Labyrinth of the First Gen: Exploring Identity, Migration, First-Gen Entrepreneurship

In this powerful episode of Labyrinth of the First Gen, we meet Jeannine, founder of WakaWaka Dance Academy in Lille, France, the city’s largest Afro-diasporic dance school. Born in Cameroon and raised in France, Jeannine shares her journey as a first-generation entrepreneur, leaving her 9-to-5 job to create a space where diaspora voices and young Black and mixed-race girls can reclaim pride, joy, and cultural identity & belonging through movement.We explore her entrepreneurship journey, the realities of living in a “colorblind” France, building community through dance, and how cultural spaces can serve as tools of resistance, resilience, and healing — a true example of how immigrant stories inspire creative impact.🕰️ Timestamps:00:03:00 — Quitting her 9-to-5 for purpose00:05:40 — Why she started a dance school00:07:20 — Building a business rooted in identity00:08:00 — Dance as pride and personal power00:11:00 — Finding purpose through movement00:12:15 — Living in France as a Black woman00:15:00 — The paradox of racism in France00:18:25 — Her message to Black girls: Joy is your birthright00:19:20 — The meaning of WakaWaka, inspired by Cameroon🌍 Keywords:#AfroDiaspora #BlackInFrance #CulturalPreservation #DanceEmpowerment #FirstGenStories #AfroFrench #WakaWakaDance #BlackGirlsDance #JeannineWakaWaka #LabyrinthPodcast #RoutesAndRoots📩 Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and follow us on YouTube @LabyrinthMap for behind-the-scenes, global stories, and travel reflections.

In this episode of Labyrinth of the First Gen, we sit down with the Electronic Sound Collective, a genre-defying music group born from NYC’s immigrant roots. These first-generation artists blend diasporic rhythms, Afro-Latin influences, and electronic sounds to create music that is both healing and revolutionary.From playing underground shows during uncertain times to intentionally creating music for peace, the Collective shares how their migration stories, cultural heritage, and life in New York City shape their identity & belonging, artistry, and entrepreneurship journey as a collective.“We play for peace very intentionally… to not only play for peace but to create peace within ourselves. Because if we're at peace, then the frequency that we push out is automatically of peace.”—Manifest, Electronic Sound CollectiveWhether you’re into global fusion, immigrant stories, or exploring how music builds cultural bridges, this episode dives deep into the power of sound as resistance, healing, and connection.🎶 Topics include:First-gen and immigrant identity in musicHow NYC influences artistic reinventionBuilding a music collective as a first-generation entrepreneurship journeyUsing sound to foster community, belonging, and diaspora connectionFor more information on Electronic Sound Collective, visit Instagram@ESCNY23 or Email Electricsound68@gmail.com

Discover the transformative story of Ingrid Hu Dahl—educator, queer artist, and author of Sun Shining on Morning Snow. In this powerful episode of Labyrinth of the First Gen, Ingrid shares her journey as a first-generation, mixed-race daughter raised in a bilingual home, navigating identity & belonging, grief, and cultural healing.🎸 From her days as a touring musician to founding Rock ’n’ Roll Camp for Girls, Ingrid shares her entrepreneurship journey and how diaspora voices and storytelling shape resilience, purpose, and community impact.🌀 Topics include:Queer and multiracial identity in first-gen familiesMemoir writing as a tool for healing and legacyCommunity building through youth empowermentGrief, ancestral memory, and reclaiming strength💬 “Always be curious about people’s stories, their legacies, and their journeys.” — Ingrid Hu DahlTune in for an intimate, honest conversation exploring immigrant stories, creativity, and the power of embracing your roots while building your own path as a first-generation creator.Episode Chapters 00:00 Intro to Ingrid Hu Dahl00:0021 Episode Overview00:02:00 Who Is Ingrid? 00:04:55 Growing Up Multiracial00:08:17 Memoir as Resistance00:12:00 Founding Rock Camp for Girls00:17:50 Grief & Cultural Healing00:22:14 Honoring Ancestral Stories00:25:16 Queer and First-Gen Identity00:28:11 Where to connect with Ingrid00:28:57 Resources & Takeaways00:29:20 Episode Wrap Up✨ Tune in and let Ingrid’s voice guide you toward honoring both your roots and the path you’re charting ahead.💌 Like this episode? Follow Labyrinth of the First Gen and leave a review to help amplify stories by first-gen and underrepresented voices. Visit [your website link] to learn more.

In the season finale of Labyrinth of the First Gen, host Weyu Shameka is joined by Nisani Walser, a Garífuna American from Brooklyn, NY, to explore the journey of reconnecting with one’s cultural roots. Nisani shares her experience rediscovering her Garífuna heritage through language, travel, and family stories, reflecting on how visiting ancestral lands fosters identity & belonging.Currently writing a book about her grandfather’s journey from Honduras to America, Nisani highlights how immigrant stories and family resilience shape her mission to preserve diaspora voices and culture for future generations. This episode celebrates the power of heritage, storytelling, and entrepreneurship journeys in cultural preservation.For more on Nisani’s work, visit: nisaniwalser.comEpisode Breakdown:00:00 - Introduction to the Season Finale00:12 - Guest Introduction: Nisani’s Identity and Heritage01:28 - Exploring Garífuna Roots and Cultural Heritage05:55 - Family and Community Connections10:58 - Reflections on Cultural Diversity and Identity17:41 - Preserving Culture Through Writing20:45 - Grandfather’s Legacy and Resilience29:06 - Conclusion and Farewell

In this episode of Labyrinth of the First Gen, we sit down with Fernando, a celebrated musician, educator, and cultural ambassador dedicated to preserving and promoting Afro-Brazilian culture. Fernando shares his journey from learning traditional instruments to advocating for social justice and cultural pride in the United States, highlighting how music can bridge communities and celebrate identity & belonging.Explore the roots and rhythms of samba, capoeira, and forró, and learn how these art forms reflect Brazil’s rich Afro-Brazilian heritage. Fernando’s work as a cultural activist and educator empowers marginalized communities, while his passion for cultural preservation ensures Afro-Brazilian traditions continue to inspire future generations.Connect with Fernando on Instagram to follow his ongoing journey and projects.Key Themes and Time Stamps:Afro-Brazilian Music and Culture (00:00-15:00): Explore the cultural significance of samba, capoeira, and forró.Fernando's Musical Journey (15:00-25:00): His path in music and dedication to Afro-Brazilian traditions.Social Justice and Cultural Preservation (25:00-40:00): Using music as a force for change.Teaching and Empowering Communities (40:00-55:00): Impact of Fernando’s work in Brazil and the U.S.The Future of Afro-Brazilian Culture (55:00-65:00): His vision for sustaining cultural heritage.

In this episode of Labyrinth of the First Gen, we sit down with Maya Doig-Acuña (she/they), an Afro-Panamanian storyteller navigating the intersections of identity, culture, and belonging. Maya reflects on her family’s immigration journey, growing up in Brooklyn, and the ways she maintains and celebrates her Afro-Panamanian heritage.Through intimate stories and academic insights, Maya illuminates the rich history of the Afro-Panamanian diaspora, exploring the legacy of enslaved Africans, Maroon communities, and modern migration patterns. She highlights the vibrant Afro-Panamanian community in Brooklyn, the importance of memory and place, and the complexities of belonging to multiple communities. This episode offers a heartfelt look into the Afro-Latinx experience in the U.S., celebrating resilience, culture, and the power of preserving one’s roots.Episode Breakdown:00:00 - 05:00 | Introduction: Maya shares her background and the significance of her academic work.05:00 - 10:00 | Family Roots: How her parents’ immigration shaped her identity and worldview.10:00 - 15:00 | The Impact of Community: The role of extended family and neighborhood in shaping cultural values.15:00 - 20:00 | Memory and Place: Navigating multiple cultural identities through memory and connection to place.20:00 - 25:00 | The Afro-Panamanian Diaspora: A historical overview of Maroon communities and heritage.25:00 - 30:00 | Afro-Panamanian Identity in Brooklyn: Preserving cultural traditions in the U.S.30:00 - 35:00 | Navigating Identity: Reflections on the complexities and rewards of belonging across multiple communities.

Labyrinth & Ceremonia Hair Products Discount Code: LABYRINTHOFTHEFIRSTGEN at checkoutceremonia.com/LABYRINTHOFTHEFIRSTGENLeave us a voice note: https://www.speakpipe.com/LabyrinthFirstGenSign up for our newsletter: labyrinthofthegen.comFollow us on Instagram: @LabyrinthoftheFirstGenThis is a Bilingual Episode: English & SpanishEpisode Description:In this bilingual episode of Labyrinth of the First Gen, we journey to Bolivia’s Yungas region to explore the transformative power of community radio in cultural preservation, activism, and identity. Our guest, Fidel, shares his inspiring story of founding a radio station that has become a lifeline for the Afro-Bolivian community, amplifying local voices and safeguarding traditions.Through Fidel’s perspective, we discover how his station addresses community needs, promotes social justice, and preserves cultural expressions like the saya dance. He also explains the cultural and social importance of the coca leaf to the Yungas people, highlighting the intersection of heritage, environment, and community resilience. Fidel’s work demonstrates how diaspora voices and local media can empower, educate, and sustain unique cultural legacies for future generations.This episode is presented in English and Spanish, reflecting the bilingual and multicultural richness of Afro-Bolivian life. Listeners will gain insight into the challenges and triumphs of a community working to maintain identity, culture, and social cohesion in the modern world.Episode Breakdown:00:00 - 05:00 | Introduction: Weyu shares her personal connection to Bolivia and introduces Fidel.05:00 - 10:00 | Meet Fidel: Background on Fidel, his community radio station, and his motivations for creating this platform.10:00 - 15:00 | The Power of Community Radio: How Fidel’s station amplifies local issues and provides a vital voice for the community.15:00 - 20:00 | The Role of Coca: Cultural and social significance of coca to the Yungas and the Afro-Bolivian people.20:00 - 25:00 | Preserving Cultural Heritage: Insights into the saya dance and the importance of sustaining traditions.25:00 - 30:00 | Social Activism and Community Development: Fidel’s advocacy and the social impact of his radio station.30:00 - 35:00 | The Future of the Yungas: Fidel shares his vision for challenges and opportunities facing his community.

Labyrinth & Ceremonia Hair Products Discount Code at check out LABYRINTHOFTHEFIRTSTGEN ceremonia.com/LABYRINTHOFTHEFIRSTGENLeave us a voice note at https://www.speakpipe.com/LabyrinthFirstGenSign up for our newsletter on labyrinthofthegen.comFollow us on Instagram @LabyrinthoftheFirstGenIn this bilingual episode of Labyrinth of the First Gen, host Weyu Shameka talks with Mercedes, a Brazilian economist, coach, writer, researcher, and music manager. Mercedes shares her journey navigating Brazil’s vibrant culture while confronting racism, homophobia, and femicide. She reflects on defying societal norms, including her marriage to a younger partner, and discusses gender roles, empowerment, and inspiring the next generation to break stereotypes. Presented in English and Brazilian Portuguese, this episode celebrates resilience, identity, and social change.

Labyrinth & Ceremonia Hair Products Discount Code at check out LABYRINTHOFTHEFIRTSTGEN ceremonia.com/LABYRINTHOFTHEFIRSTGENLeave us a voice note at https://www.speakpipe.com/LabyrinthFirstGenSign up for our newsletter on labyrinthofthegen.comFollow us on Instagram @LabyrinthoftheFirstGenIn this inspiring episode of Labyrinth of the First Gen, host Weyu Shameka talks with Catalina, a Colombian expat navigating life in Belgium. Catalina shares her journey balancing motherhood, career, and cultural adaptation while maintaining her roots. From raising bilingual children to building community in a new country, she reflects on self-discovery, resilience, and connection. Catalina’s story highlights the immigrant experience, offering insights into embracing new beginnings while honoring cultural identity.Episode Breakdown:00:00 - 01:48 — Introduction and Episode Overview01:48 - 04:22 — Meet Catalina: A Journey Across Cultures04:22 - 08:00 — Cultural Challenges and Adaptation in Belgium08:00 - 12:52 — Finding Home and Cultural Identity in a Foreign Land12:52 - 22:26 — Balancing Career and Motherhood in Belgium22:26 - 28:42 — Raising Bilingual Children and Navigating Cultural Differences28:42 - 31:11 — Building Community, Friendships, and Support Networks31:11 - End — Conclusion and Listener Engagement

Labyrinth & Ceremonia Hair Products Discount Code at check out LABYRINTHOFTHEFIRTSTGEN ceremonia.com/LABYRINTHOFTHEFIRSTGENLeave us a voice note at https://www.speakpipe.com/LabyrinthFirstGenSign up for our newsletter on labyrinthofthegen.comFollow us on Instagram @LabyrinthoftheFirstGenIn this heartfelt episode of Labyrinth of the First Gen, we sit down with Bruna, a Brazilian English teacher who recently moved to Uruguay with her family. Bruna shares her motivations for relocating, the challenges of adapting to a new culture, and teaching English and Portuguese in a Spanish-speaking environment. Her story highlights the power of learning languages at any age, building community abroad, and embracing change. A must-listen for anyone curious about immigrant experiences and cultural integration.Episode Breakdown:00:00 - 01:06 — Introduction and Episode Overview01:06 - 08:19 — Meet Bruna: A Brazilian Teacher in Uruguay08:19 - 16:01 — Teaching English and Portuguese in a Spanish-speaking country16:01 - 22:42 — The Power of Learning Languages at Any Age22:42 - 32:45 — Building Community in a New Country32:45 - 36:17 — Future Plans and Final Thoughts36:17 - End — Closing Remarks and Listener Engagement

Labyrinth & Ceremonia Hair Products Discount Code at check out LABYRINTHOFTHEFIRTSTGEN ceremonia.com/LABYRINTHOFTHEFIRSTGENLeave us a voice note at https://www.speakpipe.com/LabyrinthFirstGenSign up for our newsletter on labyrinthofthegen.comFollow us on Instagram @LabyrinthoftheFirstGenIn this powerful collaboration episode of Labyrinth of the First Gen, hosts Randie and Mikey of Black Millennial Marriage explore the joys and challenges of love within a multicultural marriage. Randie, a first-generation American from Guyana, and her African American husband, Mikey, share personal stories about blending cultures, navigating family expectations, and balancing the immigrant hustle with their relationship.Together, they discuss the influence of the “immigrant mentality” on love, the importance of communication and vulnerability, and the journey of building a supportive community. Their insights provide a relatable and inspiring perspective on sustaining a marriage where cultural identity, family values, and community intersect.Episode Quote:"And so like, you must do a lot of emotional feeling things to stay married. That just is what it is. Ain't no amount of money that Mikey can make; if he's not loving on me and making me feel safe emotionally, we can't be married."~Randie, Co-host of Black Millennial MarriageEpisode Breakdown00:00 - 05:00 — Introduction and Family-Centric Values05:00 - 15:00 — Integrating into Each Other’s Families and Navigating Immigrant Family Dynamics15:00 - 25:00 — Cultural Differences in Parenting Styles and Family Expectations25:00 - 35:00 — Balancing the "Immigrant Hustle" Mentality with Relationships and Mental Health35:00 - 45:00 — Vulnerability, Communication, and Building a Strong Partnership45:00 - 55:00 — Creating a Supportive Community and Sharing Personal Experiences

Labyrinth & Ceremonia Hair Products Discount Code at check out LABYRINTHOFTHEFIRTSTGEN ceremonia.com/LABYRINTHOFTHEFIRSTGENLeave us a voice note at https://www.speakpipe.com/LabyrinthFirstGenSign up for our newsletter on labyrinthofthegen.comFollow us on Instagram @LabyrinthoftheFirstGenPatreon Link patreon.com/LabyrinthoftheFirstGenEpisode DescriptionIn this powerful episode, Season 3 of Labyrinth of the First Gen continues its journey into first-generation stories and cultural narratives. Host Weyu Shameka welcomes Sadia Nawab, a cultural organizer from Chicago. Sadia shares her experiences growing up in a Muslim Palestinian community, shaped by her Pashtun heritage, and reflects on her impactful journey to connect with other muslim communities around the world.Listen as Sadia discusses the importance of collectivity, the significance of communal living, and the ongoing work to preserve and celebrate cultural identities within the U.S. Despite challenges like surveillance and systemic oppression, Sadia’s story is one of resilience, faith, and community. Join us for an insightful conversation about the intersections of identity, activism, and the power of cultural heritage.Episode Breakdown00:00 — Introduction to Season 301:58 — Guest Introduction: Sadia Nawab03:02 — Exploring Identity and Activism05:30 — Cultural Organizing and Community Building07:12 — Collective Living and Family Dynamics11:59 — Faith and Community Connections17:38 — Growing Up in ‘Little Palestine’21:01 — Surveillance and Community Resilience32:44 — Current Projects and Future Goals38:40 — Conclusion and Next Episode PreviewSupport this podcast at — Advertising Inquiries: Privacy & Opt-Out:

Leave us a voice note to share your favorite moments in the episode https://www.speakpipe.com/LabyrinthFirstGen Sign up for our newsletter on the website https://labyrinthfirstgen.com/blog/ Follow us on Instagram @LabyrinthoftheFirstGen Donate to the Labyrinth of the First-Gen In this episode of Labyrinth of the First Gen podcast, we kick off Season 3 with the story of three Bolivian brothers who started the Bolivian Llama Party, a renowned Bolivian-American restaurant in Queens, New York. Hosts Alex, Patrick, and David Oropeza discuss their unique journey from street fairs to owning a restaurant featured in the New York Times. They delve into their experiences of navigating dual identities, the influence of their immigrant parents, and how they've redefined Bolivian cuisine in a modern American setting. Tune in to hear about the challenges and joys of preserving and innovating cultural heritage through food. Quote Snippet "I think that the benefit that we have, which is becoming our identity is that. We're able to look at those things and study them, talk about them before we digest them, and add on to them the way that we see fit because we're not really Bolivian. We're not really American either. Being able to kind of create our own unique identity that is based on the identity of being half there, half here." ~ Patrick, Co-owner of Bolivian Llama Party Episode Breakdown 00:00 Welcome and Announcements 01:40 Introducing Season Three 03:40 Meet the Bolivian Brothers 04:22 Inspiration and Influences 07:56 Navigating Identity 14:51 The Journey of Bolivian Llama Party 19:25 The Unique Flavor of Bolivian Food 35:54 Challenges and Acceptance 39:02 Closing Remarks and Call to Action Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/labyrinth-of-the-first-gen/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Labyrinth & Ceremonia Hair Products Discount Code at check out LABYRINTHOFTHEFIRTSTGEN ceremonia.com/LABYRINTHOFTHEFIRSTGENLeave us a voice note at https://www.speakpipe.com/LabyrinthFirstGenSign up for our newsletter on labyrinthofthegen.comFollow us on Instagram @LabyrinthoftheFirstGenPatreon Link patreon.com/LabyrinthoftheFirstGenGet ready for Season 3 of Labyrinth of the First Gen, your go-to podcast for inspiring stories from first-generation immigrants worldwide. Hosted by Weyu Shameka, this season—Collective Missions & Transformative Narratives—premieres July 30th and brings powerful conversations around immigrant identity, cultural pride, and breaking barriers.What to Expect in Season 3:Empowering First-Gen Success Stories — Discover how first-generation immigrants are reshaping the meaning of success on their own terms, making waves globally.Bolivian-American Heritage and Identity — Meet the founders of NYC’s popular Bolivian-American restaurant, The Llama Party, as they share insights on navigating heritage and entrepreneurship.Social Change and Gender Equality in Brazil — Be inspired by Brazilian activist Mercedes Santos, who challenges traditional gender roles and promotes social equity.Navigating Palestinian & Muslim Identities in America — Delve into the complex experiences of first-generation Palestinians and Muslims building their lives in the United States.Don’t miss the premiere on July 30th and tune in every Tuesday for new episodes filled with resilience, culture, and transformative stories. Subscribe now to join the journey of breaking generational barriers and embracing first-gen experiences!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/labyrinth-of-the-first-gen/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Uncover the US Virgin Islands' fight for self-determination in the gripping season finale of "Labyrinth of the First Gen" podcast. Titled "The Journey Towards Self-Determination: US Virgin Islands' Perspective," this episode offers a powerful blend of personal narrative, historical context, and expert analysis. 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. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/labyrinth-of-the-first-gen/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This Episode is Bilingual Spanish & English 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. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/labyrinth-of-the-first-gen/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/labyrinth-of-the-first-gen/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of Labyrinth of the First Gen, we delve deep into the foundations, challenges, and future visions of the organization, One L.U.V (Love, Unity, and Victory), 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. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/labyrinth-of-the-first-gen/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/labyrinth-of-the-first-gen/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 community's changing self-perception on race in Puerto Rico. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/labyrinth-of-the-first-gen/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy