Mixed Bag: Culture, Adoption and the Transracial Family

A chance encounter with a Moroccan politician showed me the importance of being humble and curious, two traits sorely missing in society. As transracial adoptive parents, especially, we need to be an example of what that looks like. If this strikes a chord--or makes you curious, check out some of the below resources.

Also, I'd love to get your feedback on the podcast, so I can do a better job next season. Please answer six quick questions using this link to Survey Monkey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/K8DH8ZJ

Cultural Humility vs. Cultural Competence

Reflections on Cultural Humility

Black Like Me

The Conscious Kid

"A Young Peoples' History of the United States", by Howard Zinn

"A People's History of the United States", by Howard Zinn

Along with being part Irish, Corey Greaves is a descendant of the Blackfeet and Klickitat tribes. He's founder and president of Mending Wings, a ministry with the goal of helping Native American youth rediscover their culture, and experience relational and spiritual healing.

Elton Morrison is a Native American who grew up in the foster care system and went through Mending Wings in his teens. Today, he works there as a volunteer.

During this episode, Corey and Elton tell their stories, and their perspectives on nurturing Native American culture.

Show Notes:

Mending Wings

One Church, Many Tribes

Taking a break from the usual Q&A format to talk a bit more about my family's story and some of the changes we've made to blend our childrens' ethnic background into our lives. One resource that was especially helpful was the Refresh Conference.

Refresh Seattle, March 15- 16, 2019

Refresh Kansas City, March 29- 30, 2019

Refresh Chicago, Oct 24- 26, 2019

Does darkening the door of a black barbershop seem like an act of desecration to you? Pastor Michael Thomas talks about the black barbershop experience and provides encouragement for adoptive parents who want to do right by their African American son.

Articles and essays about the black barbershop:

"5 black barbers on why barbershops are sacred spaces," The Fader, October 23, 2017

"The power and politics of the black barbershop," The Fader, October 11, 2017

"10 things you need to know about the black barbershop," September 08, 2015

"Barbershop study trimmed black mens' hair and blood pressure," Associated Press, March 12, 2018

Like it or not, our lives are shaped by the expectations of others—both positively and negatively. Just ask Dr. Jessica Chandler Growing up in rural Mississippi, she was the daughter of a single mom, and had many obstacles to overcome. But the values and beliefs of family gave this African American woman the inner drive and conviction to persevere. Now let's listen to her story.

A few words on who I am, what this podcast is about and why I’m doing it.