In this part of the conversation, Chika discusses her shift from mainstream journalism to founding Zikora Media and Arts, an organization aimed at presenting complex, authentic African narratives. Motivated by a desire to move beyond the stereotypical portrayals often found in traditional media, Chika established Zikora as both a media production company and cultural institution. Its projects, such as Diaspora Magazine, offer Africans living abroad a platform to share personal stories on diverse themes, from facing racism to preserving cultural identity. Chika supports contributors throughout the writing process, helping them shape these narratives with an emphasis on the full human experience, both struggles and joys.

Mike, inspired by Chika’s work, expresses his own vision for a project focused on the Pacific Islands. His aim is to build a platform that fosters deeper understanding of the region's unique post-colonial realities and cultural resilience. Both Chika and Mike acknowledge that colonial history cannot be separated from present-day narratives; rather, they seek to explore this complex legacy with nuance. Their projects reflect a form of cultural entrepreneurship that amplifies local voices and honors the intricate connections between historical influences and current identities in Africa and the Pacific.

Intriqued by Chika's work? Find out more here: https://www.zikoramedia.com/

Interested in what else Mike is up to? Find it here: https://sullyworks.com/

Chika Oduah was awarded the CNN Multichoice African Journalist Award in 2016 and named Trust Women Journalist of the Year by the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

She is the founder of Zikora Media & Arts, a media production company and cultural institution dedicated to illuminating the Pan-African experience.

Her accolades started rolling in when she became the investigative journalist of Boko Haram.

5:00 - Mike and Chika dive into the “ridiculous question” she and most of his guests often face as a Nigerian American and how her family came to the U.S.

6:30 - Chika shares what it was like growing up in an African American community as a Nigerian family.

11:30 - Being an introvert and finding her way into becoming a world reknown journalist.

13:30 - Her journey into journalism.

16:00 - Chika’s accolades and recognition began after she left the U.S. for Africa, where she became a leading reporter on the emergence of Boko Haram, particularly after her on-the-ground reporting in Chibok following the kidnapping of the schoolgirls.

19:15 - Reflecting on her commitment to illuminate the realities of Africa for the Western world.

22:00 - Mike and Chika delve into the complex experience of being an immigrant from Africa, including her interactions with the African American/Black community.

23:00 - Chika’s commitment to bridging cultural divides with empathy.

26:29 - Expounding on the challenges and dynamics of being a minority and the impact this has on lives.

29:00 - Mike reflects on his own heritage and the lasting effects of colonialism on his roots, leading to the discovery of one of Chika’s childhood fascinations.

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Welcome to the final episode of the Building Bridges Unscripted series! Mike pulls back the curtain, giving listeners an inside look at the journey of being an indie author and publisher. From his typesetter who donned a Superman cape to meet the deadline, to the predictably "helpful" feedback from his editor, Mike shares it all—including a few words about Taylor Swift, who just might come knocking for royalties after being quoted in the book!

If you’d like a copy of Mike's book, head over to his Shopify site. Enjoy FREE global shipping, plus his MasterClass (launching in November) included at no extra cost!

https://sullyworks.com/

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