Joy Reid, Boris Kodjoe, Tiffany Haddish, & More Talk Mental Health | BIPOC

In this special One54 Africa collection for BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month, some of the most influential voices across entertainment, business, and culture come together for powerful conversations about mental health, grief, resilience, identity, fatherhood, racism, and healing.Bozoma Saint John opens up about losing her husband, daughter, and loved ones to tragedy, sharing how grief transformed her outlook on life. She explains why living with urgency means embracing the "width" of life rather than simply its length.David Oyelowo reflects on the challenges of bringing authentic Black stories to Hollywood, discussing the uphill battles behind films including Selma, A United Kingdom, The Water Man, and The Queen of Katwe. He also explains why he co-founded a streaming platform to create more opportunities for Black storytellers outside traditional Hollywood gatekeepers.Joy Reid shares her personal journey through Harvard University, the loss of her mother, leaving pre-med behind, discovering filmmaking, and how Spike Lee influenced her career path after moving to Brooklyn.Boris Kodjoe discusses how growing up in Germany shaped his understanding of racism, why becoming a present father became his life's mission, and why showing up consistently matters more than material gifts.Gabourey Sidibe reflects on watching one of her earliest auditions, revealing how motherhood transformed her self-image, confidence, and healing after years of insecurity and bullying.Celebrated chef Marcus Samuelsson recounts overcoming discrimination in Europe's culinary world, the moment he was told a Black chef could never own a successful restaurant, and how betting on himself ultimately led him to lead Aquavit and become one of the world's most recognized chefs.The conversation also explores growing up Black in America, confronting racism, the importance of parents preparing children for discrimination while protecting their confidence, and raising resilient families through love and truth.Finally, Tiffany Haddish discusses searching for her Eritrean father, growing up in foster care, healing childhood wounds, and discovering that children need presence, affection, family history, and unconditional love far more than material possessions.This special One54 Africa episode brings together inspiring perspectives on mental health, healing, grief, race, identity, fatherhood, resilience, and the power of community.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.