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

Weyu Shameka
  • 5.0 (5)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

Labyrinth of the First Gen shares immigrant stories and spotlights first-generation entrepreneurs and diaspora voices navigating culture, identity, and opportunity. Hosted by Weyu, each episode explores the entrepreneurship journey, resilience, creativity, and belonging across borders. From artists preserving heritage to innovators reimagining industries, these stories reveal challenges and triumphs, inspiring listeners to embrace their labyrinth of possibilities, connections, and growth. 📅 New episodes every other Tuesday 🎥 Watch on YouTube 📬 Stay connected with our newsletter, Labyrinth

  1. Dance, Identity & Belonging: Jeannine’s Journey as a First-Gen Entrepreneur

    JUN 19

    Dance, Identity & Belonging: Jeannine’s Journey as a First-Gen Entrepreneur

    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 purpose 00:05:40 — Why she started a dance school 00:07:20 — Building a business rooted in identity 00:08:00 — Dance as pride and personal power 00:11:00 — Finding purpose through movement 00:12:15 — Living in France as a Black woman 00:15:00 — The paradox of racism in France 00:18:25 — Her message to Black girls: Joy is your birthright 00:19:20 — 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.

    21 min
  2. Electronic Sound Collective: First-Gen Immigrant Music & Diaspora Voices in NYC

    JUN 3

    Electronic Sound Collective: First-Gen Immigrant Music & Diaspora Voices in NYC

    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 Collective Whether 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 music How NYC influences artistic reinvention Building a music collective as a first-generation entrepreneurship journey Using sound to foster community, belonging, and diaspora connection For more information on Electronic Sound Collective, visit Instagram@ESCNY23 or Email Electricsound68@gmail.com

    26 min
  3. Finding Power in Your Roots with Ingrid Hu Dahl: Memoir, Queer Identity & the Legacy of Fierce Women

    MAY 27

    Finding Power in Your Roots with Ingrid Hu Dahl: Memoir, Queer Identity & the Legacy of Fierce Women

    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 families Memoir writing as a tool for healing and legacy Community building through youth empowerment Grief, ancestral memory, and reclaiming strength 💬 “Always be curious about people’s stories, their legacies, and their journeys.” — Ingrid Hu Dahl Tune 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 Dahl 00:0021 Episode Overview 00:02:00 Who Is Ingrid? 00:04:55 Growing Up Multiracial 00:08:17 Memoir as Resistance 00:12:00 Founding Rock Camp for Girls 00:17:50 Grief & Cultural Healing 00:22:14 Honoring Ancestral Stories 00:25:16 Queer and First-Gen Identity 00:28:11 Where to connect with Ingrid 00:28:57 Resources & Takeaways 00:29:20 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.

    30 min
  4. Rediscovering Roots: Garífuna Heritage & First-Gen Identity with Nisani Walser

    10/08/2024

    Rediscovering Roots: Garífuna Heritage & First-Gen Identity with Nisani Walser

    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.com Episode 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

    40 min

  5. 10/01/2024

    Fernando’s Mission: Preserving Afro-Brazilian Music and Culture Through Education

    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.

    43 min
  6. Belonging Across Borders: Maya Doig-Acuña on Afro-Panamanian Heritage and Identity

    09/24/2024

    Belonging Across Borders: Maya Doig-Acuña on Afro-Panamanian Heritage and Identity

    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.

    45 min
  7. Cultural Heritage and Social Justice in Bolivia: Fidel’s Radio for the Afro-Bolivian Community

    09/17/2024

    Cultural Heritage and Social Justice in Bolivia: Fidel’s Radio for the Afro-Bolivian Community

    Labyrinth & Ceremonia Hair Products Discount Code: LABYRINTHOFTHEFIRSTGEN at checkoutceremonia.com/LABYRINTHOFTHEFIRSTGEN Leave us a voice note: https://www.speakpipe.com/LabyrinthFirstGenSign up for our newsletter: labyrinthofthegen.comFollow us on Instagram: @LabyrinthoftheFirstGen This is a Bilingual Episode: English & Spanish Episode 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.

    33 min
  8. Mercedes’ Story: Culture, Resilience & Redefining Gender in Brazil

    09/10/2024

    Mercedes’ Story: Culture, Resilience & Redefining Gender in Brazil

    Labyrinth & Ceremonia Hair Products Discount Code at check out LABYRINTHOFTHEFIRTSTGEN ceremonia.com/LABYRINTHOFTHEFIRSTGEN Leave us a voice note at https://www.speakpipe.com/LabyrinthFirstGen Sign up for our newsletter on labyrinthofthegen.com Follow us on Instagram @LabyrinthoftheFirstGen In 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.

    35 min
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About

Labyrinth of the First Gen shares immigrant stories and spotlights first-generation entrepreneurs and diaspora voices navigating culture, identity, and opportunity. Hosted by Weyu, each episode explores the entrepreneurship journey, resilience, creativity, and belonging across borders. From artists preserving heritage to innovators reimagining industries, these stories reveal challenges and triumphs, inspiring listeners to embrace their labyrinth of possibilities, connections, and growth. 📅 New episodes every other Tuesday 🎥 Watch on YouTube 📬 Stay connected with our newsletter, Labyrinth

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