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How Young Africans Experience the Diaspora

Wednesday, December 6, at 8:00 AM PST, 11:00 AM EST
Organized by the African Diaspora Network and Africa No Filter

Studies have shown that sports, entertainment, music, and film often portray Africa in a negative light. According to the “Africa in the Media” report published by The Africa Narrative:
  • Only 13% of entertainment storylines that mentioned Africa included an African character, and 80% of the roles were small.
  • Of 32 African topics tracked across all TV programming ranging from animals and culture to travel and immigration, only three had more positive than negative mentions: history, music, and sports.
  • Business and the economy accounted for just 8% of news coverage about Africa.

In June 2023, Africa Diaspora Network and Africa No Filter hosted a session with several African diasporan youth to explore “The Role of Youth in Shifting Narratives of Africa.” This session unfolded the pivotal role that the African diaspora plays in changing the narrative of Africa presented to us through sports, entertainment, music, and film. Young African Diasporan leaders are invested in creating change – whether it be in promoting a positive narrative in their daily interactions with fellow students and professors, creating impact-driven businesses with the continent in mind, and intentionally engaging in cultural experiences where they can be a part of conversations around Africa.

In “The Role of Youth in Shifting Narratives of Africa” we learned that African diasporan youth are resilient, changing the narrative of Africa despite what the media shows us of Africa. But how have the youth been impacted by this negative narrative?

September 2023, Africa No Filter released a study on “Being African: How Young Africans Experience the Diaspora.” The study explored how young African diasporans who live in the UK, France, and the United States perceive Africa, their identity, and their sense of belonging to Africa and their host country, given the impact of stereotypical narratives about Africa. Join us for a conversation with Natasha Kimani, Head of Partnerships and Research at Africa No Filter as we review the findings of this study and further exploration of how despite negative stereotypes, young African diasporans are able to flourish and redirect the narrative told of Africa.

Speakers

  • Omolayo Nkem Oyudo, Director of Programs and Operations, ADN (Moderator)
  • Natasha Kimani, Head of Partnerships and Research, Africa No Filter
Omolayo Nkem Ojo

Omolayo Nkem Oyudo

Director of Programs and Operations, ADN (Moderator)

Omolayo is a multi-lingual strategist and researcher with over ten years experience in international development and has worked with or for African diaspora communities across the US, Europe and Africa to mobilise, impact and advocate for their needs and interests. Omolayo holds an MSc with Distinction in Migration, Mobility and Development from the School of Oriental and African Studies in London. Prior to joining ADN, Omolayo was a research manager and gender specialist at DMA Global where she oversaw key projects for organisations such as the World Bank, IOM and others.

Natasha Kimani

Head of Partnerships and Research, Africa No Filter

Natasha is the Head of Partnerships and Research at Africa No Filter. Her work entails leading fundraising and resource mobilisation and research within the organisation and managing relationships with funders and all external partners. 
Before this, she was an Academy Fellow at Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs, where she focused on gender-responsive devolution in Kenya. She has also held senior positions at the Kenya Law Reform Commission and the Commission for the Implementation of the Constitution. 
A lawyer by profession, Natasha has extensive experience in public policy, constitution implementation, devolution, and governance in East Africa. She holds a Master’s degree in Public Economics, Law and Politics and a Bachelor’s in Law (LLB). She is also a Mo Ibrahim Fellow (2017) and a Mandela Washington Fellow (2016) and serves on Mzalendo Trust and Akili Dada boards.

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