Have you ever wondered if you’re part of a diaspora or whether it matters to anyone else but you? Or maybe you’ve heard the term but aren’t sure what it really means? In this episode of That Second-Gen Life with Semhar, we break it all down.
At The Diaspora Academy, we rely on the IOM’s 2013 definition, which was first introduced at the Diaspora Ministerial Conference. It defines diasporas as “emigrants and their descendants who live outside their country of orgin or ancestry but maintain material and affective ties to their country of origin.”
These ties can take many forms—visits, language, culture, remittances, traditions like food and music, or even starting diaspora organizations, businesses, and campaigns. Whether you’re a first-generation immigrant, a second-gen balancing multiple identities, or even a fifth-generation descendant reconnecting with your roots, maintaining these connections keeps heritage alive.
But diaspora identity is deeply personal—it’s not something assigned to you, but something you claim when you recognize your desire to develop or maintain ties to an ancestral homeland.
This experience isn’t limited to one community or region; diasporas exist across cultures, shaping economies, politics, and societies globally.
One of the greatest strengths of the diaspora experience is its ability to foster innovation and cross-cultural understanding. Living between cultures provides a unique perspective that can drive change, whether through entrepreneurship, advocacy, or community-building.
Want to explore your own diaspora journey? Sign up for the Diaspora Leadership Program or register for a TDA Starter Course to deepen your understanding and take actionable steps toward meaningful engagement.
And don’t forget to subscribe to That Second-Gen Life with Semhar for more conversations on diaspora journeys, culture, and leadership!
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