From Devout Christian to Online Community Leader: Laura's Journey to Non-Religious Black Identity

 “I’m a pastor’s kid, so this is probably their worst nightmare.” — Laura ItemanA brave, generous conversation with Laura Iteman, a London based free-thinker and community builder on leaving Pentecostal certainty, naming the stigma non-religious Black women face, and building real-life community from a single TikTok call-out. From the cost of deconstruction to creating Non-Religious Black London Girlies, Laura maps a path that’s honest, careful, and hopeful: keep the culture, drop the dogma, and rebuild the village offline.🎙️ In this episodeLaura's roots in the Church and relationship with family & friendsRCCG scale, culture, and how church becomes “the village”Turning points, apologetics, and textual doubtAgnostic honesty: holding space for uncertainty without shame“Why Black? Why women?” — safety, realism and representationFrom TikTok → Discord → Regent’s Park picnic (why in-person matters)The power of community & collaborationDealing with the backlash and setting boundaries🔗 Connect with LauraTikTok: @lauraunfiltered2X (Twitter): @lauraI_Discord: access available via DM Thanks for listening to the Secular Sankofa Podcast, produced by the Association of Black Humanists (ABH). If you enjoy the show, please follow, rate, and review — it helps more people discover Black humanist voices.Stay connected with us:🌍 Meetup: association-of-black-humanists👍Facebook: @AssociationBlackHumanists📸 Instagram: @abhumanists🕊️ X / Twitter: @abhumanists▶️ YouTube: Association of Black Humanists🎵 TikTok: @assoc_of_black_humanistsLearn more about our work and community at abhumanists.org🎙️ Podcast produced by Humanise Live a podcast production agency based in London, serving charities, companies, and individuals across the globe..Learn more at www.humanise.live or [email protected]🎶 Music: Icy by Jeff Kaale