Finding Home: Navigating Identity as a Black Refugee in White Australia
Explicit content warning
05/18/25 • 20 min
*Trigger Warning Discussion of Suicide*
David shares his profound journey of cultural displacement after moving from Africa to Australia as a child in 2004. The painful experience of being the only black student in his class, navigating conflicting cultural values, and finding himself caught between two worlds eventually led to depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts.
• Moving to Australia in 2004 meant experiencing vastly different cultural norms and expectations
• Struggled with conflicting values – communal African household vs individualistic Australian society
• Used humour as a shield and became socially adaptable but never felt like he truly belonged anywhere
• Depression creates an isolating experience where you feel uniquely alone even when surrounded by support
• Many who appear confident and happy are often struggling with hidden mental health challenges
• Cultural attitudes toward mental health ("just don't be sad") prevented seeking proper help
• Depression can escalate to anxiety, overthinking, and suicidal ideation when left unchecked
I'll be cutting my dreadlocks to raise funds for men's mental health. Please share resources that have helped you in the comments, recommend trustworthy mental health charities, and consider donating or sharing the fundraising page when it launches.
If you never try, you will never know
*Trigger Warning Discussion of Suicide*
David shares his profound journey of cultural displacement after moving from Africa to Australia as a child in 2004. The painful experience of being the only black student in his class, navigating conflicting cultural values, and finding himself caught between two worlds eventually led to depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts.
• Moving to Australia in 2004 meant experiencing vastly different cultural norms and expectations
• Struggled with conflicting values – communal African household vs individualistic Australian society
• Used humour as a shield and became socially adaptable but never felt like he truly belonged anywhere
• Depression creates an isolating experience where you feel uniquely alone even when surrounded by support
• Many who appear confident and happy are often struggling with hidden mental health challenges
• Cultural attitudes toward mental health ("just don't be sad") prevented seeking proper help
• Depression can escalate to anxiety, overthinking, and suicidal ideation when left unchecked
I'll be cutting my dreadlocks to raise funds for men's mental health. Please share resources that have helped you in the comments, recommend trustworthy mental health charities, and consider donating or sharing the fundraising page when it launches.
If you never try, you will never know
Previous Episode
From Kidnapped to Resilient: My Incredible Life Story
David Kanu shares his deeply personal journey from birth in Sierra Leone to life in a Ghanaian refugee camp, exploring how these formative experiences shaped his identity and worldview.
• Born in Sierra Leone, West Africa as the oldest of four siblings
• Mother fled her marriage and country with David and his brother for their safety
• Experienced a traumatic kidnapping at age 4 when separated from his mother for five days
• Life in Ghana included both struggles and simple joys like mango trees and playing with friends
• Family eventually moved to a refugee camp called Zanzuli while seeking resettlement
• As the oldest child, David took on significant responsibilities including caring for his younger brother
• Mother instilled strong values about presentation, hard work, and responsibility
• Developed an exceptionally close bond with his mother following the kidnapping trauma
• Learned early that as a Black child he would be "held to a higher standard" than others
• Recognizes how childhood trauma created patterns that affected his later relationships
If you enjoy this podcast and want to hear more of David's story, please support through the link on his account. Sharing with friends and family or contributing financially helps make this content possible. The next episode will continue with his life in Africa.
Stay alert, stay safe
If you never try, you will never know
Start of Nothing Special Podcast - Finding Home: Navigating Identity as a Black Refugee in White Australia
Transcript
I remember when we first moved here from Africa .
Speaker 1It was 2004 .
Speaker 1There was a lot of new experiences .
Speaker 1Some of those the airport , the mixtures of coffee smell , fast food , everything all together .
Speaker 1I
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