We were joined by Vanessa Nakate, a climate activist based in Uganda. Vanessa shares with us her experiences of becoming the activist that she is today. She shared her struggles and the roadblocks she faced when starting her journey and the tactics she uses to overcome those struggles. Vanessa reminds us the importance of having our voices heard; the voices of African youth, the voices of our future leaders. She also stressed the importance of representation, the representation of Africans and women in not only climate activism but of all aspects of life.
When listening to this session, ponder on this: Why is it important for YOUR voice to be heard? Why do we need the representation of black bodies in all aspects of life?
Instagram: vanessanakate1
Our board members Mihret, Mahilet, and Michelle sat down with Sitawa Wafula to discuss identity, community and mental health as an African in the diaspora. We shared our different life experiences and how they helped shape us into the women we are today. We bonded over the similarities we noticed in our lives and learned from the different experiences we have all faced as immigrants in this country. We want to thank Sitawa for allowing us to join her podcast and allowing us to share our stories and truths.
When listening to this podcast, ponder on this thought: What shapes your identity? What key factors and life experiences have shaped you into the person that you are today?
How does your identity impact the way you face the world and your community?
Website: www.mymindmyfunk.com
Instagram: sitawawafula
This year our international spotlight was an ecofeminist by the name of Oladosu Adenike. Oladosu provides us with some insight on the work she is currently a part of and how she got involved with climate activism. She highlights on how aspects of her identity influence her work and how each of us have our own role to play in environmental sustainability.
When listening to this session ponder on this question: What parts of your identity intersect with climate activism? How can you incorporate climate activism into your daily life?
Instagram: an_ecofeminist
Twitter: the_ecofeminist
We are joined by Dr. Kilimanjaro as she gives us insight on the current state of our nation and our world. She begins by reflecting on the privileges of certain groups in society and is honest about the shortcomings of our systems. She calls for us to not only take notice of what is happening around us but to create the change that we need to see. She challenges us to not only transform ourselves and our communities but ultimately transform our world around us. Dr. Kiliminagro closes off by inviting us to challenge the knowledge and perspectives that she has presented so that we can create dialogue and grow together as a community.
When listening to this session, ponder on these thoughts: How does each level (individual, community, and global) play a role in creating a sustainable future? Why is it important that we look at the three collectively instead of separately?