Features Overview
BerkeleY INTERDISCIPLINARY migration initiative (BIMI) “Belonging beyond Borders: a tale of historical reminiscence, Black Diasporic Communities, and Me”
Embark on a captivating journey through the vibrant landscapes of Africa, guided by Alexandra's rich narrative in this BIMI blog. In this heartfelt account, Alexandra, a child of the Ethiopian Diaspora, shares her deep-rooted connection to the continent's diverse cultures, music, and history. From childhood memories steeped in the rhythms of Fela Kuti and Miriam Makeba to a transformative visit to Ghana, Alexandra's words weave a tapestry of exploration, unity, and belonging.
To belong in a land away from home is a diasporic dream.
What does belonging mean and how does one belong? BIMI Cultures and Communities Project (BCCP) aims at looking deeper into these questions by reframing different ways in which belonging can manifest. What is culturally significant to diasporic communities? What do their culture and rituals look like? How do they celebrate their culture? BCCP is an endeavor to showcase the rich history and traditions of diasporic communities in California and educate the public about their history and culture. The project follows cultural and religious events, rituals, and festivals of selected communities, and showcase them in a photo exhibit with a curated short video with voice-over from the student researchers.
Contributor to Lebawi Academy’s “Lebawi Sonar”
Lebawi International Academy is an academic institution with a vision to inspire, nurture and develop the next generation of leaders for Ethiopia and beyond. This vision is inspired by the ever-widening gap between Ethiopian youth potential and access to educational opportunities that will cultivate and maximize their capabilities.
The August newsletter theme was “Celebrating Africa.” The Lebawi Sonar is one of such platforms that Celebrates Africa; an opportuni- ty for various voices to express themselves and share their experience.
Research Associate with Decolonize Design
Decolonize Design is a global community development consulting firm that partners with individuals and organizations to think and act in ways that drive transformative change.
Community-Centered Design
by ALEXANDRA GESSESSE | OCTOBER 19, 2016
Zocalo Public square Publication
“Walking Runs in My Blood,“ part of a Zocalo Inquiry into what makes a healthy neighborhood sustainable, produced in conjunction with the California Wellness Foundation’s Advancing Wellness Poll.
U-SEE UCSB Writing Dept. Project, Civic Engagement
A co-authored guide titled, “Making the Switch from the Dorms to Adulting in Isla Vista: A Guide for the UC Santa Barbara Gaucho,” written for the U-SEE Project, which aims to unite the University and the larger community in hopes of creating a family based on geographical commonality. See subsection “How to Ball on a Budget,” written by Alexandra.
Image taken from Bill’s Bus website: https://bills-bus.com/about-us/