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

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