A WORD FROM THE HOST
I’m excited to be back with a new season of changemakers who are connecting the dots about our world in inspiring ways! Meet Svetlana Chigozie Onye-Sanya. Through her journalism, she helps us understand the conversations around climate justice. Through her fiction writing, she helps us demystify it - and compels us to connect with others. And through her music, she reminds us that we have a right to speak up.
Welcome back to Audio Diaspora, Season 6! As we kick off this exciting season, we're thrilled to embark on an enlightening journey with our first guest, Svetlana Chigozie Onye. A green journalist, writer, musician, and content creator specializing in climate justice and racial equality, Svetlana brings a wealth of experiences and insights to her conversation with our host, Christabel.
Svetlana's journey is as vibrant as it is inspiring. Growing up in Feltham, a suburb of West London, her natural affinity for words led her down paths of literary exploration and academic excellence. From penning poignant poems to transcribing life stories into soulful verses, she navigates the intricate dance of language and storytelling.
Join host Christabel Nsiah-Buadi as she guides you through the vibrant world of Svetlana's passions and pursuits.
Svetlana’s Latest Article
In her recent article "The Environmental Cost of Western Greed in Palestine and the Democratic Republic of Congo," Svetlana delves into critical environmental issues intertwined with global power dynamics. Through her writing, Svetlana sheds light on the urgent need for sustainable practices, accountability, and equitable solutions to address environmental challenges faced by vulnerable communities. Her article is a powerful call to action, urging readers to re-evaluate their roles in shaping a more environmentally just world.
From Poems to Verses
But Svetlana's artistic journey doesn't stop at writing. It extends into the realm of music, where she transforms her life stories into soul-stirring melodies. A self-taught guitar player, Svetlana weaves narratives of resilience, identity, and hope into captivating tunes that resonate deeply with her audience.
Thoughts from Our Guest
Question: What is your creative process for creating content in the climate justice sector, Svetlana?
Our relationship with social media has changed dramatically over time. Social media is no longer just a platform for entertainment; it has also become a medium for work, news, and communication with people we know and with strangers.
When I create content, I must acknowledge the importance of social media in the push for social justice. Climate justice content plays a crucial role in enabling climate justice advocates and activists to educate people about the impact of the climate crisis on both the environment and human beings.
Environmental injustices happen every day, all over the world. As a content creator and an environmental journalist, I never underestimate the power of social media in the fight against climate injustice.
Set Your Intention
Setting your intention is the cornerstone of my practice when creating content for climate justice, which include articles, storytelling, and social media content. With each project, I root myself in empathy, education, and understanding. I seek to amplify often silenced voices and cultivate a deeper understanding of the intricate web of relationships between humanity and the Earth.
Recognize Your Impact
In written content, I strive to emphasise the immense influence the environment has on our lives, often without our realising it. The food we eat, the weather conditions we interpret, the air pollution that makes us sick, and the exploitation of natural resources that provide us with the gadgets we use daily – all of these are instances of the environment's impact on us and our impact on it.
Make it Accessible
Accessibility is central to my creative process. Effective advocacy involves reaching people across diverse communities. Simplifying those concepts in to easy-to-understand formats is essential to contributing to positive change. The inclusive language and diverse storytelling techniques I use, bridge the gap between knowledge and action.
Finding Authentic Narrative
A core part of the creative process is engaging with those who directly feel the impact of the climate crisis. In my work, highlighting the voices of these communities marginalised in debate but suffering the worst consequences of environmental damage, is my main goal.
By amplifying their stories, I aspire to jointly challenge systemic injustices and promote solidarity across boundaries of race, gender, and socioeconomic status.
Through every word I write and every image I capture, I aim to plant the seeds of a world that is more equitable and environmentally sustainable. By practicing empathy, accessibility, and a steadfast commitment to education, I strive to create a tapestry of hope that surpasses borders.
My goal is to illustrate how content can inspire learning and action in response to the climate crisis.
How can you, the reader, develop a creative process that supports your contents’ goals?
Where to Connect with Svetlana: LinkedIn
YOUR VOICE MATTERS
At AudioDiaspora, we're all about amplifying diverse voices and sparking meaningful conversations. And guess what?! 🌟
We want to hear from YOU.
Tell us your thoughts about a recent episode, or ask Christabel about working on the show or growing her creative business! We're all ears and eager to connect.
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Svetlana Chigozie Onye-Sanya