What if the system was never built to protect us—but we rose up and did it anyway?
There’s a moment in this episode that stopped me in my tracks. We were talking about navigating systems that weren’t designed with us in mind—school systems, child protection services, medical systems—and someone said: “They just have a title. They’re broken people, too.” That stayed with me.
Because what do you do when the help you need comes from people who don’t understand your story?
You gather your sisters. You speak the truth. You don’t wait for permission. And that’s exactly what we did in this conversation—six Black women, all of us deeply connected to community, family, and the sacred work of healing.
The Women in the Room
This roundtable was a heart-led, no-holds-barred conversation with women I deeply respect:
ChaQuana McEntyre – A fierce mama of ten, former social worker, and truth-teller who speaks from lived experience.
Mikilia Carroll – Founder of Aid for Autism, advocate, and the kind of mother every kid deserves in their corner.
Porsche Gordin – A therapist and licensed alcohol & drug counselor who brings both clinical wisdom and lived empathy to the table.
Jebeh Edmunds – Educator, Liberian American, and founder of Jebeh Cultural Consulting. Her work reshapes how schools honor identity and culture.
Tatianna Kirk – My daughter and co-host, always grounding us in grace and purpose.
We didn’t hold back. We talked about what we’ve lived, what we’ve seen, and what we’re still fighting for.
🧭 What We Covered
The weight of raising Black children in a system not built for them
Autism advocacy, early signs, and why diagnosis isn't defeat
The thin line between discipline and shame—and why we need to stop hiding behind “that’s just how we were raised”
What really changes when parents apologize to their kids
Why reunification after foster care takes more than just paperwork
The unspoken grief of losing time with your children
And the bold truth: prayer matters—but so does therapy, parenting classes, and showing up
🗣️ Quotes Worth Sitting With
“Your master's degree is a piece of paper. Being a Black woman—that’s what makes me show up the way I do.”
“Give your kids the gift of believing in them.”
“Voluntary services? Not really voluntary. It’s an offer with strings attached. Know that.”
“Don't wait until the system checks you. Check yourself.”
“Stop relying on Black resiliency to carry your kids. They're not okay. They're tired, too.”
⏱ Chapter Markers
03:01 Who we are and why we do this work
14:34 Parenting lessons that changed how we show up
23:42 Early signs of autism and the power of a mother’s instinct
30:59 Cultural silence: why Black families delay diagnosis
37:15 Mental health vs. “bad behavior”—how to tell the difference
50:32 How shame and culture block us from getting help
54:00 What to do when the school system fails your child
1:04:00 Reunification and the real work it takes
1:09:24 Final encouragement: therapy, prayer, accountability
💬 This Week’s Reflection
Where in your parenting (or your healing) journey are you relying on silence instead of support?
What would it look like to ask for help, even if it feels uncomfortable?
You don’t have to do it alone. But you do have to start.
🙌 Stay Connected + Keep the Conversation Going
Website: https://www.divinekonnections.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/divinekonnectionsinc/
Follow Deyona on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divine_konnections_inc/
💬 Love what you heard?
Share this episode with a friend, and leave a 5-star review on Apple or Spotify to help this show reach more hearts and homes.
✨ This is more than a podcast—it’s a movement. Thank you for being part of it.
