Labyrinth of the First Gen

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In the final episode of season two, the host shares about her father's side of the family from the US Virgin Islands, also discussing self-determination initiatives happening there. Dr. Sekou, a well-known professor and activist from the Islands, is interviewed providing historical context about political evolution and self-determination struggles in the region. They discuss the cultural overlap between the US Virgin Islands, the Caribbean, and the mainland US, the influences on political beliefs in the Islands, and the vision for the island to stand autonomous yet productive within or outside the US system in the future. Reference is made to two grants received by Dr. Sekou to elevate public political consciousness, with ongoing efforts despite natural disasters. A new business venture selling handmade jewelry from Latin America and the Caribbean is also introduced.

"So our quest has been trying to get, we must try to get our people to see this constitution as an important step towards decolonization in a small way. It is not the same as a big step towards independence or stakeholder-free association, but it's a, it's a small step towards greater self-governance." Dr. Malik Sekou

To Learn More About Dr. Sekou's work check out this article 

Self-Determination Initiatives in the US Virgin Islands

Episode Resources for the Fireburn Uprising in St. Croix in 1978

Episode Breakdown

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:12 Exploring Cultural Background and Heritage

00:39 Conversation with Dr. Sekou: Activism and Self-Determination

03:38 Historical Context: Migration and Community Building

06:31 Dr. Sekou's Personal Journey and Ideology

08:34 Political Involvement and Career in Academia

18:51 The Struggle for Self-Determination: Historical Perspective

23:28 Political Status and Self-Determination in Modern Times

27:40 Comparing Political Conversations: US Virgin Islands vs Puerto Rico

29:46 The Future of Self-Determination in the US Virgin Islands

32:02 Closing Remarks and Farewell

The Labyrinth of the First Gen yearly survey to get your feedback on Season 1 and Season 2 is here

Special Thanks to the Podcast Edits episodes 1-5 from Bear Beat Productions 

https://www.bearbeatproductions.com/

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This episode features Dorothy Bell Ferrer, a writer, part-time professor at the City University of New York, and a doctoral candidate in Spanish, Latin American, and Caribbean literature at the University of Puerto Rico. Dorothy talks about her journey and experiences as a writer, her approach to identity, and how it influences her writing. She shares her belief in the fluidity of identity and her disinterest in being boxed into specific identities, advocating against reducing one's identity to marketable, narrow brackets. She underscores the importance of viewing and presenting identity as multi-faceted aspects that evolve over time.

"Entonces el sector eh, bel año le digo estas todo artículo de de. 20 afro latinas que tiene que leer 20 negras que tiene que no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. En mi opinión, entiendo. El punto es visibili verdad o o verdad? Dar una, eh, un espacio, pero yo siento que también  escritoras es suficiente para mí, escritora y punto  que no tiene que poner adjetivo" ~Dorothy Ferrer

English translation of Dorothy's quote

You will see magazines that say, here are 20 Afro-Latinas that you have to read or  refer to black people in this way. Dorothy says, no, no, no. In my opinion. I understand, right? The point is visibility, to provide a space in this case, for these people.  However, I also feel.  The description of me as a writer is enough.  A writer period there's no need to put any other adjectives

To learn more and read about Dorothy's work please check out her website here https://lasandungaqueserepite.wordpress.com/

Episode Breakdown

02:26 Introduction to Labyrinth of the First Gen Season 2

02:55 Dorothy's Journey as a Writer

06:52 Dorothy's First Novel and Professional Writing

12:22 Dorothy's Perspective on Identity

25:28 Dorothy's Thoughts on Identity and Capitalism

32:25 Dorothy's Words of Wisdom

The Labyrinth of the First Gen yearly survey to get your feedback on Season 1 and Season 2 is here

Special Thanks to the Podcast Edits episodes 1-5 from Bear Beat Productions 

https://www.bearbeatproductions.com/

In this episode of 'Labyrinth of the First Gen, Weyu interviews Rokhaya, a Senegal-born mompreneur  based in Jamaica who moved from Canada with a vision to build her own business and break generational curses. Rokhaya shares her experiences of transitioning from a high-paying corporate job to running her own business, adapting to a new culture, battling obstacles, and building patience. She also talks about making peace with her past to heal her present, and discusses her plans to expand into healing retreats, facilitating the well-being of black women worldwide. In an encouraging and inspiring conversation, Rokhaya encourages the listeners not to see a gap in their CVs as a failure, but as an opportunity to rebuild their lives from scratch in an entirely new environment while redefining success on their terms.

"The success was really when I became a mother is when I saw the success because I was like, wow, I don't have to go back to a job when I'm feeling sick. I never had to call in sick. So. That's where I found my joy that thank God I set up this business beforehand, even though I'm not saying it's paying the bills or anything like that, but to just know that I'm free and that I'm capable and worthy of making that money for myself and breaking, as you said, those path and generational curse" ~Rokhaya, Mompreneur and Founder of Rokhaya Flow. 

Learn more about Rokhaya business called Rokhaya.Flow is a Podcast and Voice Coaching business aimed at helping Black Women and Women of Color wellness coaches amplify their brand voice through proven podcast marketing strategies. You can follow Rokhaya on Instagram at @rokhaya.flow  and onLinkedIn.

Episode Breakdown

00:36 Introducing the Guest: Rokhaya

02:34 Rokhaya's Journey and Identity

08:11 Rokhaya's Business Journey

15:12 Rokhaya's Cultural Challenges and Adaptations

23:34 Rokhaya's Decision to Move to Jamaica

31:18 Advice for Mompreneurs and Future Plans

37:01 Conclusion and Farewell

The Labyrinth of the First Gen yearly survey to get your feedback on Season 1 and Season 2 is here

Special Thanks to the Podcast Edits episodes 1-5 from Bear Beat Productions 

https://www.bearbeatproductions.com/

The Labyrinth of the First Gen yearly survey to get your feedback on Season 1 and Season 2 is here

Schedule 30 minutes to chat with me during my open office hours 

In this episode of Labyrinth of the First Gen, we delve deeper into the foundations, challenges, and future visions of the organization, One L.U.V working tirelessly to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community in the Virgin Islands and the Caribbean. Through the narratives of One L.U.V board members, Jamal, Jae, and Bobby, we explore topics like generational differences within the community, facing fears, challenges, and the idea of creating safe spaces. The episode advocates for respect, diversity in opinions, and coexistence, highlighting the need for resources and community support for the LGBTQ+ population now and in the future.

"I feel that if there were organizations like this, when I was growing up and I was still trying for what in the world is going on with me, that maybe I would have felt more comfortable  , in expressing myself much earlier. Then I came to figure this out" ~Jamal A. Potter, Social Media Manager, One L.U.V

For More Information on One L.U.V follow the One Luz Facebook page here

Part 2 Show Breakdown

01:50 Challenges in Starting One Love

02:48 First Experience of Pride Parade

05:41 Overcoming Personal Challenges

09:02 Generational Differences in the LGBT Community

20:34 Personal Missions and Visions

28:24 Conclusion and Appreciation

The Labyrinth of the First Gen yearly survey to get your feedback on Season 1 and Season 2 is here

Special Thanks to the Podcast Edits episodes 1-5 from Bear Beat Productions 

https://www.bearbeatproductions.com/

Follow the Labyrinth of the First Gen on Instagram

Sign Up for the Quarterly Labyrinth of the First Gen Newsletter on the bottom of our website

In this episode, we have a conversation with Jae  (he, him; they, them), Bobby(he, him, his), and Jamal (he, him, his) who are the president, social media manager, and board members of One L.U.V (which stands for Love, Unity, and Victory). One L.U.V is an organization focusing on activism, visibility, and allyship education for the black LGBTQ+ community based in St Croix, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Caribbean. Through their work, One L.U.V challenges perceptions of the LGBTQ+ community as foreign to the Caribbean culture while acknowledging the complexity of their U.S. territory status. The organization also conducts community activities with a focus on a black and brown LGBTQ+ audience, including educational panels and family-friendly events to foster inclusivity and cultural sensitivity. Despite facing barriers, Jamal, Bobby, and Jae highlight that many steps have been made to foster acceptance and understanding of the LGBTQ+ population in the Caribbean, however, the work must continue.

"We decided that we needed to be a part of not only the parade but the movement that was growing in the Virgin Islands so that we can represent our people and show that We have always been here. We were born here. We're raised here.  We give back to our community, not just in tax dollars, but, you know,  in brain power, you know, we contribute to the development of the Virgin Islands. So that's our reason for being to for existing and being here and serving our population and doing the work that we do. " ~ Jae, One L.U.V's President

For More Information on One L.U.V follow the One Luz Facebook page here

00:00 Introduction to One L.U.V Team

02:58 Origins of One L.U.V: The Founding Story

06:35 Challenges and Controversies: The First Parade

09:32 Confronting Perceptions: Being Gay in the Caribbean

12:06 The Intersection of Race and Queerness

21:35 Community Activities and Education Initiatives

28:25 Conclusion: The Impact and Future of One L.U.V

The Labyrinth of the First Gen yearly survey to get your feedback on Season 1 and Season 2 is here

Special Thanks to the Podcast Edits episodes 1-5 from Bear Beat Productions 

https://www.bearbeatproductions.com/

Follow the Labyrinth of the First Gen on Instagram

Sign Up for the Quarterly Labyrinth of the First Gen Newsletter at the bottom of our website

Labyrinth of the First Gen continues the conversation with Collective Ilé, an anti-racism organization working in Puerto Rico. Kimberly and Mayra their work on organizing black identity on census data, how the Black Lives Matter movement and tumultuous events of 2020 influenced their approach, and the Puerto Rican community's changing self-perception on race. 

Kimberly and Mayra delve into challenges faced, like addressing racism in a society that denies its existence, and the necessity to talk about race, acknowledging it as a socially constructed concept that still impacts lives. The role of community building and relationship reinforcement within movements in Puerto Rico and the intergenerational nature of their efforts are emphasized. Personal dreams, including creating a safe and fulfilling future for the next generation and finding genuine happiness and rest amidst ongoing efforts, close the conversation.

"I think that's my,  my calling here. And also because I recognize that the things that I'm doing today are going to have an impact seven generations after. And  that's an understanding that we also have  as a practice, as an anti-racist racist practice. I think that's,  that's a gift that we can receive, but also that's a gift that we can give to the future generations."

~Kimberly, Programmatic Director at Colectivo Ilé.

For more information about Colectivo  Ilé  check out their website at https://www.colectivoile.org/

Listen to the Coletivo  Ilé  podcast called Negras here 

00:00 Introduction and Overview

00:58 Meet Maya: Programmatic Director at Collectivo ELA

02:00 The Impact of 2020 Events on Puerto Rico

03:04 The Role of Census in Puerto Rico

04:34 The Success of the Census Campaign

07:59 Challenges in Anti-Racist Work

12:58 Intermission and Invitation to Join the Discussion

14:55 Generational Differences and Impact

21:06 The Importance of Building Community

22:57 Dreams and Aspirations

25:20 Conclusion and Contact Information

The Labyrinth of the First Gen yearly survey to get your feedback on Season 1 and Season 2 is here

Special Thanks to the Podcast Edits episodes 1-5 from Bear Beat Productions 

https://www.bearbeatproductions.com/

Follow the Labyrinth of the First Gen on Instagram

Sign Up for the Quarterly Labyrinth of the First Gen Newsletter at the bottom of our website

Myra and Kimberly are Puerto Rican women from Colectivo Ilé, an organization that has been campaigning against racism in Puerto Rico for the past 25 years. The focus in this part is on their understanding of race in the context of Puerto Rico, both historically and politically, and how this influences their work. They also discuss the impact of Hurricane Maria, and how it acted as a catalyst for change and a heightened understanding of their Afro-Descendant identity, particularly within a US framework. The episode concludes with a discussion about their involvement in the US-based Census and how they used it as a political tool to emphasize their unique racial identity.

"This is a labor of love and it takes all of us  to have that anti-racist future. It takes all of us. White, Black,  young kids, older people. It's all of us. So we have some, we are almost obsessed about talking about dreams because that's a way to manifest that future, that anti-racist future." ~ Myra, Colectivo  Ilé Administrative Director 

For more information about Colectivo  Ilé  check out their website at https://www.colectivoile.org/

Listen to the Coletivo  Ilé  podcast called Negras here 

Show Themes

00:00 Introduction to Colectivo  Ilé  

03:05 The Mission of Colectivo  Ilé  

08:08 The Impact of Colonialism on Puerto Rico

09:18 Embracing Black Identity in Puerto Rico

14:01 The Aftermath of Hurricane Maria

18:52 The Importance of Community and Home

25:46 The Impact of the U.S. Census on Puerto Rico

33:09 Conclusion and Contact Information

The Labyrinth of the First Gen yearly survey to get your feedback on Season 1 and Season 2 is here

Special Thanks to the Podcast Edits episodes 1-5 from Bear Beat Productions 

https://www.bearbeatproductions.com/

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This episode features an in-depth interview with Ingrid Gamboa, activist, and founder of Iseri Ibagari, a public health center for the Garifuna population in Livingston, Guatemala. She discusses her commitment to various health initiatives and the founding of Isiri Ibagri. She shares her experiences during the HIV/AIDS epidemic, the similarities of widespread fear during COVID-19, and her constant fight against systemic racism. Gamboa's efforts in setting up an HIV/AIDS public health center in Guatemala, with the help of Doctors Without Borders, saved numerous lives. She also emphasizes the importance of addressing the stigma and discrimination of HIV/AIDS patients, even after available treatments. Her role as an activist also touches on the struggle against systemic racism experienced by the Garifuna people in Guatemala.

"Yo tengo algo. Yo no soy indiferente a los problemas. Si algo no está  bien, vengo, voy, camino, pero  yo  quiero resolverlo. Yo soy así verdad sobre como se trata de mi comunidad."  Ingrid Gambao

English Translation 

"If something is not right, I will come. I'm on my way. I want to resolve it. I'm just like that, and especially with the way that they treat my community." Ingrid Gamboa

For more information on Ingrid Gambao and to support Iseri Ibagari in Livingston Guatemala visit 

http://iseriibagari.info/quienes-somos.html

The Labyrinth of the First Gen yearly survey to get your feedback on Season 1 and Season 2 is here

Special Thanks to the Podcast Edits episodes 1-5 from Bear Beat Productions 

https://www.bearbeatproductions.com/

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In this episode, Gloria Jean Rowe, an Afro-Guatemalan teacher, writer, and advocate recounts her journey of creating awareness about the Afro-Jamaican population in Guatemala by writing the book 'Guiou, Los Otros Negros, (The Other Blacks)'. The book highlights the contributions of Afro-Jamaicans to Guatemalan history and culture, an aspect often overlooked. Over a series of powerful anecdotes, Gloria emphasizes the importance of recognizing and preserving Jamaican traditions and the Afro-Jamaican identity. She explains her methods of research, her inspirations, and the impact her book had on bringing socio-political changes in Guatemala.

"I realized that they had lost their identity and their culture. And our traditions were going as well. So I wrote the first book for my family and community, and I self-published 50 copies and I sent it to them. And that's how this whole thing started because I wanted them to know who they were. It was important to me." ~ Gloria Rowe

This episode is a fascinating and informative look at the history and culture of Afro-Guatemalans. It is also a moving and personal story of one writer's journey to find their place in the world.

Episode Resources Used 

Alejandra Batres, The Experience of the Guatemalan United Fruit Company Workers,1944-1954: Why Did They Fail? 

The Labyrinth of the First Gen yearly survey to get your feedback on Season 1 and Season 2 is here

Special Thanks to the Podcast Edits episodes 1-5 from Bear Beat Productions 

https://www.bearbeatproductions.com/

Subscribe to the Labyrinth of the First Gen quarterly newsletter on our website

Join the conversation after you listen to this episode on our Facebook group here

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Diana talks about her journey to becoming a restaurant owner of Las Tres Garifunas, a well-known food staple for Garifuna (Afro-Amerindian) culture in Livingston, Guatemala. We discuss how she uses her platform to promote Garifuna/Black culture and activism around the world. She also shares her thoughts on the importance of Garifuna women owning their own businesses and furthering efforts to revive traditional Garifuna practices for youth in her community.

"Yo quiero dar a conocer mi cultura al mundo y esa gastronomía es importante. Sí, es entonces, aprendemos haciendo." ~Diana Martinez De Franzua. 

I want to make my culture known to the world and the cuisine is important and we learn by doing. (English translation) 

This episode is perfect for anyone who is interested in learning more about Black Garifuna culture and activism in Central America.  Learn more about Diana's Restaurant Las Tres Garifunas on her Facebook page here

The Labyrinth of the First Gen yearly survey to get your feedback on Season 1 and Season 2 is here

Special Thanks to the Podcast Edits episodes 1-5 from Bear Beat Productions 

https://www.bearbeatproductions.com/

Trailer for Season 2 

Season 2 Paths Created & Barriers Broken Launches in October 2023

When I think of first-generation I think about how it does not mean one thing. To be first-generation means that you  navigated and continue to navigate the labyrinth without a roadmap and carve a path out of the maze with little to no guidance. Season two called Paths Created and Barriers Broken will highlight the expansive definition of what it means to be first gen.

We will share stories of black leaders in Latin America and the Caribbean who are first gens that have created paths for themselves  and for their communities.

Stay in Touch with the Labyrinth of the First Gen

 By following us on Instagram @Labyrinth of the First Gen and subscribe to our monthly newsletter on labyrinthfirstgen.com 

The Labyrinth of the First Gen yearly survey to get your feedback on Season 1 and Season 2 is here

Special Thanks to the Podcast Edits episodes 1-5 from Bear Beat Productions 

https://www.bearbeatproductions.com/

Across the African Diaspora, Black land rights are being violated. At the peak of black land ownership after the civil war, African American farmers owned 16 million acres of land (Francis, 2023). Today, the cumulative value of African-American land loss due to land dispossession is $326 billion (Francis, 2023). Black land dispossession in the United States is not an isolated incident. Land dispossession also occurs across the African diaspora in Central America.

In this episode, Hervan Morgan a Belizean activist, talks about Serro, which is land that is collectively owned by the Garifuna population. We discuss the importance of Serro and black land ownership in the context of the Garifuna population, Central America, and the world more broadly.

 " The world right now as we live, as we journey through this earth. We don't have  high understanding, a deep understanding of justice and fairness.  It was something spoken about by Jesus Christ for many years, justice and fairness.  And so Serro is all about fairness."  ~Hervan Morgan

Resources for this Episode

Dr. Dania V. Francis.The Contemporary Relevance of Black of Historic Black Land Loss, American Bar Association, 2023.

The Labyrinth of the First Gen yearly survey to get your feedback on Season 1 and Season 2 is here

Special Thanks to the Podcast Edits episodes 1-5 from Bear Beat Productions 

https://www.bearbeatproductions.com/

39 minute listen

Alonso was born in Mexico and immigrated with his family to the United States as a child. He shares his experience of living undocumented in the United States. Under the Obama administration, he applied for DACA and became DACAmented. However, there were still constraints to living with an undocumented status that influenced his decision to leave the United States and find a home for himself elsewhere. He now lives and works in France.

"Over time, I realize it's the US context that constrains me is the US context that prevents me from finding a job. Of course, there were many resources that I was able to tap into in the US but there were a lot of constraints as well afterwards. So that's the idea of how it came up, well, if I can make it in the US I'm pretty sure there are other countries where I can try and, you know, find a job and basically live a normal life. Not a life that is kind of a second class citizen of the United States, not a life in the shadows, a life, you know, a life without fear." ~ Alonso 

Episode Resources 

DACA and Dreamers, American Council on Education, 2022

Undocumented Americans. American Psychological Association, 2013.

President Obama Meets with DREAMERS on the 10th Anniversary. Obama Foundation, 2023.

The Labyrinth of the First Gen yearly survey to get your feedback on Season 1 and Season 2 is here

Special Thanks to the Podcast Edits episodes 1-5 from Bear Beat Productions 

https://www.bearbeatproductions.com/

Leilani Chirino is a proud Cuban dancer and medical student who grew up in Miami. We discuss the challenges of creating and maintaining connections to our parents' homeland in majority White higher education institutions and environments. 

"My family was very stringent on not whitewashing. As kids, I went to a Cuban school. I spoke Spanish up until I learned English, I think in high school. I started talking in high school.  Our community was multiracial, multiethnic, you know, lower class, but it was beautiful." ~Leilani Chirino 

Bio 

Leilani Chirino is a Cuban medical student at the University of Pennsylvania. She took a gap year from medical school to teach Afro-Cuban folklore. Leilani's passion is in sharing the culture, rhythms, and dances of her ancestral homeland. She believes that you can be both a dancer and a doctor. 

Episode Sources 

Hansi Wang. 1 in 7 People Are 'Some Other Race' on the US Census. Thats a Big Problem. National Public Radio, 2021. 

 NOE-BUSTAMANTE, Luis. "Measuring the Racial Identity of Latinos." Pew Research Center, 2021. 

Ong, Rebecca. Remittances Grow By 5% Despite Global HeadWinds.The World Bank, 2022.

Seven, Zuva. Cultural Assimilation -How it Affects Mental Health. Very Well Mind, 2023. 

The Labyrinth of the First Gen yearly survey to get your feedback on Season 1 and Season 2 is here

Special Thanks to the Podcast Edits episodes 1-5 from Bear Beat Productions 

https://www.bearbeatproductions.com/

30 minute listen 

Malika Hodge, MPH who considers herself a humanization strategist,  talks about the intersections of the histories, contributions, and conflicts of the African- American and Black Immigrant (First- Generation) identity.

“Being first generation, you're not tainted. In the, in the harms of this country. Like you haven't been wrapped all the way in it.  You're just starting off the generational cycle here and I don't think people fully understand how harmful this place is the longer you stay here over time. So there was like a protective shield because of being like, you can't waste opportunity.”

Malika Hodge, MPH is a thought leader, coach, facilitator, health equity advocate, and organizational development consultant. She considers herself a humanization strategist, one is constantly facilitating a process with herself and others to create environments that center dignity and justice. 

Follow Malika Hodge at @humancenteredleadershipc on IG

To learn more about her bio check out labyrinthofthefirstgen on IG

The Labyrinth of the First Gen yearly survey to get your feedback on Season 1 and Season 2 is here

Special Thanks to the Podcast Edits episodes 1-5 from Bear Beat Productions 

https://www.bearbeatproductions.com/

37 minute listen

Born and raised in Venezuela, Seemi Choudry is the daughter of Pakistani immigrants who moved with her family to Chicago at the turn of the century. We discuss the intersections of identity, religion, faith, and her work as a writer. 

"Basically to sum that up is like, how can you be both Latina and Muslim? You know, that doesn't exist. And the truth of the matter is that it does exist and, and it's very common. But it's not dominant culture, right? And so certainly there's so much to be said about the way that we consume dominant culture and ultimately how that even affects the way that we feel somewhat supported in being able to articulate all the identities that we possess."

Seemi is currently doing an MFA and is writing the manuscript for her memoir. Find more information about Seemi's bio on Instagram @labyrinthofthefirstgen. To read some of Seemi’s work, visit her website at: www.seemichoudry.com. 

Episode Resources  Pew Research Study Religion Among Millennials

Check out the Labyrinth of the First Gen website: https://labyrinthfirstgen.com/

The Labyrinth of the First Gen yearly survey to get your feedback on Season 1 and Season 2 is here

Special Thanks to the Podcast Edits episodes 1-5 from Bear Beat Productions 

https://www.bearbeatproductions.com/

Follow the Labyrinth of the First Gen on Instagram

Support local artisans from our jewelry project Sonhos, History, Handmade 

Sign Up for the Quarterly Labyrinth of the First Gen Newsletter to Learn Funding Opportunities for your business at the bottom of our website

In this enlightening episode of 'Labyrinth of the First Gen', we engage in a deep discussion about the complexity of having a dual identity, especially when you're first generation. Our guest, Zaida Evelina Apolinario Chaplin, a 24-year-old researcher currently living in Brazil, and a first generation American citizen with Brazilian roots, shares her experiences of feeling connected to both her birthplace, New York, and her mother's country, Brazil. The conversation delves into the dynamics of culture, identity, and race, highlighting the struggles and joys of being a first generation immigrant. Drawing upon the poem 'Uncle Sam' by a Nigerian American first gen, Joshua Abba, the essence of duality in identity is further explored.

"I do love the dual identity that I mentioned earlier, it also can be a double-edged sword because at times you can feel like you don't fully belong to anyone or other community, and there are moments where obviously you do and moments where it's like, oh. Though my family is Brazilian and I was raised by a Brazilian and Afro-Brazilian woman.Like I was not born and raised here. Like my cultural references are different. My experiences growing up were different than someone born and raised in Brazil"

~Zaíra Apolinario Chaplin

Episode Breakdown

00:01 Introduction: A Poem About Identity

01:23 The Duality of First Generation Identity

02:29 Zaida's Personal Experience as a First Generation American

06:20 The Challenges of Dual Identity

07:47 The Impact of Identity on Understanding and Perception

15:10 The Influence of Cultural Background on Work and Future Aspirations

26:22 The Role of New York in Shaping Identity

31:15 Advice for Other First Generation Individuals

33:08 Conclusion: Celebrating First Generation Stories

Episode 5 References Joshua Aba, first generation Nigerian American Poet, You can find his poem here
Learn more about Zaíra 's bio on my Instagram page @ labyrinthofthefirstgenFor more information on the Labyrinth of the 

First Gen checkout my website: https://labyrinthfirstgen.com/

The Labyrinth of the First Gen yearly survey to get your feedback on Season 1 and Season 2 is here

Special Thanks to the Podcast Edits episodes 1-5 from Bear Beat Productions 

https://www.bearbeatproductions.com/

Follow the Labyrinth of the First Gen on Instagram

Support local artisans from our jewelry project Sonhos, History, Handmade 

Sign Up for the Quarterly Labyrinth of the First Gen Newsletter to Learn Funding Opportunities for your business at the bottom of our website

This episode centers around a conversation on the nuances of self-care and well-being as understood in immigrant families, focusing particularly on Southeast Asian communities. Guest Hyzel shares her community's cultural experiences and challenges in comprehending Western concepts of mental health, therapy, and self-care. The episode also touches on Hyzel’s personal experiences, the work she does with Southeast Asian women, and her journey in redefining her own mental health and well-being. Achieving well-being in the context of collective cultural identity, the potential severe mental health implications, and the generational differences that come into play were also discussed.

"In the South Asian culture where there is that concept of, you know, self care somehow loosely.  But it's, it's kind of frowned upon. It's kind of looked down upon. It's something you do in secret, and don't tell other people about it." 

~ Hyzel 

Episode Breakdown

01:07 Understanding Self Care in South Asian Culture

01:46  The Role of Immigrant Parents in Shaping Self Care

02:05 Hyzel's Personal Journey and Cultural Background

04:46  Impact of Cultural Upbringing & Southeast Asian Mental Health

05:49 Exploring the Concept of Love in Immigrant Families

07:22 The Role of Service and Sacrifice in Self Care

09:19 The Struggle of Suppressing Emotions

10:39 The Influence of Cultural Shock on Self Care

13:33  The Role of Religion in Immigrant Communities

16:51 The Journey to Redefining Mental Health & Social Advocacy About Mental Health

20:05 The Impact of Therapy and Counseling

32:12 Conclusion: Bridging the Gap and Navigating Cultural Nuances

Sources used  for today's episode

Ong, Cynthia. "Redefining How We Love." TEDX: Ideas Worth Spreading , 2022, www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DQzNkrxLKo

Kim SY, Schwartz SJ, Perreira KM, Juang LP. Culture's Influence on Stressors, Parental Socialization, and Developmental Processes in the Mental Health of Children of Immigrants. Annu Rev Clin Psychol. 2018 May 7;14:343-370. doi: 10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-050817-084925. Epub 2018 Jan 24. PMID: 29401046; PMCID: PMC6589340.

Mancenido, A., Williams, E.C. & Hajat, A. Examining Psychological Distress Across Intersections of Immigrant Generational Status, Race, Poverty, and Gender. Community Ment Health J 56, 1269–1274 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-020-00584-w

The Labyrinth of the First Gen yearly survey to get your feedback on Season 1 and Season 2 is here

Special Thanks to the Podcast Edits episodes 1-5 from Bear Beat Productions 

https://www.bearbeatproductions.com/

Follow the Labyrinth of the First Gen on Instagram

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In this episode, we hold an insightful conversation with Milton Gui, an advocate for the Garifuna language and culture. Designated as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, the Garifuna language is in jeopardy of disappearing. Surviving and thriving amongst the diaspora spread across Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Belize, and the United States, the Garifuna people battle cultural identity erasure while facing discrimination, indifference from the government, and increasing displacement. Milton shares his personal experiences growing up as a Garifuna in Honduras, moving to the United States, and his ongoing dedication to promoting and teaching the Garifuna language in the New York City diaspora community. He emphasizes the urgent need for collective action by the Garifuna leaders across the diaspora to preserve their rich culture and language for future generations.

"We have to do a great job in order to rescue our culture. I would not like to enter into my transition knowing that the risk continues. So the call is for everybody. It is our responsibility to save our language, save our culture, and educate about it. "

Milton is currently a Garifuna language teacher at Casa Yurumien, a Garifuna (Afro-Central American) culture center in the South Bronx. He is also one of the few translators for Garifuna asylum seekers in the United States.
 

Episode Breakdown

00:15 Introduction to Garifuna Culture

01:25 Famous Garifuna Artists and Their Impact

02:20 The Struggle to Preserve Garifuna Language and Culture

02:59 Personal Experiences Growing Up Garifuna

04:27 The Importance of Preserving Garifuna Culture

06:39 The Garifuna Diaspora and Language Preservation

08:32 The Role of Casa Yurumein in Preserving Garifuna Culture

09:24 Milton Gui's Journey as a Garifuna Teacher and Translator

09:42 The History and Struggles of the Garifuna People

13:20 The Importance of Language in Garifuna Identity

15:15 The Challenges of Preserving Garifuna Language in the Diaspora

Find out more about his classes and his advocacy here: https://beinggarifuna.com/?p=152

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Special Thanks to the Podcast Edits episodes 1-5 from Bear Beat Productions 

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In this episode, we explore the inspirational story of Dr. Ludwig Palacio, an Afro-Indigenous Belizean. He shares his journey of leaving Belize to study veterinary science in Cuba and returning with a steadfast commitment to serve his people, despite facing criticism and discrimination. Balancing his work as a veterinarian and passionate artist, Dr. Palacio continues to contribute to his community through his clinic while expressing the stories of his people through his art. In an inviting and frank recounting of his experiences, he shares the importance of preserving one's culture, the struggle of the Garifuna people, and the significance of art in creating lasting narratives. The episode concludes with a peek into his art gallery and his call for more sculptures, especially from young women.

"He said, you know what kind of, visa you have? Say this is a multiple indefinite. People would die for this. I'm like, I asked for a simple in-transit visa so I could have gone to the US, and also my relatives and friends invited me on several occasions, but I really wanted to serve my people. No matter what. That was my, my thing"

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For more information on the Labyrinth of the First Gen go to my website: https://labyrinthfirstgen.com/
 

Episode Breakdown

00:02 Introduction to the Journey

00:02 Discovering Belize and its Culture

01:06 Exploring the Art Gallery in Belize

02:07 Understanding Dr. Palacio's Story

03:26 Dr. Palacio's Childhood and Education

06:41 The Journey to Cuba and Back

14:26 The Struggle to Serve the Community

17:59 Facing Racism and Suppression

31:50 The Intersection of Art and Science

35:30 Conclusion and Reflections

The Labyrinth of the First Gen yearly survey to get your feedback on Season 1 and Season 2 is here

Special Thanks to the Podcast Edits episodes 1-5 from Bear Beat Productions 

https://www.bearbeatproductions.com/