In Conversation with Diaspora Action

Diaspora Action emerged in a moment of urgency — not through long-term planning, but through instinct, care, and the unshakeable pull of community. When Kesensa and Savannah began discussing how they could support the Caribbean communities affected by Hurricane Melissa, a simple idea became a catalyst. Within a week, fourteen people had joined a group chat, and by the weekend, the newly formed collective was already organising three events. It was a reminder that movements often begin quietly, in conversations between friends who refuse to look away. From the beginning, their work has been grounded in a belief that small actions can carry immense weight. The team describes their impact as something subtle yet powerful — rooted in the act of organising itself. Through working together with limited resources and a shared purpose, they have come to recognise the transformative potential of collective care. In just a few weeks, the compassion exchanged within the group has shifted something significant: a growing awareness that they are far more powerful than they once imagined.

Behind the scenes, the work is far from glamorous. There are late nights, endless admin tasks, and unexpected challenges — like packing barrels for the first time. “Packing the barrels LOL,” they recall. After their first drive, they stayed up until 1 a.m. figuring out how to prepare donations for shipment. None of them, as Caribbean children and grandchildren, had done it before. It became an unexpected moment of bonding, a crash course in logistics — and a reminder that even the unseen labour forms the heart of community organising. Coordinating fourteen schedules required an almost comical volume of Google forms, but every small detail contributed to a larger purpose.

When the work feels heavy, the team grounds themselves in the tangible impact they are making. They see it here in London, in the way the diaspora rallies to support their efforts. They see it in Jamaica and Haiti, where their resources are felt directly by the communities affected by environmental crisis. The speed and generosity of the support they’ve received has reinforced their belief that grassroots organising remains one of the most powerful ways to enact change. Each member joins the collective for different personal reasons, but their motivations converge around a deep love for Caribbean culture.

They share an appreciation for the joy, music, and vibrancy of Caribbean life, but also a commitment to preserving the land and supporting the people back home. Their connection to their heritage is not only cultural but also political — a call to show up for the places that shaped them. Sustaining themselves while giving to others is an ongoing practice. The team rejects individualistic models of self-care that dominate Western wellness culture. Instead, they embrace self-preservation as an extension of collective care. They emphasise joy, connection, and togetherness as vital components of the work. For them, care is not an afterthought — it is a tool for survival and a way of ensuring that they can continue to show up for their communities with intention and integrity. “So much joy, love, and care lives in community,” they say. “We look after us.” Looking five years ahead, their vision is expansive. They hope to strengthen connections across the diaspora, bringing more Caribbean people together to build, organise, and support their home countries.

They imagine developing new initiatives, raising awareness and resources, and responding to the evolving needs of communities across the Caribbean. Their dream also includes returning home together — not just to give back, but to reconnect with their roots, land, and people in a meaningful way.

If they could ask the community one question, it would be this:

“What do you think it takes for the people around you to care about environmental racism just as much as you do?”

 It is a question that invites reflection, accountability, and deeper engagement with the structural issues impacting Caribbean countries today. Care remains central to every part of their organising. They check in on one another, share laughter, and build friendships that extend beyond their meetings. The team has wellbeing roles and works flexibly to ensure that everyone can contribute in ways that honour their individual needs. Organising becomes not just a task but a space for connection and growth.

Diaspora Action also has an upcoming event at The Advocacy Academy in Brixton, running this Sunday from 3 – 7pm . The gathering will focus on environmental racism, featuring an arts workshop with Seshemt, a panel discussion with experts, a community response board for reflections on Hurricane Melissa, and food from Garden of Afruika. It’s an open invitation for the community to learn, share, and build together.

Shot by: @lovell.small