The Motherland and The Diaspora

Selam & Hello

In this episode, Lilly takes us on a journey through the lives of three Ethiopian and Eritrean students - Sophia, Daniel, and Mekides - from Blair High School in Maryland, USA. Their compelling discussion centers on the unique experience of being young diaspora members in 2023, an identity marked by cultural exploration, shared struggles, and a profound connection to their roots. They discuss their encounters with racism and the crucial role their heritage plays in shaping their resilience. They share personal stories of growing up in Silver Springs, a microcosm of cultural diversity, and how this environment has both challenged and empowered them. Our guests candidly discuss their respect and gratitude for their parents, acknowledging the sacrifices made to provide them with a life full of opportunities. Their conversations reveal the delicate balance of integrating into American culture while preserving their cultural identity passed down from their parents - a dance that is as complex as it is rewarding. They also talk about their high school group "We The East," a collective of East African students who, through shared experiences and friendships, help each other navigate the intricacies of their multifaceted identities. Navigating culture and finding one's identity as young diaspora members is a layered journey, one that Sophia, Daniel, and Mekdes have not yet fully figured out. However, they recognize that their language and culture have been instrumental in shaping their self-perception, offering them a vital link to their roots in East Africa. Hear their intimate accounts of self-discovery, of finding oneself while straddling two worlds - a journey that is as personal as it is universal.

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Music Credits: Lone Tree - Woman (ft. Bensoul)

Production by: Sahihi Africa Productions