We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Aisha Diori a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Aisha thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

The “Africa Everything” mission is a comprehensive initiative focused on empowering the West African continent through education and cultural enrichment. It aims to ignite minds, challenge negative narratives about Africa, and ultimately transform the futures of young Africans.

The “Africa Everything” mission is driven by a belief in the potential of young Africans and a commitment to empowering them to reach their full potential. By providing access to education, celebrating African culture, and challenging negative stereotypes, the mission hopes to inspire the next generation of African leaders and innovators.

Aisha, 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’m Aisha Diori, a Pan-Africanist and community advocate passionate about uplifting marginalized voices, particularly within the African diaspora and LGBTQ+ communities. My journey in this field began in the early 1990s when I founded the Kiki Ballroom scene, an HIV prevention initiative for LGBTQ House Ball Room scene youth and young adults. Over the years, I’ve worn many hats – event director, educator, talk show host, and cultural commentator.

Africa Everything is a manifestation of my lifelong commitment to celebrating African culture, empowering young people, and challenging harmful stereotypes. We provide a platform for African creatives, organize cultural events, and offer educational programs that promote cultural understanding and social justice.

We solve the problem of underrepresentation and misrepresentation of African culture in mainstream media. We challenge negative narratives and provide a space for authentic African voices to be heard. We’re proud of our impact on the community, from empowering young people to fostering cross-cultural dialogue. We’re committed to creating a more inclusive and equitable world where African culture is celebrated and respected.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Aisha Diori’s journey is a testament to her unwavering resilience and her commitment to empowering communities. Growing up in a diverse and dynamic environment, she was exposed to the complexities of identity, culture, and social justice issues from a young age. Her experiences working with the the LGBTQ+ community and growing up in the African
diaspora shaped her worldview and inspired her to become a vocal advocate for marginalized groups.

One of the most significant moments in Aisha’s journey was her involvement in the House Ballroom Scene which lead to her founding Kiki Ballroom scene in the early 2000s. This underground culture provided a safe space for LGBTQ youth to express themselves, build community, and find support. Aisha’s leadership and creativity within this scene helped to raise awareness about HIV prevention and promote positive health and life outcomes among young people.

The challenges and discrimination faced by the LGBTQ+ community fueled Aisha’s determination to create a more inclusive and equitable society. She channeled her passion into various initiatives, including organizing cultural events, hosting talk shows, speaking and conferences and providing educational programs. Through these efforts, she sought to challenge stereotypes, celebrate diversity, and empower marginalized voices.

Aisha’s resilience has been tested throughout her career, but she has consistently persevered in the face of adversity. Her ability to adapt to changing circumstances and her unwavering belief in the power of community have enabled her to overcome obstacles and achieve her goals.

Today, Aisha Diori continues to inspire and empower others through her work with Africa Everything. Her initiatives are rooted in her personal experiences and her deep commitment to social justice. By fostering cultural exchange, promoting education, and uplifting African voices, she is making a significant impact on the lives of countless individuals and communities.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Aisha Diori has learned many valuable lessons through her work with Africa Everything. One of the most important is the power of community and collaboration. She has discovered that by bringing together people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, it is possible to achieve great things. Through collective effort, Africa Everything has been able to create impactful programs, challenge stereotypes, and amplify African voices.

Another key lesson Aisha has learned is the importance of perseverance and resilience. Building and sustaining a non-profit organization is not without its challenges. There are often setbacks, obstacles, and moments of doubt. However, Aisha has learned that by staying focused on her mission and remaining committed to her vision, she can overcome any challenge.

Additionally, Aisha has gained a deep appreciation for the richness and diversity of African culture. Through her work with Africa Everything, she has had the opportunity to connect with artists, scholars, and community leaders from across the continent. This exposure has broadened her understanding of African history, traditions, and contemporary issues. She has learned that by celebrating African culture and promoting its values, she can contribute to a more just and equitable world.

Overall, Aisha Diori’s journey with Africa Everything has been a transformative experience. She has learned valuable lessons about community, perseverance, and the power of culture. These lessons continue to guide her work and inspire her to strive for a better future for Africa and its diaspora.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.africaeverything.org
• Instagram: @africa.everything.nyc
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AfricaEverything
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/africa-everything-b89620194/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkyxgNwQeEFxf0gxJUr44rA

Image Credits

Grant Shaffer : Black & White Images

Trubaker Brand Color Images Africa Everything Kumasi and Eastern Region Mission Schools In Ghana

Gerald Gaskin : NYC Scene with me and my Kiki Children