Recap: Diaspora Diaries (UK)

On October 17th, 2024, Openspace in collaboration with Afropark, New Comma, Reformation Community and London School of Economics(LSE) hosted Diaspora Diaries, a thought-provoking event that brought together Africans in London to explore the realities of life abroad and the complexities of the diaspora experience. Both speakers and moderators played a key role in guiding an open and reflective discussion on identity, belonging, and the unique challenges faced by diaspora communities.

Moderators at the event: Sydney Sam(left) and Ewurama Jenkins(right)

The event opened with introductions, giving attendees a chance to connect over shared experiences and cultural backgrounds. A lively icebreaker session followed, prompting participants to reflect on questions about their backgrounds, such as their country of origin and whether they were born or moved to the UK. This encouraged immediate engagement and set a welcoming tone.

As the discussion deepened, participants delved into "Uncomfortable Truths," addressing the misconceptions about life in the UK held by those back home, as well as personal “reality checks” and evolving perspectives on identity. Attendees shared diverse perspectives on comparing life in the UK with home, discussing critical aspects like quality of life, mental health, and building community, which generated lively debate.

Attendees at the event

Key takeaways included:

1. Embracing the duality of identity: Many attendees reflected on the evolving nature of their identity, finding ways to blend elements of their heritage with life in the UK.

2. Choosing home thoughtfully: From career growth to raising families, insights on the best environments to achieve personal goals were shared, highlighting the strengths and challenges of living abroad.

3. Reflective journeys: The session closed with thoughts on fostering a mindset that values both the positives and struggles of the diaspora journey, encouraging all attendees to embrace their unique paths.

   
   

Diaspora Diaries offered an inclusive platform to celebrate and critically examine the experiences of Africans living abroad, prompting a final question to consider: How do we strengthen and redefine our communities and identities in a globalized world?

Credits: Euriel Adjokatcher