What is WeDiasporan?
WeDiasporan is a youth empowerment organization that passes the torch of African and diaspora heritage to the next generation through digital storytelling.
We are not just an archive of past stories; we are a foundry for the storytellers of tomorrow. Our single, focused mission is to equip young creators with the tools, skills, and confidence to own their heritage and shape the future. We achieve this through our flagship initiative, Diaspora Memorial, an annual accelerator that trains and mentors young people to become powerful voices for their communities.
Our Story: From Research to a Revolution
Our journey began in Verona, Italy, in 2014 with a research project called “The Journey.” For over a decade, we were driven by a deep desire to document the untold stories of African migrants and their descendants, creating a vital archive of our community’s experiences through films and books.
Through this vital work, we discovered a profound truth: preserving the past isn’t enough. We must actively empower the next generation to carry it forward. This realization was the spark that transformed our organization.
We have evolved from a research body into a dynamic engine for youth empowerment, using our archive as the foundation for a new movement.
Our Method: A Focused System for Impact
To bring our vision to life, we channel all our work into two powerful engines that support Diaspora Memorial:
Community & Outreach Engine: We gather a vibrant community around our young creators. We connect them with elders for story inspiration, match them with professional mentors, build partnerships to fund scholarships, and celebrate their work at our annual Diaspora Memorial Gala.
Skills & Training Engine: We provide practical, hands-on training to give our youth a competitive edge. Our exclusive “Storyteller’s Toolkit” is an intensive program that teaches in-demand skills like smartphone filmmaking, podcast production, and the art of powerful narrative.
Our Mission: Empowering Cultural Torchbearers
Our mission is to empower a new generation of leaders by giving them the tools and the platform to own their narrative. We achieve this by:
Providing Tangible Skills:
We equip youth with the creative and technical skills to tell stories in today’s digital world.
Building Confidence:
We create a supportive space for young people to find their voice and reclaim their identity.
Creating a Platform:
We give their work a global stage, ensuring their stories are seen, heard, and celebrated.
Join the Movement
We are building a bridge between generations. We invite you to be a part of it.
For Young Creators (Aged 15-21):
This is your invitation to find your voice, master your craft, and tell the story only you can tell.
Discover Diaspora Memorial
For Partners & Supporters: We seek partners who believe in the power of youth and storytelling to create lasting change. Your support can fund a scholarship or sponsor a workshop for a new generation.
Discover Diaspora Memorial
For Partners & Supporters: We seek partners who believe in the power of youth and storytelling to create lasting change. Your support can fund a scholarship, sponsor a workshop, or help us showcase the work of a new generation.
Contact Us
For more information, feel free to contact us.