Omek

“Every Baobab Night drops gems. And what sets Omek apart? You can walk in alone and never feel alone. You’re embraced, you’re family. It’s a space where you belong.” — Soraya Sait 💞 Last Saturday at Baobab Nights: Generational Bridges, over 60 people joined us at The Extra Mile Community BV for deep conversations, insightful ideas, fierce competition, delicious food, and even an impromptu karaoke session to conclude the night. Together, we explored the generational stories that shape our cultures and identities within the African diaspora. So many heartfelt perspectives were shared, leaving many of us pondering the possibilities of building new bridges within our families and communities. 🌱 🌳 A huge shout-out to our guest speakers, hosts, volunteers, and every beautiful soul who joined us. Your energy made the night truly special! Become an Omek member to join the conversation—and many more—during an online follow-up session hosted on the Omek platform on February 27, 18:00–19:00 (CET). Sign up to become a platform member (for free!) via myomek.com/membership Photos by the one and only Yohannes Henriksson 🚀 Raul Balai Fatima Elatik Christopher O.H. Williams, NACD.DC Laulinda Antonia Massunda Faricka Merrick Tamsir Sallah Olawale Olagoke Robyn Botshelo Teemane Puddefoot Aissatou Sene Sandra Roberts Kemo Camara Kirsten (Kes) Camara Olisha socks

What do ERGs need to flourish in 2025? As workplaces evolve amidst societal and political shifts, Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are being challenged to adapt, lead, and create lasting impact—and we are here to create space for it it: 🚀 Calling all connectors, champions of diversity, and community builders! Omek’s North Star Networking Night is back on Thursday, March 20, 2025, in Amsterdam Who should join: • ERG professionals and leaders to elevate their strategies and impact • BIPOC leaders and communities in Amsterdam and beyond who are driving change and empowering others • Bicultural professionals ready to lead conversations at the intersection of identity, economy, and creativity • Organizations & employers looking to develop talent, foster belonging, and gain real-world DEI insights What to expect: 💡 Workshops and skill-building sessions to tackle global vs. local diversity needs, support intersectional identities, and keep DEI momentum in hybrid workspaces 🎤 A panel discussion featuring ERG leaders sharing actionable insights 🥗 A delicious dinner for connecting with peers and sparking meaningful collaborations 🎟️ Reserve your spot—or explore ticket packages for your team: https://lu.ma/0nr19n7e Let’s move beyond conversations and into action—see you there! Photos by the one and only Shannon Kanhai 🌹

We know how important community is right now. Omek members are sharing some amazing events and activities—join the platform to meet great people and enjoy exclusive perks, all for free (https://lnkd.in/euZyX6ip). *** 💬 Language Café: Portuguese Looking to practice a new language? Come to a quick 30-minute weekly session to practice with native speakers.  Tue, Jan 28, 18:00-18:30 CET Online *** 🌀 C is for Conflict: From Friction to Resolution Join an empowering event providing the tools, insights, and confidence to approach conflict with compassion and clarity. Hosted by Womanship. Tue, Jan 28, 18:00 – 21:00 CET, Amsterdam Wed, Jan 29, 18:30 – 20:30 CET, Online *** 🌐 Community Accountability Circle A weekly deep-focus session providing space for accountability and support. Wed, Jan 29, 11:00-13:00 CET Online *** 👾 Community Night hosted by The Wnderers Learn about this hiking community, connect over games, conversations, and delicious snacks.  Fri, Jan 31, 17:00-21:00 CET Rotterdam *** ☀️ February Welcome Hour Get a glimpse into Omek's vibrant bicultural community of over 2,000 members. Whether you're new or just curious, join us to see how we collaborate and grow. Tue, Feb 4, 17:30-16:30 CET Online *** 🌟 Safety & Connection A 10-week transformative program designed to foster safety, community, and personal empowerment. Led by Resilience Nest. Limited FREE spots for Omek members. Starting Feb 5 Online *** ⚡ Attention: The Time for Feasting is Over More than an exhibition; this is a call to action. Each art piece is paired with practical steps to disrupt the status quo and drive meaningful change. Presented by The Outspoken Native. Wed, Feb 5, 18:00 – 20:30 CET Amsterdam — Bar Bario *** 🏁 The Creative Check-in: Content Creator Edition This session is for creatives of any medium and at any stage of their careers who would like to get work done in a supportive space!  Thu, Feb 6, 18:00-20:00 CET Online *** 🎥 FEELING FASHION Join artist Hadi Moussally for a conversation on fashion film's power with showcases from emerging makers. Presented by Fashion in Flux. Thu, Feb 6, 19:00-23:00 CET Rotterdam #community #omek

"I’ve learned is that nurturing your sense of uniqueness is priceless. Nobody else has your exact similar story, identity, ideas, or experiences — not even your siblings. That makes you the best person to tell your story. Continue exploring your voice and colors, your themes, and your vision while perfecting your craft. Share your work with the world — it might lead to opportunities and connections you never expected." — Mickael Mehala, Multidisciplinary Artist, speaking on the importance of authenticity and cultural pride in shaping a creative journey. 💚 Check out his latest work, Joy Soldiers™, during the exhibition opening this Saturday. https://lnkd.in/eUtvbGpx? Read the full interview with him in Omek's newsletter and on our Medium page (https://lnkd.in/ezezKtxM) 🌱

How do we turn the space between immigrant parents and their bicultural children into a bridge instead of a gap? 🌳 Where do our generational journeys intersect, and how can we build on these overlaps? 💛 How can we reframe differences, seeing them not as divides but as connections that bind us across time and experience? 🌱 ••• In this edition of Baobab Nights, we’ll explore these powerful questions by delving into the generational stories that shape cultures and identities within the African diaspora in Europe. Join us for an interactive and laid-back gathering of thought leaders and creators in the Netherlands and beyond. Enjoy fireside chats, games, networking, and delicious food and drinks—all designed to fuel meaningful connections. 🥘🥗 • Saturday 15 February • 17:30pm – 20:30 CET • The Extra Mile Community BV, Amsterdam • Details and tickets: https://lu.ma/5gy0mqin • Discount for Omek members (via event calendar on the platform) Photos by the talented Shannon Kanhai and Hugo Faustino

The Omek community is curating some great events and activities over the next couple of weeks. Become a member for FREE (myomek.com/membership) for exclusive discounts and to connect with members around the world! *** 🌟 Safety & Connection: A 10-Week Journey for Women of Color A transformative program designed to foster safety, community, and personal empowerment. Led by Resilience Nest, they are offering 10 FREE SPOTS exclusively for the Omek community! • UPDATE: Starting Feb. 5, 16:30 CET • Online *** 🌐 Community Accountability Circle A weekly deep-focus session providing space for accountability and support. • Wed, Jan. 15, 11:00-13:00 CEST • Online *** 👟 Leadership Workshop For Government officials, entrepreneurs, NGO workers or anyone who would like to strengthen their leadership skills and management practices in their current jobs. Hosted by Collective Impakt • Thurs. Jan. 17, 13:30-14:30 CET • Online *** ☕ Small Biz Coffee Morning Running a business can be a lonely affair so the aim of this event is to create space for connection and bouncing ideas off each other. Hosted by Nina Camara. • Fri, Jan. 17, 9:00-10:00 CET • Online *** ✨ Joy SoldiersTM Exhibition Opening The first solo exhibition with Black Childish (Mickael Mehala) weaves together elements of Caribbean culture, youth movements, and pop culture. Rather than conveying messages of war, his sculptures symbolize joy, unity, and pride. • Sat. Jan. 18, 15:00 – 20:00 • Almere, NL *** 🌀 C is for Conflict: From Friction to Resolution In the next A- Z of Things Women Don’t Talk About session, join us for an empowering and interactive event that will provide the tools, insights, and confidence to approach conflict with compassion and clarity. Hosted by Womanship. • Tues. Jan 28, 18:30 – 21:00, Amsterdam, NL • Wed. Jan 29, 18:30 – 20:30, Online #community #omek #collectivegrowth

Yesterday, Omek gathered as a team to reflect—a moment to pause, take it all in, and celebrate as we step into 2025—what a year it’s been! To this amazing community—you are the reason Omek exists. 🌟 Here are just a few highlights from 2024 that we’re proud to share: •⁠ ⁠43 events hosted, bringing together 2,543 participants •⁠ ⁠26 partnerships that expanded our reach and impact •⁠ ⁠A network of nearly 3,000 members across 78 countries •⁠ ⁠Over 160 events posted and 3,300 comments exchanged on our platform—proof of the vibrant connections happening here every day Omek has always been about more than numbers. It’s about people. It’s about creating a space where biculturals of African descent can connect, grow, and thrive together. The stories we’ve heard this year—from friendships formed to professional milestones achieved—are a testament to the power of this community. As we move into 2025, we can’t wait to deepen these connections and continue building a global hub of belonging and inspiration. 💬 Not part of Omek yet? Join us and experience what makes this community so special: https://lnkd.in/euZyX6ip Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. Here’s to more growth, more collaboration, and more moments to celebrate in the year ahead! Happy holidays! ✨ ☀️ Photos by the amazing Shannon Kanhai

A big shoutout to Kemo Camara, the visionary leader behind Omek ! 🌟 It’s been an incredible year of collaboration, growth, and shared successes. I’ve had the privilege to witness Omek evolve and make a real impact, and I couldn’t be prouder of how far you’ve come. Kemo, thank you for your dedication, leadership, and for building a space where growth and connection thrive. Here's to even more success, milestones, and breakthroughs in the year ahead!

Last month, we came together at Paradiso for the (sold out!) Afro-European Sessions event– and wow, what an experience it was! Thank you to the wonderful crowd who radiated warmth, curiosity, and support from the moment they walked in. 💙 A heartfelt thank you to our wonderful speakers and performers who showed up with open hearts and shared personal stories, struggles, and breakthroughs with vulnerability and courage. The room was filled with laughter, tears, and a sense of belonging as attendees leaned into the conversations and performances, creating a beautiful space for connection and exchange. From the inspiring panel discussions and the captivating performance to the lively DJ set and intimate exhibition and lounge spaces, the evening was a celebration of the rich, multifaceted Afro-European identities. Inspired by the VPRO documentary series De Afro-Europeaan, this event was made possible with the support of our amazing partners—VPRO, OSCAM , Bijlmer Bookstore, and Obalade.🫱🏽🫲🏿 Let’s keep this energy alive! Join the Omek platform (link in comments) to continue the conversations and keep exploring what being an afro-descendant living in Europe means. 🌍 Photos by the one and only Shannon Kanhai 💕 #afroeuropean #blackineurope #omekevents #bicultural #community

Tomorrow is Omek Talent Day! ☀️ Get ready for an inspiring day packed with networking, insights, and opportunities. Here’s what’s happening 🌿 9:30 – Meet & Greet: Start your day connecting with fellow attendees. 🌺 10:00 – Opening Session 🤩 • Spoken word by Amber Paris Montalvo • Recruitment trends with Kobi Ampoma (Heineken) and hosts Kemo Camara, Founder Omek and Victoria Chong, Recruitment Specialist 10:30 – Company Spotlights 🌸 • Deckers Brands: Lubomir Jets and Ffion Collins • VF Corporation: Gabriele Silva (he/him) Aicha Omrani, and Phatsimo Ditlhong • Nike: JB K. POLO, Phoebe Batkin, and Mahmoud Aly 12:00 – Breakout Sessions ✨ • Interactive Q&A with company representatives 13:15 – Panel Talk: Leverage your Bicultural Edge 🦋 • Hear from Benjamin Sam (Foot Locker), Daphne Gnago (Nike), and Reine ELISHA (Deckers) 14:00 – Closing 🎨 • End the day with Omek vibes and exciting giveaways, including a 50-minute career coaching session to refine your CV or interview approach. Pro Tip: Join early and hop in and out as your schedule allows. We can’t wait to see you there! You can still sign up for FREE — link in comments 🎟️ #talent #omektalentday #careeropportunity #community #jobsearch