First Name Basis Podcast

It seems like we need to shout it from the rooftops because most Americans are pretty convinced that Cinco de Mayo is Mexican Independence Day, and that is just not true.

Cinco de Mayo is the commemoration of Mexico's victory over the French in the Battle of Puebla. It was an amazing feat for the 2,000 Mexican soldiers to stave off the large army of 6,000 French soldiers.

In this episode we discuss:

• The true history of Cinco de Mayo.
• What it looks like to celebrate respectfully.
• Things you should avoid during the celebration.

Articles, Studies, & Podcasts Referenced in the Episode

"The Real History of Cinco de Mayo," NPR

Cinco de Mayo, History.com

"Teaching Kids the Real Meaning of Cinco de Mayo in a Fun Way," Growing Up Bilingual

"The Best Cinco de Mayo Crafts to Teach Kids About Mexican Culture and Traditions," Growing Up Bilingual

Song Credit: "Away" by Geographer and "Beach Disco" by Dougie Wood

This episode answers the number one question I've been asked since starting First Name Basis: How do I know whether to say "Black" or "African-American"?

I went straight to the source and asked a number of my friends and family how they prefer to identify and why. Listen to hear from:

• Mielle Harmon
• Ken Clarke
• Ramiah Jackson
• Antony Deshay
• Nina Clarke-Telfer
• Laura Schnell

Articles, Studies, & Podcasts Referenced in the Episode

"A Complete History of the Census Race Boxes"

"The Changing Categories the U.S. Census has Used to Measure Race"

Song Credit: "Away" by Geographer and "Beach Disco" by Dougie Wood

We had an amazing conversation on Instagram and I really didn't want you to miss it! I shared a post about resisting the temptation to be seen as a savior and becoming a liberator instead. Then, one of the members of our First Name Basis fam asked what it looks like to be a liberator and we launched into an awesome conversation about 5 things that we can all do to be liberators.

The five things we discuss are:

1. Learn: Learn about the issues facing marginalized communities and about the privileges you hold.
2. Listen: Diversify your social networks and your social media
3. Walk with us and amplify our voices: People with power, privilege and resources are accustomed to their voices being the loudest in the room. To be a liberator you have to be willing to take a back seat and amplify the voices of those in marginalized communities
4. Redistribute your resources: Support businesses owned by People of Color, and support nonprofit organizations that are run by People of Color and are doing the work to support under-resourced communities.
5. Be civically engaged: Keep up with current events and vote for leaders who listen to and support marginalized communities.

Articles, Studies, & Podcasts Referenced in the Episode

Visit the First Name Basis Bookshop

Song Credit: "Away" by Geographer and "Beach Disco" by Dougie Wood

I'm sure you've seen the headlines: The Black community has been hit the hardest by the coronavirus.

Infection rates in Black counties are 3 times that of infection rates in majority white counties. The CDC reports 33% of deaths are coming from the Black community, even where they only make up 14% of the population.

This has so many of us asking: Why?

Government leaders and physicians have all taken a stab at explaining the reason, but none of them are painting a complete picture. In this episode, I break down 5 of the main reasons (health care, housing, food security, jobs, and wealth) our Black brothers and sisters are suffering at rates higher than anyone else in the country so that you can understand what's really going on here.

Articles, Studies, & Podcasts Referenced in the Episode

"Stop Blaming Black People for Dying of Coronavirus" by Ibram X. Kendi

"Bill Cassidy on His State's Racial Disparities in Coronavirus Deaths," NPR

"Our History Lives in Our Homes," Dr. Tom Shapiro, Professor at Brandeis University

An infographic explaining food desserts in America from Tulane University

"Black and Hispanic Workers Less Able to Work From Home"

"Wealth and Structural Racism," Dr. William Darity Jr. Professor at Duke

"Why the Coronavirus is Hitting Black Communities the Hardest," NPR

Song Credit: "Away" by Geographer and "Beach Disco" by Dougie Wood

What did you learn about Rosa Parks growing up? You may have learned, like I did, that she was a tired seamstress on her way home from work and when a bus driver asked her to give up her seat to a white person it was the last straw so she decided not to stand. Well she was a seamstress, but the true story is so much more exciting than that. Rosa Parks was a high ranking member of the NAACP and her actions were not only planned but part of a larger, multi-organizational strategy. In this episode we talk about all of the events leading up to Ms. Parks' fateful decision, and one of the unsung heroes of the Civil Rights Movement: Claudette Colvin.

Montgomery Bus Boycott-Stanford

Claudette Colvin: The 15 Year Old Who Came Before Rosa Parks

Before Rosa Parks There Was Claudette Colvin (NPR)

An Interview with Attorney Fred Gray

Bus Boycott Took Planning, Smarts

Browder v Gayle

Song Credit: "Away" by Geographer and "Beach Disco" by Dougie Wood

Dr. Seuss books are some of the most popular books across the globe, but should it stay that way?

In this episode we explore the fact that Dr. Seuss wrote more than just children's books — he was also the author of countless racist comics, ads, and political cartoons. So, as parents who value inclusion, what do we do?

The Untold Story of Dr. Seuss details his writings outside of children's books, the representation of People of Color in children's books, and what we can do in our homes and classrooms to ensure that we are living up to our values.

Articles, Studies, & Podcasts Referenced in the Episode

"The Cat is Out of the Bag: Orientalism, Anti-Blackness, and White Supremacy in Dr. Seuss's Children's Books"

"The Racist Side of Dr. Seuss You Didn't Know About"

Look at the First Name Basis Dr. Seuss highlight on Instagram for examples from @theconsciouskid of his cartoons, ads, and propaganda

Song Credit: "Away" by Geographer and "Beach Disco" by Dougie Wood

In this episode my dad and I dig deep about the importance of Black History Month. This is one of my favorite conversations I've ever had on the podcast because it is just that, a conversation. When I was growing up late night conversations with my dad were some of my most cherished moments. He has a way of building you up and inspiring you, while at the same time keeping it completely real, holding you accountable, and pushing you to do better.We talk about how our country was built on the backs of People of Color, how strong and resilient our communities of Color are even though we continue to face what seem like insurmountable odds, and how you can expose your children to that history, strength, reliance, and love. I am so excited for the First Name Basis fam to have the opportunity to get to know my dad, he is such a huge part of the reason I sit behind the microphone each and every week.

Song Credit: "Away" by Geographer and "Beach Disco" by Dougie Wood

The books that we have in our bookshelves speak volumes about who and what we value. In this episode I share the 3 steps to making your child's bookshelf more inclusive and diverse.

• Step 1: Take inventory of your bookshelf — do you have books that are both mirrors and windows? Do you have any books that perpetuate stereotypes?
• Step 2: Try, try, try new books.
• Step 3: Purchase the books you love for yourself and share them with others

Articles, Studies, & Podcasts Referenced in the Episode

"Mirrors, Windows and Sliding Glass Doors," by Rudine Sims Bishop

"The Windows and Mirrors of Your Child's Bookshelf" by Grace Lin

2018 Diversity in Children's Books Stats

2019 Diversity in Publishing Stats

First Name Basis book recommendations

Hereweeread on Instagram

Reading.sinfronteras on Instagram

Inclusivestorytime on Instagram

Song Credit: "Away" by Geographer and "Beach Disco" by Dougie Wood

Lunar New Year is right around the corner. What are you doing to teach your children about the traditions and history of this holiday?

Listen in to my conversation with children's author Andrea Wang to learn how we can bring Chinese culture into our homes and get involved with the Chinese community in our area. Not only is Andrea a talented, hilarious writer, she also has two boys and an advanced degree in environmental science. It was such a joy to connect with someone I admire so much!

In this episode we discuss:

• Andrea's path to becoming an author and her inspiration behind writing "The Nian Monster."
• Lunar New Year, her favorite Lunar New Year traditions, and how families who don't usually celebrate Lunar New Year can get involved.
• Her experiences growing up in a predominantly white community.
• The importance of teaching our children about implicit bias and how to help your children dispel stereotypes they may have about the Chinese community
• The #ownvoices movement in which authors of color and other marginalized groups are advocating for themselves and fighting for the space to tell their own story
• The importance of having an inclusive bookshelf

Articles, Studies, & Podcasts Referenced in the Episode

Andrea Wang's website

Andrea Wang's Instagram

Andrea Wang's Twitter

We Need Diverse Books

Andrea Wang's books on the First Name Basis Bookshop

OurStory App

Grace Lin's essay about "Tikki Tikki Tembo"

Song Credit: "Away" by Geographer and "Beach Disco" by Dougie Wood

If creating a society that is just and inclusive is our goal, we need to do more than post a quote and a photo on social media on Martin Luther King Day. In this episode we give you three concrete things you can do on Martin Luther King Day with your family that will truly honor his legacy.

1. Give your children context about who we are celebrating and why
2. Attend an event
3. Support Black-owned businesses

Articles, Studies, & Podcasts Referenced in the Episode

"The Story of Martin Luther King Jr." video by Kid President

"My Brother Martin" by Christine King Farris

"My Daddy, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr." by Martin Luther King III

"As Good As Anybody" by Richard Michelson

"March: Graphic Novel Series" by John Lewis

First Name Basis Podcast, Season 1, Episode 1: "Talking to Young Kids About Race"

First Name Basis Podcast, Season 1, Episode 2: "Talking to Older Children About Race"

First Name Basis Podcast, Season 1, Episode 3: "Talking to Your Children About Slavery"

Buy From BIPOC on Instagram

Song Credit: "Away" by Geographer and "Beach Disco" by Dougie Wood