Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ermias Hagos. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Ermias, appreciate you joining us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?
When I reflect on my parents, one of the greatest values they instilled in me was discipline, alongside a deep appreciation for our culture. I was born in Asmara, Eritrea, where Tigrinya is our native language. Growing up, my parents strongly encouraged my siblings and me to speak Tigrinya at home while reserving English for use outside. This wasn’t to diminish the importance of English but to ensure we retained our native language and stayed connected to the rich tapestry of our Eritrean heritage—through its language, food, music, and other cultural traditions.
Ermias, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I was born in Asmara, Eritrea, and came to the U.S. at the age of three with my mother. Growing up as part of the small Black population in the Pacific Northwest, I felt a deep desire to amplify the voices and stories of our community. This led me to create The Black Experience podcast.
Through in-depth conversations with guests ranging from educators and entrepreneurs to artists and activists, I explore topics like cultural heritage, mental health, perseverance, and generational wisdom. What sets The Black Experience apart is its focus on underrepresented stories in the region, creating a space for authentic dialogue and inspiration.
One of my proudest moments has been seeing the podcast spark meaningful discussions and recognition from the local community and media. My goal is to educate, empower, and inspire listeners while fostering a deeper understanding of the Black experience in the Pacific Northwest. If you’re seeking impactful, authentic stories, I invite you to join me on this journey.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
In my view, one of the most impactful ways society can support creatives is by actively engaging with their work. This starts with tuning in, listening, and making a genuine effort to understand their vision and message. Engagement goes beyond passive consumption—it involves promoting their work, participating in their creative endeavors, and seeking to learn more about the ideas and stories they share. While not every creative will resonate with everyone, it’s important to identify those whose work aligns with your interests or values and take meaningful action to support them. Whether it’s sharing their work with others, providing constructive feedback, or finding opportunities to collaborate, these efforts make a significant difference. Supporting creatives is about fostering a culture of connection, collaboration, and mutual growth that enables them to thrive and continue enriching our communities.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
My mission is to inspire and amplify the countless stories and experiences of Black individuals living in the Pacific Northwest and across the United States. Through these narratives, I aim to highlight not only the diversity within our community but also the shared commonalities and intersections that connect us all as humans, regardless of our backgrounds. I deeply believe in the transformative power of storytelling and meaningful conversations. It is through these exchanges that we foster understanding, bridge divides, and celebrate the richness of our collective experiences. This is the heart of what I strive to achieve with The Black Experience podcast—a platform dedicated to authentic dialogue, empowerment, and connection.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/ermiashagos
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tbe_ermiashagos/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ermias-hagos-a68187223/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TBEermiashagos
