ACCENTS OF BELONGING PODCAST: WELCOME & MY STORY

Hi everyone, greetings from Accents of Belonging,

My name is Mtipe Dickson Koggani. I am a Priest in the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri and the founding senior pastor of Grace African Christian Connections (GACC), in Saint Louis, Missouri. I am originally from the beautiful country of Tanzania - the home of Kilimanjaro, the Rooftop of Africa, and the proud home of the Swahili language.

I came to the United States as an international student, carrying not just suitcases but also my family’s hopes, the weight of my culture, and a deep curiosity about the world. Like many others, I’ve navigated the challenges of identity, belonging, and finding my voice in spaces where I sometimes felt invisible or misunderstood. The Accents of Belonging is part of that journey, a way to reflect on, connect with, and honor the stories and testimonies of members of the African Diaspora that sometimes go untold.

• Why did I create Accents of Belonging

Being African in the Diaspora is like trying to tell a really good joke in a language you’re still learning. Sometimes you get it right, and everyone laughs; other times, you just get a polite smile and a blank stare. Accents of Belonging is about those moments, the wins, the awkward pauses, and everything in between.

I founded Accents of Belonging to give voice to the often-unheard stories of African diaspora communities, stories of courage, culture, identity, and becoming, and to address some of the stereotypes about Africa and Africans. This podcast is also a space for my non-African friends to gain a deeper understanding of Africa, its cultures, values, and lived experiences. Through storytelling, I hope we build empathy, bridge worlds, and celebrate the beauty in our differences.

• What listeners can expect from the Podcast.

The Accents of Belonging podcast is a six-month series dedicated to honest conversations and deeply personal stories from members of the African diaspora. Each episode features authentic voices navigating life across cultures. You’ll hear themes like culture, stereotypes, resilience, language, mental health, faith, family, and what it truly means to belong. In addition to the podcast, we also provide short written reflections and devotions on our website.

• Invitation

If these stories resonate with you, or if you’re curious to learn more about the African diaspora's journey, I invite you to subscribe to our YouTube channel, Accents of Belonging, and follow us on social media. Whether you’re near or far, part of this story or just beginning to hear it, there’s a place for you here. Your support helps amplify voices that deserve to be heard.

We look forward to sharing this journey with you.

Ahsanteni sana, thank you so much.

The Rev. Dr. Mtipe D. Koggani