After a summer hiatus, we’re back! For our first episode back, I had the chance to speak to Kendra James, author and podcast producer at Crooked Media. We discuss Kendra's memoir 'Admissions,' which recounts her experiences as a Black girl at Taft School. Our conversation delves into our shared experiences of Black girlhood, the complexities of writing a memoir, and of course, all of the books that shaped Kendra’s reading experiences as a kid. 

00:00 Welcome Back to Unbound

00:32 Introducing Kendra James

01:36 Diving into Kendra's Memoir

03:31 Kendra's Childhood Reading Influences

05:16 Exploring Historical Fiction and Girlhood

15:29 Harry Potter and Fan Fiction Beginnings

25:47 Boarding School Expectations vs. Reality

30:56 Navigating Identity and Social Dynamics at Taft

41:04 Reflecting on Early Career Challenges

41:40 Navigating DEI Work in Independent Schools

43:12 Self-Reflection and Program Issues

44:33 Subtle Racism and Personal Experiences

49:26 Writing a Memoir: Process and Boundaries

52:57 The Journey to Publication

01:03:39 Bookish Lightning Round

01:14:11 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

For a full list of books mentioned, join the Unbound community on Substack 

Admissions: A Memoir of Surviving Boarding School by Kendra James 

Follow Kendra James on instagram: @kendrajames_

Follow Mbiye Kasonga: @mbiye_K

Produced by Moyo Media.

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