‘Ordinary Shoes’ corrects narratives about black immigrants

A filmmaker, Teniola Majolagbe, has made a documentary series titled, ‘Ordinary Shoes’, to correct negative narratives about black immigrants.

Majolagbe said she wants to shift the focus towards the remarkable contributions of Nigerians and other Black minorities living abroad. She stated that the docuseries took a grassroots approach to highlight the extraordinary impact of everyday people.

In a statement sent to Saturday Beats, she said, “For far too long, the narrative surrounding Nigerians in the Diaspora has been skewed by misconceptions. Contrary to popular belief, most Nigerians living abroad are not involved in societal ills or crime. Instead, they are making significant contributions to their communities on macro and micro levels.

“Statistics reveal a different story than the one often portrayed. According to a study by the Migration Policy Institute, Nigerian immigrants in the United States, for example, are among the most educated immigrant groups. This high level of education translates into notable professional achievements and community involvement.”

She continued, “The docuseries aims to highlight these underreported stories by focusing on everyday individuals, rather than the popular figures who often catch the media’s attention. This series documents the lives of Black minorities, particularly those of African descent, who are doing socially relevant work in their communities across the world. The series aspires to inspire many more to engage in social causes and nation-building endeavours.

“From healthcare professionals and educators to entrepreneurs and community leaders, the docuseries showcases a diverse array of individuals making a tangible difference. These are people like a Nigerian-born woman who, after being widowed early, committed her resources to helping others navigate their grief.”

She added that the significance of the project was not just in its storytelling but in its mission to change the narrative by focusing on the positive contributions of Black minorities.