Migration is not just a change of geography, but it is a rebirth of self. Every immigrant, no matter race or cultural identity, carries two worlds with them. The world they left behind and the world they must learn to call home. In this episode, I have the chance to engage in a profound conversation with Mwangi Wanjao, a storyteller and writer from Nairobi, Kenya, now residing in Canada.

In this conversation, we explore challenges of migration, which includes identity, race, and the immigrant experience. Particularly, we focus on the challenges African immigrants face in predominantly white spaces. Mwangi shares his journey, cultural shocks, and the complexities of navigating dual identities while emphasizing the importance of authenticity and belonging. The discussion also touches on the impact of American racial discourse on Canada as well as the rest of the world, and the need for communities among diverse Black identities to address discrimination as well as their differences.

Mwangi Wanjau is a professional writer and blogger originally from Nairobi, Kenya, and now based in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada. His work boldly explores themes of identity, equity, and global citizenship. With a passion for uplifting the Black community and elevating underrepresented voices, Mwangi is recognized as a top writer on Medium in the “Race” category. His essays often weave personal narratives with broader social critique, offering sharp reflections on the African diaspora experience, systemic inequities, and the personal journey of self-improvement.

Through the lens of digital storytelling, he has built a platform dedicated to empowering those who don’t feel seen—reminding readers that their stories, identities, and truths matter. Whether unpacking issues of race, migration, or personal growth, Mwangi writes with clarity, purpose, and an unshakable belief in the power of words to drive connection and change.

Takeaways

Mwangi Wanjao is a storyteller and writer from Nairobi, Kenya.

He explores themes of migration, identity, and race.

Cultural shock includes differences in social interactions and community.

Coded racism in Canada often manifests as surface-level friendliness.

Identity can feel performative when navigating different cultural spaces.

Names carry deep personal significance and can reflect identity struggles.

African immigrants face unique challenges compared to Black Canadians.

Community among Black identities can be complex and nuanced.

American racial discourse influences perceptions of racism in Canada.

Authenticity is crucial for asserting one's identity in a new country.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mwangi Wanjao and His Work

03:30 Journey from Nairobi to Canada

05:26 Expectations vs. Reality in a New Country

07:33 Cultural Shock and Early Experiences

12:08 Understanding Coded Racism in Canada

18:06 The Complexity of Code-Switching

23:28 The Significance of Names and Identity

24:23 Reclaiming Identity Through Names

28:11 Navigating Dual Identities in Canada

32:08 Community Dynamics Among Black Canadians

35:09 The Impact of American Racial Discourse

38:05 Understanding Intergroup Discrimination

41:57 Embracing Authenticity in a New Home

Links to articles on Medium:

https://medium.com/an-injustice/what-it-means-to-be-black-in-canada-95f003499ac3?sk=f2628ff5f35b3a19694540a792bf0e5d

https://medium.com/about-me-stories/too-foreign-here-too-local-there-877213227efe?sk=70b3efd6af749bdd0f48d232cbcb01ae

https://medium.com/an-injustice/i-stopped-using-my-white-name-with-white-people-d8dfa60de65d?sk=291ba9e36fb2c3f11c380533bf89c828