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

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

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.

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 [https://nisaniwalser.com] * Episode Breakdown: 00:00 - Introduction to the Season Finale 00:12 - Guest Introduction: Nisani’s Identity and Heritage 01:28 - Exploring Garífuna Roots and Cultural Heritage 05:55 - Family and Community Connections 10:58 - Reflections on Cultural Diversity and Identity 17:41 - Preserving Culture Through Writing 20:45 - Grandfather’s Legacy and Resilience 29:06 - Conclusion and Farewell

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.

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.