Trigger warning: This episode discusses childhood trauma, sexual abuse, medical trauma, paralysis, and societal discrimination.

Living with a disability and neurodivergence while defying the odds, Malaika (MK) proves that medical expectations don’t define your journey and achievements.

"Find your spark. Go make your soul happy. Do what you love, and let's heal this world together." - Malaika (MK)

In this episode of Your Voice Matters, Asma Jacob chats with Malaika, a multi-creative advocate who shares their journey of navigating multiple disabilities, childhood trauma, and discovering healing through creativity and community.

From professional football to working with UNICEF, Malaika opens up about boundaries, self-care, and advocating for the Black disabled community. This honest and raw conversation is for anyone seeking to live authentically and find what makes their soul spark - and how we’re soul-beings not human beings.

"We treat each other like we're money beings, not human beings. We're more than that, we're soul beings." - Malaika (MK)

Key takeaways:

• The body keeps score. Childhood trauma, whether physical, emotional, or sexual, lives in the body. Healing requires acknowledging pain and creating safe spaces for release.

• Learning to set boundaries as an adult is a process of reparenting yourself. Not everyone will like your boundaries, but they're necessary for your wellbeing.

• Find what makes your soul spark. Discovering activities that bring joy and balance is crucial for managing physical and emotional regulation.

• Community and connection heal us. Sharing stories, building authentic relationships, and supporting each other reduces isolation and creates collective healing.

About Malaika:

Malaika is a multi-creative advocate, disabled person, and neurodivergent individual living in the UK. Born in Uganda in 1988 and raised in Britain from age two, Malaika has worn many hats, from playing professional football and working with UNICEF and UNAIDS to advocating for Project Red and challenging childhood trauma patterns. Living with multiple disabilities including paralysis, autism, and ADHD, she uses their platform to speak about the intersections of race, disability, neurodivergence, and spirituality. Through creative expression and community building, she champions the message that our voices matter and that healing is possible when we find our spark.

Where to find Malaika:

Learn more about Achievable Journey.

Follow Your Voice Matters and connect with Asma on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X.

Remember to subscribe to Your Voice Matters wherever you listen to podcasts!

Share this episode with someone who could benefit from hearing the voice of the SEND and neurodivergent community.