Episode 20 | First-Gen, ATLien (Part One)

Ebenezer Abelarian joins Rich and Kevin to share his journey as a first-generation Nigerian-American navigating faith, family expectations, Black identity, and politics. From growing up between Bankhead and Mableton to pursuing a career his father never imagined, Eb unpacks the cultural, generational, and professional tensions that shaped his path to becoming a political operative in Georgia.Topics📍 00:00 – Introducing Ebenezer Abelarian Rich and Kevin welcome Ebenezer to the show, highlighting their personal and professional ties, mentorship, and shared campaign war stories.📍 03:33 – Growing Up Nigerian-American in Georgia Ebenezer discusses his Yoruba heritage, childhood lessons about respect and culture, and the challenges of navigating African and African-American identities.📍 09:20 – Religion, Expectations, and Early Career Dreams They unpack how being a pastor’s son and a first-gen child influenced Eb’s sense of duty, his early dreams of becoming a firefighter, SWAT officer, or president, and how anime inspired his hero mindset.📍 18:12 – Discovering Politics and Defying Family Norms Ebenezer explains when he realized politics could be a career, his father’s skepticism rooted in Nigeria’s corruption, and why he persisted with his political science major despite expectations of law, medicine, or ministry.📍 37:08 – From Intern to Political Operative He details his first volunteer and paid political roles with the Georgia House Democratic Caucus, working campaigns across rural Georgia, and how a quest for Hillary signs led to meeting Rich—launching years of mentorship and opportunities.🐍 Mamba Mentality Award Ebenezer gives his Mamba Award to Rich and Kevin for mentoring him as Black men in politics, while Kevin honors Ebenezer’s father for ultimately supporting his son’s dreams despite initial doubts.