This is a story about listening.

On this podcast, two friends share their stories; one talks while the other listens. And it's deepened our friendship like almost nothing else. 

That's what we're doing today. To make room to learn from the voices and stories of our black brothers and sisters, this week we're sharing stories from black authors and poets.  From love stories about braiding a daughter's hair to frank confessions about what it feels like to both resent and love being a gardener. We hope you lean in with us this week as we listen and learn from these voices who offer a needed perspective on ordinary life.

These are the storytellers today:

Patrice Gopo, All the Colors We Will See

Jamaica Kincaid, My Garden (Book)

Jacqueline Woodson, Brown Girl Dreaming

Trevor Noah, Born a Crime

Michelle Obama, Becoming

Elizabeth Alexander, Apollo and Ars Poetica #100: I Believe

Find their books at our Podcast store here or your local library.

Read Elizabeth Alexander's poetry over here

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Sponsor appreciation: In these uncertain times we're so grateful to partner with show sponsors that keep making our work possible.

This week it's timely to be able to tell you about the online school, Laurel Springs. Use our link today and receive a waived registration fee! Click here to check out Laurel Springs for your waived registration fee and their flexible online K-12 program that is designed to encourage each student’s individuality and support their growth through a personalized approach to learning. http://laurelsprings.com/ordinary