Episode 80: Identity, Migration, and Belonging: A Deep Dive with Dr. Kirstie Kwarteng

Guest Name:Dr. Kirstie Kwarteng Summary: This episode explores migration, identity, and the lived experiences of children of African immigrants, featuring insights from Dr. Kirstie Kwanteng. We discuss the impact of immigration policies, cultural identity, community parenting, and efforts to preserve African history.Bio:Dr. Kirstie Kwarteng researcher, consultant, and strategist with nearly 15 years of experience at the intersection of migration, diaspora engagement, and international development. She helps organizations, governments, and communities understand and engage diaspora populations for economic, social, and cultural impact.She hold a PhD in Development Studies from SOAS, University of London. Dr. Kwarteng focuses on African migration and transnational experiences, particularly among children of immigrants. She has conducted fieldworks in the UK, US, and Ghana, exploring diaspora engagement in both countries of origin and residence.D. Kwarteng has a strong track record of managing complex projects, translating research into practical insights, and communicating findings to diverse stakeholders including policymakers, financial institutions, and international organizations. Her work has engaged entities such as the International Organization for Migration, International Fund for Agricultural Development, UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Impact Hub Accra, and the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in Ghana, among others.As a thought leader, She shared her expertise through guest lectures, panels, and community events. She has been featured on the BBC and Africa is a Country, and have spoken at forums including the UN Network on Migration, TEDxEuston, and the University of Ghana’s Institute of African Studies.Beyond research, Dr. Kwarteng is passionate about storytelling and cultural heritage. She os also the founder of The Nana Project, a digital archive dedicated to preserving firsthand accounts of Ghana’s history. Through The Nana Project, she has curated cultural experiences at The Africa Centre in London and Wax Print Festival in Accra. The Nana Project has been featured in events and exhibitions hosted by the V&A Museum, British Council, and Alliance Française.Keywords:migration, African diaspora, identity, immigration policies, community parenting, African history, Ghana, UK, US, cultural identityKey Topics:Migration within Africa and to the diasporaImpact of immigration policies on identityCommunity parenting and cultural preservationThe importance of oral history and archivingDifferences in immigrant experiences across countriesSound Bites:"Our history is interconnected with that of other places in Africa.""We are all black, but we are also unique in our way.""Documenting our history is essential for understanding ourselves."Chapters:00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest03:13 Dr. Christine Kuwanteg's Background and Research06:35 The Experience of Ghanaian Immigrants in the Diaspora11:43 The Creation of “The Too known Podcast”14:17 Comparative Experiences of Ghanaian Children in Different Countries18:41 The Impact of Immigration Policies on Identity22:46 Growing Up in a Ghanaian Immigrant Home27:44 Struggles of Being a Child of Immigrants32:22 Navigating Dual Cultures34:04 Navigating Multicultural Identities35:46 Cultural Conversations and Community Engagement37:22 Experiencing Discrimination and Identity40:16 The Role of Parenting in Cultural Identity44:07 Community Parenting vs. Individualistic Approaches47:21 Preserving Cultural Heritage and History53:11 Connecting with the African Diaspora55:31 Hope for the Future of Africa in the Diaspora57:17 Exploring Migration and Identity57:17 The Role of Podcasts in Cultural Conversations