Embracing Diversity: My Journey as a Veteran Journalist Turned CEO Showcasing Authentic Black Stories Worldwide

Knowledge Born Allah, veteran journalist and founder of VOD Newz, leads the charge in culturally rooted Black media storytelling, bridging journalism, heritage, and community empowerment.

The vibrant world of black culture is a celebration of traditions, art, and music that spans continents and generations. As a veteran journalist turned CEO, I, Knowledge Born Allah, have dedicated my career to sharing these powerful stories. My mission is to reveal the richness of diversity that connects black communities worldwide, regardless of their geographical backgrounds.

Allow me to be your guide through the extraordinary landscapes of black culture, examining its various traditions, art forms, and music. In both military and civilian life, world travel gave me insight that broadened my cross-cultural understanding of Black people from around the globe and prompted me to share authentic stories that will soon be featured on our platform.

The Essence of Black Culture

Whether it's the traditional African drumbeats of the Caribbean islands or the captivating sounds of jazz and hip-hop in the Americas, the artistic diversity is astounding. Each region contributes its unique cultural identity while sharing certain similarities.

For example, the communal aspect of African traditions is particularly evident during family gatherings and important festivals. In places like Nigeria, the annual Eyo Festival commemorates the memory of deceased leaders through vibrant parades and traditional music, highlighting a strong sense of communal bond. In the U.S., individualistic expressions are evident during events such as the annual Roots Picnic in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, or Art Basel in Wynwood, Florida, where thousands gather to witness artists showcase their unique identities through art, literature, and performance.

Celebrating Traditions: A World Tour

The wide variety of traditions celebrated around the world is nothing short of breathtaking to me. I’ve always been fascinated by Brazil's Carnival and how it showcases black culture in such a vibrant way. Each year, millions join in the lively festivities that feature samba music, dazzling costumes, and spirited parades. I can hardly believe that about 2 million people participate daily during this week-long event, all sharing a profound sense of unity and pride. It’s truly an experience I would love to witness firsthand.

As a young boy growing up in New Jersey, Kwanzaa was always a special time for my family. Each year, when December rolled around, we would gather together for a week-long celebration filled with laughter, stories, and traditions that highlighted our heritage. I remember the excitement in the air as we set up the Kwanzaa candleholder, or kinara, with its vibrant green, red, and black candles shining brightly.

Just like the festivities in the Caribbean, our Kwanzaa celebrations focused on community and self-determination. We would reflect on the seven principles, discussing the importance of unity and creativity, which felt integral to my identity. My parents would share stories from their past, reminding us of our roots and encouraging us to take pride in our culture. I often felt a deep sense of connection to my family and to something greater than myself during those gatherings.

Kwanzaa taught me the value of togetherness, and as I lit each candle, I felt as if I was not just celebrating with my family, but also connecting with black families all over, including those in the Caribbean, who honor similar traditions. It was a week filled with joy and reflection that shaped my understanding of who I am and the importance of my community.

The vibrant atmosphere of Carnival showcases the energy of black cultural celebrations.

After my incredible trips to Mecca, Ethiopia, and Egypt, I developed a deep fascination with the traditional dances and ceremonies of West and South Africa. The vibrant Zulu dances of South Africa, with their lively rhythms and movements, truly captivated me, while the expressive Adowa dance in Ghana struck a chord with its storytelling essence. These performances are more than just art; they are a powerful means of passing down the community's history and values, connecting generations in a rich tapestry of culture that I find utterly inspiring.

Shared Stories: Music as a Universal Language

Music serves as a powerful connector among Black communities worldwide, and my experiences have deepened my appreciation for this connection, especially within the hip-hop genre. After working closely with artists like Killah Priest, Ka Zodiak, Smif N Wessun, and interviewing iconic figures such as MC Shan, Masta Ace, Hakim Green, Kool Rock Ski, Ras Kass, Yo-Yo, Marvaless, and Kurtis Blow, I've gained invaluable insights into hip-hop as both a business and a transformative force. Hip-hop has emerged as a prominent voice for empowerment, tackling social justice issues and celebrating progress.

Originating in the United States, it has resonated worldwide, inspiring movements that address local struggles. For instance, South African artists like Nasty C use hip-hop to highlight issues like poverty and inequality, finding common ground with audiences far beyond their national borders. Through lyrical and digital storytelling, hip-hop serves as a powerful mechanism for healing and change, a sentiment I hold deeply after my interactions with these talented artists.

I still remember the first time the vibrant beats of Jamaican reggae swept over me; it felt like a warm embrace filled with messages of love and unity. I could hardly sit still as the melodies danced through my mind, inviting me to join in. And then there was that day when I stumbled upon the infectious rhythms of Nigeria’s afrobeat. It was as if the music was alive, pulsating with energy and rich storytelling that spoke to the social issues of our time.

As I immersed myself in these genres, I began to realize that they weren’t just sounds; they were powerful expressions of resilience and solidarity that resonated deeply with my own experiences. Recently, I came across some eye-opening studies showing that genres like hip-hop and reggae have seen nearly 40% more listener engagement over the past decade. It made me reflect on how these musical styles have not only found a place in my life but in the hearts of so many others.

Every time I hit play on a favorite track, I feel connected to a larger community, united by the shared emotions and stories embedded in the music. It’s a remarkable experience, and it reminds me of the timeless power of music to inspire and bring us all together.

Differences in Practices: Embracing Nuanced Identities

As I embarked on my journey to explore the differences in cultural practices, I found myself captivated by the richness of black identity. My personal research led me to discover how spiritual beliefs often intertwine African roots with elements from various other traditions. For instance, during my visit to Louisiana, I witnessed the vibrant practice of Voodoo, which beautifully blends African Traditional Religion with French Catholic influences.

It was fascinating to see how this unique spiritual practice is celebrated by many in the region, reflecting deep connections to both heritage and community.

This led me to delve into the concept of Ubuntu in South Africa. This philosophy, which emphasizes interconnectedness and community, resonated with me deeply.

I learned that Ubuntu is not just a belief system; it embodies human kindness and compassion, shaped significantly by the nation’s challenging history. Through my research, it allowed me to build a bridge to connect these two nuanced beliefs together from both continents.

Cross-Cultural Understanding: A Shared Responsibility

As I embark on my journey from journalism to leading VOD Newz, my mission is to promote cross-cultural understanding in our increasingly connected world. My commitment to authentic storytelling remains unwavering. By sharing black stories from various backgrounds, we aim to educate and enlighten audiences, bridging the gaps between cultures.

At VOD Newz, we believe that embracing diversity involves actively engaging with different communities and appreciating their narratives. Through our storytelling, we focus on our shared experiences, fostering empathy and a deeper understanding of one another. Our vision is to create a platform where all voices are heard, and every story contributes to a richer tapestry of cultural understanding.

The Power of Authentic Storytelling

At VOD Newz, we strive to highlight authentic black stories that inspire, empower, and resonate with audiences. Each carefully curated narrative reflects the essence of the global black community, celebrating our culture's rich diversity. These stories of triumph, unity, and resilience reveal the connections that bind us and emphasize that our diversity is our greatest strength.

As a leader in this initiative, I am committed to amplifying Black voices and ensuring their narratives are heard and valued. We aim to celebrate our collective culture while highlighting the intricate bonds that tie us all together.

Celebrating Our Collective Journey

Join us on our mission to change the current narrative given to us by the mainstream reporting agencies and the entertainment industry. We invite you to become cultural correspondents for VOD Newz! Share your own stories, your triumphs, and the challenges you've faced. Each narrative adds a vibrant thread to our collective fabric, enriching our understanding and appreciation of one another.

Together, we can illustrate the incredible impact of our culture across the globe. Your voice matters—let’s celebrate it!

African Congo drums are being used in a traditional drumming communal ceremony.

Thank you for joining me on this journey to celebrate the incredible stories that shape black culture worldwide. As you reflect on your own experiences, who will you trust to tell your story?