In this episode, Leoma James-Sarr shares her extensive experience traveling and living across Africa, exploring cultural differences, identity, language, and the dynamics of Black Americans reconnecting with Africa. Her insights shed light on navigating the continent with awareness and respect.

Key topics

Leoma’s background and travels across Africa

Cultural differences between African countries

Language barriers and lingua franca challenges

Perceptions of Black Americans in Africa

Gentrification and land ownership concerns

Identity and colonial legacies in Africa

The impact of history on African self-perception

Navigating privilege and doing no harm

Building community and supporting local economies

The future of African-American and African relations

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Leomas’ background in Africa

01:56 Travel experiences across Namibia, Tanzania, and beyond

03:49 Cultural differences and language barriers in Africa

07:00 Perceptions of Black Americans in different African regions

10:06 Identity, colonial legacies, and understanding oneself

14:59 The diversity of African countries and cultures

19:56 The impact of history and Black Lives Matter in Namibia

25:00 Gentrification, land ownership, and supporting local economies

30:05 Navigating privilege and doing no harm in Africa

35:10 Building community and fostering ethical investments

37:50 The future of African-American and African relations

Resources

Harambe House Global – https://harembehouse.org

Black Lives Matter Movement – https://blacklivesmatter.com

Africa Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) – https://au.int/en/ti/afcfta

Peace Corps Namibia – https://www.peacecorps.gov/namibia

Learn Swahili in Tanzania – Department of Defense Fellowship – https://www.defense.gov

Ghana Year of Return – https://visitghana.com/ghana-year-of-return/

guest links