Our Founder
Our Founder
Juliet Anekwe, JDFounder/CEO
Juliet Anekwe is originally from Nigeria. After living in California for several years, she relocated to Maryland with her family. She holds a Bachelor’s (BBA) in Business Administration and a Law degree (JD). The combination of her hope to see a united world and her love for people has inspired her to actualize her dream to see the African diaspora unite, especially for the sake of the younger generation.
Our founder envisions Diaspora Village as a cultural experience for all people, a place where we can nourish the spirit, mind, and soul of everyone who enters. Our hope is that those who are touched by the love and support here will go on to share that Grace with the world.
Message from the Founder
We Africans in the diaspora are a people with a vibrant, spirit-filled culture and rich traditions. Yet, being so far from home, it appears as though we have distanced ourselves from the ancestral heritage that once united us. Our supportive and connected communities seem to have faded, and the question remains: where are the villages our children can call home? What legacy are we leaving for them here in the diaspora?
With rising levels of isolation, loneliness, and depression among our people and children, we must find remedies for these pandemics of the mind and soul. The challenges faced by Africans in the diaspora are multifaceted and deeply rooted in both historical and contemporary contexts. One of the most pressing issues is the fragmentation and division within the community, which often leads to a weakened sense of identity and belonging. The experience of displacement and the pressures to assimilate into a foreign country can result in a gradual erosion of cultural values, traditions, and languages. This cultural disconnection not only affects individual identity but also hinders the ability of the community to unite and support one another effectively. The lack of a cohesive and supportive network contributes to social isolation, particularly among the elderly and youth, leading to feelings of loneliness and alienation from both their heritage and the broader society. Another significant problem is the generational gap that exists within the diaspora community. Younger generations often struggle to connect with their cultural roots, while older generations may feel disconnected from the youth due to differences in language, customs, and lived experiences. This disconnection exacerbates the fragmentation within the community, as the lack of intergenerational communication and understanding prevents the transmission of cultural knowledge and values. Without a strong link between generations, there is a risk that the rich cultural heritage of Africans in the diaspora will be lost over time, leaving younger generations without the cultural foundation that is essential for their sense of identity and belonging. Social and economic challenges further compound these issues. Many Africans in the diaspora face significant barriers to economic stability and success, including limited access to education, employment opportunities, and social services. These barriers can lead to financial insecurity, which in turn affects the overall well-being of individuals and their ability to contribute to the community. Additionally, the lack of a centralized space where community members can access resources, support, and opportunities for growth further exacerbates these challenges. Without such a space, efforts to address the social, emotional, and economic needs of the community are fragmented and less effective, leaving many individuals without the support they need to thrive. The absence of a dedicated, culturally focused community hub also means that there is no central place where Africans in the diaspora can gather to celebrate and preserve their cultural heritage. This lack of a physical space for cultural exchange and preservation diminishes the visibility and vibrancy of African culture within the broader society, making it more difficult for diaspora communities to maintain their cultural identity. Moreover, it limits opportunities for cross-cultural understanding and engagement with the wider community, which can lead to further marginalization and misunderstanding.
With rising levels of isolation, loneliness, and depression among our people and children, we must find remedies for these pandemics of the mind and soul. The challenges faced by Africans in the diaspora are multifaceted and deeply rooted in both historical and contemporary contexts. One of the most pressing issues is the fragmentation and division within the community, which often leads to a weakened sense of identity and belonging. The experience of displacement and the pressures to assimilate into a foreign country can result in a gradual erosion of cultural values, traditions, and languages. This cultural disconnection not only affects individual identity but also hinders the ability of the community to unite and support one another effectively. The lack of a cohesive and supportive network contributes to social isolation, particularly among the elderly and youth, leading to feelings of loneliness and alienation from both their heritage and the broader society. Another significant problem is the generational gap that exists within the diaspora community. Younger generations often struggle to connect with their cultural roots, while older generations may feel disconnected from the youth due to differences in language, customs, and lived experiences. This disconnection exacerbates the fragmentation within the community, as the lack of intergenerational communication and understanding prevents the transmission of cultural knowledge and values. Without a strong link between generations, there is a risk that the rich cultural heritage of Africans in the diaspora will be lost over time, leaving younger generations without the cultural foundation that is essential for their sense of identity and belonging. Social and economic challenges further compound these issues. Many Africans in the diaspora face significant barriers to economic stability and success, including limited access to education, employment opportunities, and social services. These barriers can lead to financial insecurity, which in turn affects the overall well-being of individuals and their ability to contribute to the community. Additionally, the lack of a centralized space where community members can access resources, support, and opportunities for growth further exacerbates these challenges. Without such a space, efforts to address the social, emotional, and economic needs of the community are fragmented and less effective, leaving many individuals without the support they need to thrive. The absence of a dedicated, culturally focused community hub also means that there is no central place where Africans in the diaspora can gather to celebrate and preserve their cultural heritage. This lack of a physical space for cultural exchange and preservation diminishes the visibility and vibrancy of African culture within the broader society, making it more difficult for diaspora communities to maintain their cultural identity. Moreover, it limits opportunities for cross-cultural understanding and engagement with the wider community, which can lead to further marginalization and misunderstanding.