A New Era of Cross-Cultural Dialogue: British-Ugandan Journalist, Filmmaker, and Model Norman Busigu Explores the Vibrant City of Atlanta
Monday, 24 November 2025 – Norman Busigu, a multi-hyphenate in the media industry, has made a name for himself as a “voice in global media” according to Forbes Africa, “Africa’s Modern Storyteller” according to GQ South Africa, and a “vanguard shaping global African cinema” according to Rolling Stone Africa. With an impressive portfolio career that spans continents, Busigu has embarked on a worldwide mission to connect and serve the creative ecosystems of the African diaspora. Recently, he traveled to Atlanta in October 2025 to attend the ForbesBLK Summit at Morehouse College, representing his media platform Postcards From The Diaspora and in collaboration with British Airways. His time in Atlanta served as a transformative experience, providing a crash-course in Black-American history, culture, and community. Now, Busigu hopes to use his work to bridge the gaps between Black-British, African, and Black-American discourse by fostering and initiating youth-led cross-cultural dialogue.
Southern Hospitality: A Warm Welcome in Atlanta
Growing up, the concept of “southern hospitality” was something Busigu thought of as mostly a metaphor. His introduction to this term came through hip-hop music, with artists like Ludacris proudly proclaiming in their lyrics that out-of-towners would be welcomed with open arms in their cities. However, during a rooftop mixer event at the Cannes Lions Festival in June 2025, Busigu met an incredible Black-American woman from Atlanta who showed him firsthand the true meaning of “southern hospitality”. Her soothingly sweet country twang, slow yet assured speech, and endearing expressions like “hey cousin!” and “what’s good twin?” made Busigu feel comfortable and at ease. This innate warmth and friendliness is a common trait in Atlanta and the Black South, creating a close-knit community where people are accessible and success is within reach.
The ForbesBLK Summit: A Platform for Black Empowerment
During the ForbesBLK Summit, which took place at Morehouse College this year, black leaders, entrepreneurs, and emerging talent across industries gathered to discuss the theme of charting a new path to economic prosperity. Against the backdrop of shifting global geo-politics, DEI drawbacks, and the rise of Artificial Intelligence, high-profile speakers and pioneering creators offered candid reflections and bold visions for the future of black entrepreneurship and influence. Busigu was struck by the sense of urgency and collective responsibility among the attendees. He made lasting connections with like-minded individuals from all over the world and felt a deep desire to empower each other and share knowledge with their communities. This sense of community and collaboration is a key element of Black-American culture, which Busigu found to be prevalent in Atlanta.
The City Too Busy to Hate: A Vibrant Culture in Atlanta
After the ForbesBLK Summit, Busigu got a taste of Black-American culture in Atlanta. From the endless murals depicting black power and history to the constant sound of Neo-soul, R&B, and hip-hop/rap music in the streets, the culture is ever-present and impossible to escape. Busigu enjoyed a Sunday brunch at Marcus Bar and Grille, feasting on black American soul food and delicacies like gumbo and peach cobbler while listening to a 4-hour live DJ set. He also attended a service at Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Martin Luther King Jr. was baptized, and experienced the soulful worship and prayer of the Black-American community. This environment is where genres like R&B and artists like Ludacris have their roots, and it’s where the Black-American culture is most deeply felt and expressed. Busigu also attended the Morris Brown College Homecoming, which gave him a glimpse into the world of HBCUs (historically black colleges and universities) and the strong sense of community they foster.
Final Thoughts
There is no place on earth like Atlanta, and it perfectly embodies the concept of “southern hospitality”. The city, also known as the “City in the Trees”, left Busigu in awe and eager to experience more. With its rich cultural history and vibrant community, Atlanta is a city that has played a significant role in the Black-American journey toward socio-political and economic empowerment. Busigu’s experience in Atlanta has solidified his passion for exploring and sharing Black-American culture with the world, and he looks forward to where his adventures will take him next.
