In the complex landscape of career progression, highly skilled migrant Black women face a unique set of challenges that intersect with colourism and ethnic hierarchies. These women, often possessing advanced degrees and professional expertise, encounter multiple layers of stereotypes that can impede their professional advancement. This article explores the intersectionality of colourism and ethnic hierarchies and how these dynamics manifest in the workplace, affecting the career trajectories of highly skilled migrant Black women.

Understanding Colourism and Ethnic Hierarchies

Colourism, deeply ingrained in societal norms, perpetuates biases based on skin tone within racial or ethnic groups. Ethnic hierarchies, on the other hand, involve the stratification of different ethnicities within a given society, often influenced by historical, economic, and political factors. For highly skilled migrant Black women, these intersecting dynamics create unique challenges as they navigate their...

It is with great pleasure that I share the fantastic news that my dear friend and brother from another mother Roland, DjiboArt is now resident at Van Hage Garden Centre, Peterborough One. Come and visit the DjiboArt Centre at in Van Hage from today 1^st April 2019.

Roland’s Afro Caribbean inspired cabin and space will leave you feeling relaxed and give you that Caribbean feeling right here in Peterborough.

Roland opens the doors to this exciting new adventure with activities for you and your kids with two special days for your diary;

 6th April - the first Saturday of the new Djibo Art Centre, get involved and hear some inspiring and educative Art.

22 April - Bank Holiday Monday, The DjiboArt Centre official launch; bring the kids along or just come and join the fun.

Get some refreshments in the garden centre, enjoy your garden shopping while Roland entertains you with readings from his recently launched book ‘Celebrating Diversity: Sharing Positive Stories of...

“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” ―  Maya Angelou,

What a great job it is to help people put thoughts on paper, and see their work published. It is about therapy and legacy. I am blessed, yes, I am fortunate to have the opportunity to do this for a living.

When I launched my publishing company in February 2017, some people thought I was crazy, others had other opinions, but a good number of people believed in my dream. I said I want to help people write chapters in books. Someone helped me a few years ago so; I want to pay it forward. So, I learned the steps and got into the inner world of publishing. I have spent the significant part of January 2018 working with a team of developmental editors and rocking authors, turning beautiful stories into book chapters.

Yes, people like you and me have created amazingly excellent educational material. It is a reality in spring of 2018; we will be releasing our first two...

"Do it Regardless of Your Imperfect Writing Skills"

1. It’s good for your mental health
Putting words on paper can be therapeutic, whether you put pen to paper or type on a computer. Expressing yourself through writing can be useful for your health and emotional well-being. Writing without worrying (expressive writing), involves pouring your heart and mind into words, without worrying about spelling, punctuation, grammar and other writing conventions are right for you. Believe it or not, research has found that writing helps with recovery from loss and depression. According to a 2005 article in the journal Advances in Psychiatric Treatment, the benefits of expressive writing linger and pay off in the long run. Research has shown that there is a link between evocative prose and a boost to mood. It is also, well-being, stress levels and depressive symptoms. Also, physical benefits such as lower blood pressure improved lung and liver functioning. Some research has also suggested...

1. Read more– Yes, read more about other peoples’ writing. Reading will open you up to different writing styles. You will get the opportunity to know what you like and also what you don’t want as your writing style. Reading what other people have written will train your subconscious mind to see you as a writer. You will soon start creating your story plot. Whether you ultimately immense yourself in the book you are reading, or you find that the story or subject could have gone differently, you will start building up your theme without even making an effort. The only thing remaining will be you to take action.

2. Don’t over think it– start, stop complicating life by waiting until you are perfect. You have to start, as they say, practice makes progress. Trust me, everyone who you consider great today did not start out that way. Your first book will not be a masterpiece, but it will surely take away the fear and give you the assurance that you need. You...

“Every migrant is imperfectly perfect. The strength that drives leaving all you have to pursue the unknown gives you tremendous mental toughness” Amina Chitembo.

Here is an interview with Charity Ngugi-Latz co-author of  'The Perfect Migrant' book features 10 authors from around the world. The authors of this book come from the following countries: Zambia, Botswana, United Kingdom, Kenya, the United States of America, Gambia, Italy, Switzerland, Cameroon, and Zimbabwe.

You can also watch this interview on Youtube 

Tell us a bit about yourself?

I am a Kenyan citizen who resides in Köln Germany since 1997. I am a widow since 2014, a mother of five young adults. I graduated from the University of Nairobi, in 1987 with an honours degree in Literature. I worked as a life insurance underwriter for over 15 years in Kenya before moving to Germany.

In Germany, I have held various jobs working with migrant groups as a volunteer twice a week. Currently, I work in...

A Special Co-Author Interview with Clara Meierdierks for The Perfect Migrant Book

What is your chapter about and what you plan to do with the story?

I know there are millions of couples behind the doors which are going through the challenges of building a family, not many have it easy with childbearing. Many like me are going through the pains of IVF (Invitro-fertilisation) to realise the dream of motherhood.

My chapter title, Maternal bliss: delayed and not denied, is a chapter dedicated to all those women’s faces that have shed tears in the quest to become mothers. I want to say; “I feel you all, I have been there before, and I know and understand your pains”.However, I hope my story will remind you all, that there is nothing impossible. I know the pains, and I am using my story to encourage, to inspire and to tell all concerned to persevere, and never give up.

My voice is hidden

I need a voice,

I heard some voices,

I joined the voices,

We told our stories,

To...

How to Identify Opportunities and Benefit from them.

The Perfect Migrant Book 

Here is the script from the interview with Beatrice Hofmann, Her chapter is the first in the book and it is titled LEARNING EACH STEP OF THE WAY: How to Identify Opportunities and Benefit from them. You can view the full YouTube interview here

“I feel a great level of accomplishment. I know, there is so much more I have to share with the world, and I think this little book has only been the cornerstone, the rock that gets things rolling if you will.”

Tell us about yourself?

My name is Beatrice Hofmann. I am a beauty and wellness therapist, I have been practising my profession for 11 years now. I have been running my own business since 2010. I live in Germany, and I have been here for 19 years. I was born and raised in Uganda. I enjoy sharing my experience and exchanging of information with people from all walks of life. I am a mom, and I have one daughter.

What prompted you to write a...

Happy commemoration of International Women’s Day 2019.

Celebrating Self-Inclusion into Leadership

I want to talk about my passion for self-inclusion for women, especially women over 40. Sometimes we give up, we look after the whole world and leave ourselves behind.

You may have realised that I am incredibly passionate about Leadership and Self-Inclusion for women. I am always intrigued at how much potential we have and yet how little we use our potential to push ourselves forward. After all, a woman who is a boss is more likely to support the family and the community better.

I like pushing myself, and I think this is a perfect day for me to announce that as of 1 April 2019, I will be returning to education. Yes, you heard me right. I am becoming a student at De Montfort University Leicester, where I will be undertaking my PhD for the next three years. Without boring you too much, let me share with you what my business doesn’t and why I am so passionate about...

“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” ―  Maya Angelou,

What a great job it is to help people put thoughts on paper, and see their work published. It is about therapy and legacy. I am blessed, yes, I am fortunate to have the opportunity to do this for a living.

When I launched my publishing company in February 2017, some people thought I was crazy, others had other opinions, but a good number of people believed in my dream. I said I want to help people write chapters in books. Someone helped me a few years ago so; I want to pay it forward. So, I learned the steps and got into the inner world of publishing. I have spent the significant part of January 2018 working with a team of developmental editors and rocking authors, turning beautiful stories into book chapters.

Yes, people like you and me have created amazingly excellent educational material. It is a reality in spring of 2018; we will be releasing our first two...