Culture gives us roots. Knowledge gives us wings

Upholding Culture, Protecting Families: Reflections from the DAMBA Festival 2025, By Kwaku Afram, Founder, AFRIFASS CIC | Social Work Consultant | Safeguarding Advocate

I was deeply honoured to deliver the Keynote Speech at the DAMBA Festival 2025 in Birmingham on Saturday, 11th October, under the theme:
“Upholding Cultural Values, Safeguarding Families, Protecting Children, Ending Domestic Abuse.”

The event was alive with colour, culture, and pride a beautiful reminder of our shared heritage. Yet, beyond the pageantry, it carried a powerful message: that culture, when rightly understood, can be both a source of strength and a tool for protection.

The Two Houses: Parenting in the Diaspora
My address drew on the concept of “Two Houses,” developed by my mentor Amma Anane-Agyei (Honouring Dr). This idea reflects the dual reality many Global Majority parents live in their first house, representing the values and traditions of their homeland, and their second house, the society in which they now raise their children.

I urged parents to celebrate and pass down their cultural values for children to know their roots and identity is vital to their self-esteem and belonging. As the Yoruba proverb so wisely says: “A river that forgets its source will surely die.”

However, to thrive in our second house, we must also acquire new knowledge understanding child protection laws, the meaning of abuse, and how to build homes free from fear and violence.

Knowledge and Culture Can Coexist
Our discussion touched on domestic abuse and safeguarding not as distant social issues, but as realities we must face with courage and compassion. Parents were encouraged to seek guidance and to engage with organisations like AFRIFASS CIC, which supports Global Majority families in navigating parenting, culture, and safeguarding in the UK.

We can and must find a balance between cultural preservation and child protection. When culture uplifts rather than controls, it becomes a protective force that nurtures identity and family wellbeing.

A Celebration with Purpose
I commended the organisers for choosing such a relevant theme this year. It was heartening to see so many children proudly wearing their traditional attire a powerful statement that our culture lives on through them.
Culture gives us roots. Knowledge gives us wings.

Let’s continue building families and communities where both can flourish where our traditions honour the past, and our knowledge safeguards the future.

🌍 Next Steps
If you’d like to explore culturally competent parenting, safeguarding education, or domestic abuse awareness workshops, connect with AFRIFASS CIC. Together, we can create a generation of families rooted in love, knowledge, and strength.

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