Q-BEKH x Black Inc. Podcast:
Fusing Oral Traditions with Digital Innovations to Amplify Insights from Black Entrepreneurship Research
January 15, 2025 — As a province, Quebec has mastered the art of synergistic dichotomies, blending tradition with innovation and interweaving creative expression and technological progress. It’s not surprising then, that the Quebec Regional Hub of the Black Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (Q-BEKH) would be the ideal setting for our latest project for Black entrepreneurs. In collaboration with Concordia University’s Centre for Oral History and Digital Storytelling and the Black Inc. Podcast, the Hub is launching a bold new approach to Black entrepreneurship research by using digital storytelling to explore insights gained from research into the field. By connecting researchers and podcasters for lively and engaging conversations on Black entrepreneurship, Q-BEKH is making the research more accessible to the wider community.
Stories have the power to inspire change, challenge perceptions, and build a more equitable future for Black entrepreneurs. As Martha Nduwayo, coordinator for the Quebec Regional Hub, reflects, “I think especially in Quebec, it’s very important to highlight the concept of generational conversations, as well as oral history and oral knowledge. A lot of Indigenous knowledge is shared and passed down through oral stories, but it’s not necessarily written down or in a digital format. So, if you’re looking online, you’re going to miss that.” By preserving and sharing these stories, the Quebec Regional Hub is not only safeguarding invaluable knowledge but also making it accessible to a broader audience. This initiative transforms oral histories into resources that can inspire, educate, and empower future generations, ensuring that the voices of Black entrepreneurs continue to be heard, and their contributions recognized.
At the heart of the Q-BEKH x Black Inc. Podcast series is the recognition that merging oral traditions with the digital sphere creates a powerful tool for documenting and preserving lived experiences. Digital storytelling has emerged as an essential research tool, reshaping how knowledge is shared and consumed. Platforms like podcasts can bridge the gap between academia and community engagement, transforming research findings into accessible and engaging narratives. Martha explains, “If we are to create a Knowledge Hub or an entrepreneurship mission that revolves around Black initiatives, it’s important to have a cultural consideration to it and decolonize the way we do research. That means giving as much respect and expertise to the oral histories and to the elders or the people who have the knowledge, even if they’re not academics with PhDs.” This approach not only validates the expertise within the Black community but also enriches research with cultural nuance, offering perspectives often missing in traditional academic methods.
Looking to the future, the Quebec Regional Hub is committed to expanding the conversation around Black entrepreneurship, particularly by recognizing and celebrating the entrepreneurial contributions of Black artists and creatives. “Artists and creatives are not necessarily seen as entrepreneurs, even though they are... So, I think it is important to highlight it or create space for that,” Martha notes. By acknowledging this often-overlooked aspect of the Black experience, the initiative lays the groundwork for future research that bridges creativity and entrepreneurship. With Season 2 of the Q-BEKH x Black Inc. Podcast set to launch in February 2025 during Black History Month, the Hub continues to inspire, engage, and broaden the impact of its work. We encourage you to listen, share, and contribute to this growing body of knowledge that celebrates the diversity and resilience of Black entrepreneurship.
Black Inc Podcast Season 2 Intro Video with BEKH
Watch the full season