungbe unpacks the connections among migration, lifestyle changes, stress, and their impact on cardiovascular health.

We explore how acculturation, food choices, underemployment, and discrimination can contribute to an increase in rates of obesity, hypertension, and diabetes among African immigrants. Dr. Ogungbe provides insightful, culturally tailored health interventions. Dr. Ogundge emphasizes the need for more research focused on African immigrant populations to understand their unique health needs and improve health outcomes.

Dr. Ogungbe discusses the difficulties that the generation members of our community face in participating in research, and she explains the importance of participating in research studies. She indicated that participation helps ensure that our real experiences, health needs, and challenges are accurately represented. When our community hesitates or avoids participating in studies, we must understand that the data collected shapes policies, healthcare practices, and resources available to our community. As she related during our conversation, incomplete data would reflect the realities of African immigrants regarding the kind of care they receive when it comes to health care. By showing up and engaging in research, you help create knowledge that can lead to better services, culturally informed interventions, and improved health outcomes. Our voices matter, and participating is one of the most potent ways to make sure they are heard.

Takeaways

Cardiovascular health is a critical issue for African immigrants in the U.S.

Migration impacts health through various factors like stress and access to care.

Cultural practices influence dietary habits and health outcomes.

Acculturation can lead to unhealthy lifestyle changes among immigrants.

Community support plays a vital role in health and well-being.

Preventive care is essential for managing chronic conditions.

Discrimination and isolation contribute to health disparities.

BMI may not accurately reflect health risks for diverse populations.

Tailored health interventions can improve health outcomes for African immigrants.

Participation in research is crucial for understanding and addressing health issues.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Cardiovascular Health in Immigrants

03:35 Personal Journey and Migration Experiences

14:13 Challenges Faced by African Immigrants in the U.S.

20:19 The Sense of Possibility in America

22:20 Research Focus on Cardiovascular Health

26:49 The Importance of Distinct Data for African Immigrants

30:44 Acculturation and Its Impact on Health

32:16 Educational Attainment and Health Outcomes

34:50 Psychosocial Stressors and Health Implications

38:46 Cultural Influences on Health and Diet

45:44 The Impact of Stress and Discrimination on Health

52:40 Rethinking Health Metrics: The Case for BMI

01:01:40 Effective Health Interventions for African Immigrants

01:13:44 Community and Cultural Approaches to Health