This August, as we embrace the "Back to School" season of Continued Learning & Growth, I welcome two incredible young journalists, Ahna Fleeming and Libby Hobbs, for a conversation rooted in truth-telling, identity, and resilience.

After a painful racial slur was used toward me during a public process in my own town, I was searching for connection and healing. Around the same time, I read Ahna's powerful New York Times article about a similar experience of being targeted by the very same word. When I reached out to her, she introduced me to her friend Libby, whose journey as a transracially adopted person born in China resonated deeply with both of our experiences.

Together, we explore:

• How family, race, and adoption shape identity

• Navigating racial harassment and finding our voices

• The role of journalism in truth-telling and social change

• The urgency of honest conversations in today's climate

This episode is a reminder that our hardest moments can also be invitations to keep learning, keep growing, and keep finding ways to belong.

Show Notes & Links

Referenced Articles:

• Ahna Fleeming's New York Times piece: "The Generations of Pain I Felt in One Racist Moment"

• Steve Ahlquist's reporting on my experience: "A Racial Slur Exposes the Deep Divisions in Westerly"

Connect with our Guests:

• Ahna Fleeming

• Instagram: @ahnafleming

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ahna-fleming

• Libby Hobbs

• Instagram: @libbyxhobbs

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/elizabethxhobbs

Follow & Connect with April:

• Website: www.juneinapril.com

• Social: @juneinapril (all platforms)

• YouTube: @AprilDinwoodie