Event Recap: Diaspora - Stories from Home
“So, here you are
too foreign for home
too foreign for here.
Never enough for both”
Diaspora blues by Ijeoma Umebinyuo
Being a child of various diasporas and cultures meant growing up with a complicated relationship with my heritage, my identity and my sense of self. I listened to a lot of Latin American music through my mother, and my father having had a multicultural childhood himself, introduced me to Russian fairy tales, french films, and Spanish history and politics. Spending my formative teenage years living in Canada further complicated my understanding of identity – I spent a long time feeling like an outsider, and disconnected from my peers.
It wasn’t until recently that I realized it wasn’t that they didn’t understand me, but that I hadn’t taken the time to hear their own perspectives and experiences. Once I began listening to their stories, I noticed how many similarities we shared, and how the concept of identity is complex for many people.
This event was a perfect opportunity to connect with other people who had their own struggles with identity, and who wanted to learn about other diasporas.
We were warmly hosted by Eroica Caffè, a beautiful space in Eixample aimed at cyclist enthusiasts and those looking for a homemade Italian menu. We enjoyed a customized menu, with some Spanish and Lebanese wine.
When I decided to host this event I knew that unlike my past events, in which I would provide each guest with their own ‘fun fact’ relating to the discussion, I wanted them to teach me something. I asked each participant to tell me a little about what diasporas they belong to, and how they celebrate their cultures today.
We heard from Michelle, an Ecuadorian who grew up in Barcelona and is currently living in Germany, and her experience being a Latina in Spain. Daisy, an Italian who grew up in Germany, who shared how fashion made her feel closer to her culture. Mara and Jasmine, connected over their experiences being African American and not being able to know their family’s country of origin. Everyone had a great perspective and contribution to the conversation!
We discussed how despite the common narrative, social media helped many of feel more connected to our cultures. As well as the importance of representation, and how we keep our traditions alive even when living away from our ‘homes’ and/or having partners of different backgrounds than ours. It was an afternoon of lively discussions, laughter and connection.
We were fortunate enough to be joined by famed Afro Spanish writer, columnist, and author of Ser Mujer Negra en España, Desirée Bela.
One lucky guest also left with a goodie box, courtesy of Vermutem. Each box is filled with all the necessary items to enjoy the Vermut experience, including mediterranean aperitifs and vermouth for two!
THANK YOU!
This topic is so dear and close to my heart, I am so grateful of every participant who so willingly shared their stories and experiences with me.
Thank you to Eroica Caffè for hosting us, and creating such a great menu for us!
Thank you to Vermutem for providing the perfect giveaway for one lucky guest!
And lastly, thank you to Diana Delgado Pineda for the beautiful pictures, check out here Instagram too!
What traditions from your culture do you celebrate?
Let me know in the comments below!
RESOURCES
If you’re interested in this topic check out some of the links below!
Don’t ask where I’m from, ask where I’m a local by Taiye Selasi
The danger of a single story by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Where is home? by Pico Iyer
Ser Mujer Negra en España by Desirée Bela
Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Hija del camino by Lucía-Asué Mbomío Rubio
You can also read the interviews I did regarding this topic on the blog
