17 Jun 2026
PFPAD 2026 Special Edition: Meet Chike C. Nwoffiah
PFPAD 2026 Special Edition: Meet Chike C. Nwoffiah
Digital storytelling—through films, podcasts, and independent media—is the ultimate proof that we are here, we are vibrant, and we are commanding our own space. In this electric episode of Blackfluencers, we sit down with filmmaker, actor, and cultural arts consultant Chike C. Nwoffiah for a deep, uncompromising look at what it takes to completely dismantle the colonial gaze. Chike challenges the traditional "tourist lens" historically used by outside entities to misrepresent Black spaces as a calculated justification for extraction and exploitation. By bringing native stories directly into massive tech spaces like Netflix and Google, he is forcing an entirely different global conversation about Africa and its diaspora.
We dive into the psychological warfare of historical exclusion, unpacking the central thesis of his highly anticipated book, "Beyond Diplomas – Decolonizing the African Mind for Transformational Leadership." Chike argues that the most damaging effect of colonialism is the internal "mind game" that conditions Black communities to speak to one another through the language and frameworks of the colonizer.
To overcome this, he outlines a radical vision for the future of global gatherings like the PFPAD: stepping away from a hyper-focus on official speaking time and television screens, and instead building structural Ubuntu Circles where attendees can cultivate real human connection, find long-lost relatives across the diaspora, and build deep relationships before and after the official sessions. He issues a fierce call to action regarding the future mechanics of the forum, demanding that locations be locked down 2 to 3 years in advance so host nations can properly prepare, while urging the youth to completely occupy the space and flip the global power dynamics.
About Chike C. Nwoffiah
Educated at Government College Umuahia, the University of Lagos, Columbia University Graduate School of Business, and the Hollywood Film Institute, Chike C. Nwoffiah is an experienced arts administrator, filmmaker, and educator. He arrived in California as a corporate strategist, working for biotech companies during the early foundational stages of Silicon Valley, before transitioning his focus entirely to creative media equity. He is the Founder and Executive Director of the Silicon Valley African Film Festival (SVAFF), a landmark platform celebrating its 17th season of showcasing authentic images from Senegal to Angola, Nigeria, Cuba, and Haiti. Inducted into the Silicon Valley Black Legends Hall of Fame and a recipient of the US President's Gold Volunteer Service Award, his documentary credits include Growing Black in America, Wake Up Africa, and Bridges.
Pre-Order the Book: Beyond Diplomas Official Site (https://www.beyonddiplomas.com/)
The Festival: Silicon Valley African Film Festival (SVAFF) (http://svaff.org/)
LinkedIn: Chike C. Nwoffiah (https://www.linkedin.com/) (Please verify personal profile link)
Instagram: @chikenwoffiah (https://www.instagram.com/) (Please verify personal handle)
Board Leadership & Profile: ACTA Welcomes Board President Chike C. Nwoffiah (https://actaonline.org/acta-welcomes-new-board-president-chike-c-nwoffiah/)
Video Source: ACTA Board Announcement Interview (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8fb5FIu51M)
#PFPAD #ChikeNwoffiah #Blackfluencers #SVAFF #BeyondDiplomas #DecolonizeTheMind #AfricanCinema #UbuntuCircles #AestheticSovereignty #SiliconValley rrativeEquity #GlobalAfricanDiaspora #YouthInGovernance #BlackExcellence #MediaAsAdvocacy #Storytelling #DecolonialLeadership #DigitalStorytelling #IndependentMedia #CorporateToCulture #Nigeria #SiliconValleyLegends
