Mohamed BA on Rediscovering Roots: A Conversation on African Identity and Legacy in the Diaspora

In a world increasingly shaped by globalization, where identities are often stripped and reformed to meet the demands of dominant cultures, the African diaspora faces a profound dilemma: how to retain and reclaim their cultural heritage while navigating the complexities of modern times? A recent conversation between Obehi Ewanfoh, host of the Obehi Podcast, and Mohamed BA, a Senegalese artist, educator, and cultural advocate, shines a light on this ongoing struggle.

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The discussion not only touches on the rich history of African identity but also delves into the challenges Africans face today, particularly those in Italy and other parts of the diaspora.

It is in these discussions, rich with history, pain, resilience, and hope, that the African diaspora finds a path forward, one that involves a deep understanding of their ancestral roots.

This is also a confrontation with colonial legacies, and a strong, collective resolve to rebuild what was lost. Mohamed BA’s words are a testament to this journey: “I always thought about us, not I. My grandfather always talked about his people and the generation before him.”

Understanding The Crisis of Identity: Lost and Almost Found

To understand the complexity of African identity today, one must first examine how it was shaped through centuries of oppression. The African diaspora, having spread across the globe—whether through slavery, colonization, or voluntary migration—has faced unique challenges.

In their adopted homes, many Africans have often been forced to abandon or forget their cultural roots in order to assimilate into other cultures. For those in Italy, like Mohamed BA, this disconnect is painfully evident.

In an interesting moment during the podcast, Mohamed BA reflects on a critical observation: “We have abandoned our history and who we are. We are running to climb to a house that is in front of us, but we are never there because we have abandoned ourselves.” This sentiment mirrors the experiences of many Africans in the diaspora who, in their attempts to integrate into societies that are far removed from their cultural origins, often lose sight of the very essence of who they are.

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In a Pew Research article titled “One-in-Ten Black People Living in the U.S. Are Immigrants,” it was reported that as of 2019, approximately 4.6 million Black people in the U.S.—or one in ten—were born outside the country, a significant increase from just 3% in 1980. The U.S. Census Bureau projects that by 2060, this number will more than double, reaching 9.5 million.

A similar trend can be observed in several European countries, such as Italy, France, and Germany, which have experienced a significant influx of migrants in recent years.

For example, the African population in Italy has grown significantly, with an estimated 2.5 million African immigrants residing in the country. This diverse community brings with it a wealth of cultural traditions, but also a history of alienation and struggle to preserve their cultural heritage in the face of overwhelming Western influence.

In 2013, we started a research project into the presence of Africans in northern Italy. That project has since evolved into a powerful platform connecting the vast African diaspora, which numbers in the hundreds of millions across the globe.

Today, this initiative continues to grow through our weekly LinkedIn audio live events , where we explore the art of storytelling—a theme central to my 2023 five-part book series, The Storytelling Mastery . This series emerged directly from the insights gathered during the research, building on two earlier works, The Journey: Africans in Verona and The Color of Our Children .

The situation of the African diaspora is not less acute for those in Italy, where the concept of identity is complex and layered. Mohamed BA, reflecting on his own experiences, speaks about the continuous tension between his African roots and his Italian life.

Read more at https://aclasses.org/mohamed-ba/