On this episode, Trina speaks with author Rebecca Walker a student-organized event at California State University Fullerton. Rebecca Walker has contributed to the global conversation about race, gender, power, and the evolution of the human family for three decades. Since graduating from Yale, she has authored and edited seven bestselling books on subjects ranging from intergenerational feminism and multiracial identity to Black Cool and ambivalent motherhood, and written dozens of articles on topics as varied as Barack Obama’s masculinity, the work of visual artist Ana Mendieta, and the changing configuration of the American family.  Rebecca has written, developed and produced film and television projects with Warner Brothers, NBCUniversal, Amazon, HBO, and Paramount, and spoken at over four hundred universities and corporate campuses internationally, including Harvard, The Whitney Museum, and TEDx Lund. When Rebecca was 21, she co-founded the Third Wave Fund, which makes grants to womxn and transgender youth working for social justice. Rebecca has won many awards, including the Women Who Could Be President Award from the League of Women Voters, was named by Time Magazine as one of the most influential leaders of her generation, and continues to teach her masterclass, The Art of Memoir, at gorgeous and inspiring places around the world. Resources: www.rebeccawalker.com

On this episode, Trina is an invited guest on a special live episode of the Let's End Domestic Violence podcast to discuss the impacts of domestic violence in the Black community and the policies needed to prevent it. Also participating in the conversation are Kelli Dillon (City of Oakland, Office of Violence Prevention), Eric Morrison-Smith (Alliance for Boys and Men of Color), and Karen Earl (Jenesse Center) and host Bonnie Boswell. Resources: www.letsenddv.org/podcast/episode-04

On this episode, Trina speaks with Naimah Efia, a holistic health practitioner, and healer within the ancient-future traditions of the African diaspora. Within a commitment to self-determined healing for Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), Naimah activates transformation through politicized, decolonial care. They also teach yoga, offer immersive mindfulness experiences and retreats, and facilitate integrative training on the intersections of yoga, social justice and identity politics. They're a proud Ma-MaGe to toddler twins, as well as a doula, centering perinatal mental health across the spectrum of their reproductive justice work. Naimah also offers their skills & care as a healing justice practitioner, liberation-based educator and community activist. Resources: www.naimahefia.com www.tourhero.com/en/epic-adventures/costa-rica/re-imagine-legacy-6-days-of-restoration-transformation-cultural-immersion-in-costa-rica-with-naimah-efia-346304

On this episode, Trina speaks with Dr. Raquel Martin, an experienced licensed clinical psychologist, devoted university professor, acclaimed researcher and scientist who believes deeply in the power of Black mental wealth which she defines as “an affirming, lifelong journey that encourages Black people to center mental health practices as integral and intentionally linked to success and wellbeing.” Dr. Martin is also the host of the Mind Your Mental podcast and a highly sought-after and renowned public speaker with a rapidly-growing and engaged following. Resources: www.raquelmartinphd.com

On this episode, Trina is an invited guest on the Embodied podcast to discuss Gentle Parenting along with content creator Destiny Bennett and guest host Omisade Burney-Scott. Listen as Trina outlines her parenting evolution and breaks down how she creates consequences without using punishment. Resources: www.wunc.org/podcast/embodied-podcast/2023-06-23/intentioned-parenting-ourselves-and-our-kids-parent-child-gentle-conscious-intentional-generational-trauma

In this episode, Trina speaks with DeAntwann “DJ” Johnson, a husband, father, author, mentor, coach, counselor, and sports statistician, 3x champion body builder. He grew up in the Indiana foster care system and yet despite that, has gone on to lead a successful, and fulfilling life. Before spending nine years in the foster care system, DJ suffered child abuse, domestic abuse, and emotional trauma. At one point, he wanted to end his life, but he realized that he was on this earth for a purpose. It wasn’t an easy road, but DJ was fortunate enough to have several people throughout his life who inspired him to do great things, inspite of everything that he had been through. Now he works as a “traveling counselor” providing services counseling, workshops, and more for schools, youth, and parents. Resources: www.DJinspires.com

On this episode, Trina speaks with Tanya Nixon-Silberg, founder of Little Uprisings, an organization focused on centering artivism, racial justice, and liberation with kids. Her primary artistic identities lie in puppetry and storytelling and her work moves through the lens of liberation in Black identities focusing on body remembrances of childhood and joy. Tanya’s large-scale community-driven artistry has been exhibited at many Greater Boston institutions including the ICA, Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Peabody Essex Museum, and Fuller Craft Museum. She is currently in a multi-year partnership with Boston and Brookline Public Schools leading anti-bias/anti-racism professional learning and curriculum development. Tanya is also the co-leader of the Un-ADULT-erated Black Joy Collective with other Black mothers in Boston, and co-producer of Play for Change with the Gottabees.  Resources: www.nowandthere.org/tanya-nixonsilberg-project www.littleuprisings.org

On this episode, Trina speaks with Shamiesha Ebhotemen, Founder and Executive Director of HERstory Inc, an organization that is comprised of Doulas, Nurses, Lactation Consultants, Midwives, Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioners, Therapists, and Social Workers who provide maternal and family health education and birthing services to create stress-free pregnancy before and postpartum for the mother and family. Their mission is to provide a safe space for pregnant and postpartum BIPOC families to learn, create community, and thrive. Shamiesha is a registered nurse, certified lactation educator, and owner of NURSEMilk LLC, where her mission is to educate, advocate, and empower families throughout their breastfeeding journey. Resources: www.herstoryinc.org Birthing Justice Film - www.pbs.org/video/birthing-justice-pxaxav

On this episode, Trina speaks with professional lactation consultant Lydia O. Boyd. Lydia is an experienced breastfeeding mother who specializes in supporting families who are expecting or currently breastfeeding. She holds multiple certifications, including International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, Certified Blactation Educator-Expert, Certified Lactation Educator, Breastfeeding Peer Counselor, and Doula. Lydia is also the co-founder and faculty of The B.L.A.C.K. Course, the full-scope lactation and breastfeeding education course made by and for Black People and folks supporting Black breastfeeding families.  With years of experience in supporting birthing and breastfeeding families, she has gained a wealth of knowledge and expertise in this field.  As a consultant, Lydia provides a safe space for families to discuss their concerns and questions about breastfeeding and birth. She offers technical and relevant information and education, ensuring that families receive the best support possible. Lydia's ultimate goal is to accompany families on their journey of birthing and feeding their "genius" babies with the best milk available.  Resources: www.lydiaoboyd.com

For part 4 of the Black Parent Innovation Lab Mini Series, Trina speaks with Ashley Karell to discuss her innovation, Nature Time. Ashley Karell is an Oakland based lover of music, being in the water, and being a mother to her 13-year-old child. Ashley has been teaching young children in a variety of indoor and outdoor learning environments for over 15 years, with this 2022-2023 school year being her 8th year as a forest school teacher in the Bay Area.  Resources: Instagram: ⁠@naturetimeoakland⁠⁠www.linktr.ee/AshleyKarell⁠

For part 3 of the Black Parent Innovation Lab Mini Series, Trina speaks with Barbara Lawson to discuss her innovation, The Dandelion Project. Barbara is a self-taught artist and gardener as well as founder of the healing plant nursery, Meet Me In the Dirt.  She believes that creativity combined with connection to self first, then others, will pave the way towards healing and change. She began painting and gardening as a way to tap into a deeper understanding of her journey. As life unfolded in and around her, grief surrounding the loss of her mother left a deep sadness in her heart that was unbearable. She sought the aid of a counselor to help sort through her pain and simultaneously began building her own healing garden. Barbara infuses the gift of encouragement into each piece she creates with flowers and natural accents in an effort to create space for others to celebrate their own uniqueness in this life. Resouces: ⁠www.meetmeinthedirt.com⁠

For part 2 of the Black Parent Innovation Lab Mini Series, Trina speaks with Nadirah Adeye and discusses her innovation, The Me Bank. Nadirah is a mother, writer, storyteller, funny bone tweaker and committed devotee of conscious parenting and partnership. She has worked and served in conscious and spiritual organizations throughout the California Bay Area, in fields ranging from Diversity, Equity and Inclusion to public ceremony and ritual.Nadirah is also a sacred sensualist and the founder of the Green Purse Society, teaching clients to heal their resource wounds and to transform their relationship with money from one of stress and anxiety to confidence and empowered pleasure.  Resources: www.nadirahadeye.com

This is part one of the Parenting For Liberation Black Parent Innovation Lab Mini-Series. In this episode, Trina discusses P4L's Black Parent Innovation Lab and their work to provide funding and wraparound support to parents who are driving solutions to critical issues impacting Black families in their own communities. As part of their wrap-up and celebration, the fellows were able to present their innovations to a live audience of peers and supporters. In addition to their presentations, P4L also hosted an innovation panel with amazing speakers including Kandee Lewis, Kaci Patterson, and Brittany Brathwaite. The panel was Moderated by Nicole Vick. For part one of this series, you can hear the entire panel discussion!

On this episode, Trina speaks with author and life coach Kwamane Harris about addressing our intergenerational trauma and the necessity of our healing journey as parents in order to empower our children and future generations while we continue to fight against oppression in our communities. Kwamane is an advocate for youth and families. He recently wrote a book titled "Pushing the Generations Forward," which emphasizes the importance of empowering the next generation and finding purpose in the face of life's hardships. Kwamane has been working in human services for the past 15 years, specifically in youth development and family support services. Currently, Kwamane trains adults who support youth in education and employment attainment using evidence-based practices, which include cognitive behavior theory and a trauma-informed approach. Harris holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, a master's degree in business administration, and is a certified professional life coach. When he is not working, Harris enjoys spending time with his wife, family, and friends. Resources: Pushingthegenerationsforward.com

On this episode, Trina speaks with Dr. Decoteau Irby and discusses what it means to achieve racial equity in schools and how parents can support their children and support themselves as they advocate for their children. Decoteau’s life work focuses on creating and sustaining organizations that contribute to Black people’s self-determined well-being, development, and positive life outcomes. He is an Associate Professor at University of Illinois at Chicago in the Department of Educational Policy Studies. He is the author of Stuck Improving: Racial Equity and School Leadership (Harvard Education Press) and the picture book Magical Black Tears: A Protest Story (Derute Consulting Cooperative). Resources:  www.decoteauirby.com

On this episode, Trina speaks with author and non-violent parenting educator Krischa Esquivel. Krischa Esquivel has worked in the field of early education for 25 years in a variety of capacities, including training and technical assistance, curriculum development, safe environments for early education settings, and various state and federal grants. She is sought after for her work and training on non-traditional parenting and has worked with the California Community College Consortium to publish a college textbook on diversity and inclusion for all early care and education students to access for free upon enrollment in any California junior college. Krischa has been a featured speaker at a local TEDx production on the topic “Treating Our Children Better” and is the Vice Chair for Plaza de la Raza’s Board of Directors.  Krischa’s driving force and deep advocacy for children is grounded in her most important role as the mother of 2 teenagers. Resources: www.losingcontrolbook.com www.youtu.be/c9vvEfNv0E0

On this episode, Trina has an open conversation with her son, Terrence Hayes Jr., about his experience growing up as a child with a fearful mother, navigating high-alert situations at school, and figuring out how to strike a balance between having what's needed to survive while being able to have the space to live and be free. Terrence is a 13-year-old Black boy centering joy. He's an up & coming student-athlete, with a 3.8 GPA, who loves baseball. His favorite player is Jackie Robinson. When not on the field, he spends his time with family, his 3 pet dogs, and gaming with friends.

On this episode, Trina speaks with Nichelle Nelson founder of Warp & Weft History, which offers virtual history and government classes for homeschooled teens. Nichelle Nelson is a veteran homeschool mom with 25 years of experience. She and her husband successfully homeschooled three of their children from birth to Baylor University and beyond. Nichelle holds a BA in History from Huston-Tillotson University and MS Ed in Multicultural Studies with an emphasis in Social Justice from the University of Houston - Clear Lake. www.warpandwefthistory.com

On this episode of Parenting for Liberation, Trina speaks with Nia Eubanks-Dixon, the founder and creator of Creative Praxis, an art-based, healing-centered, training organization for youth, educators, and community members working towards liberation. Nia is a therapeutic restorative community artist, international trainer, and mother of two. It’s back to school time, so Trina and Nia discuss ways we can help our children understand boundaries, advocate for themselves in educational spaces, as well helping kids create their own safe spaces at home. Resources: www.creativepraxis.org www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1878929317301482 www.aclu.org/issues/juvenile-justice/school-prison-pipeline/school-prison-pipeline-infographic www.brainharmony.com

On this episode of Parenting for Liberation, Trina speaks with Mia Cooley, founder of xHood, about Black Queer Parent Empowerment, what that means, and how we as a community can support our LGBTQ+ families in our community. xHood is the first community group and organization created in service of Black queer family building and nurturing journeys. Mia Cooley is a community builder and parenting coach. She specializes in supporting Black and/or Queer families through all of those special and at times frustrating moments on the journey to and through babies. Resources: www.ParentxHood.com www.thetrevorproject.org/survey-2022

In honor of Father’s Day, Trina speaks with Dr. Khalid White, educator, filmmaker, and author of the book Black Fatherhood: Trials & Tribulations, Testimony & Triumph.  He completed his undergrad studies in Sociology at Morehouse College and then went on to pursue his degrees in Education and African American studies at Harvard University and UC, Davis respectively. He is also the founder of Blkmpwr.com, which creates all original media content and merchandise to empower, inspire and educate. Resources: www.blkmpwr.com Fathers’ Involvement With Their Children:  United States, 2006–2010 Dads, Too, Get Hormone Boost While Caring for Baby

There is a current epidemic of Black children dying by suicide. Suicide attempts rose by 73% between 1991-2017 for Black adolescents. The suicide rate among those younger than 13 years is approximately 2 times higher for black children compared with White children. These numbers are shocking but what do they reveal about the current mental health of our young people? What does the research indicate? How do we address this issue in our own families? How do we tackle this crisis as a community? Trina sits down with psychologist and researcher, Dr. Rhonda Boyd. Dr. Rhonda Boyd is a psychologist in the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Her research focuses on depression among youth and perinatal women. She has a line of research examining maternal depression among women of color and their children and developing preventive interventions aimed at these families. She also conducts research on risk and protective factors among youth, especially Black adolescents, with a recent focus on understanding youth depression and suicidal ideation and behaviors. Dr. Boyd also served on the Congressional Black Caucus’s Emergency TaskForce on Black Youth Suicide and Mental Health who released the report, Ring the Alarm The Crisis of Black Youth Suicide in America. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health matters, please call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. Resources: Ring the Alarm The Crisis of Black Youth Suicide in America www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org www.policylab.chop.edu Suicide Prevention Resource Center  

Trina speaks with Natasha Nelson, a Certified Positive Discipline Educator (CPDE) and stay-at-home mother to two autistic Black girls, about positive discipline and how we can best support our neurodivergent children. The mission of Supernova Momma is to help Black and Neurodiverse people break generational curses from systemic racism and ableism. Listen in as they discuss what neurodiversity means and how it shows up in Black families, applying a Black-lens to positive discipline, making connections between neurodiversity and systems of oppressions & trauma, and connecting our children and families to resources for healthy coping and development. Check out Natasha's offerings via her website and follow her on Instagram @supernova_momma. SuperNovaMomma.com

Trina speaks with sex educator and reproductive justice activist Brittany Braithwaite to discuss how parents can talk to their kids about sex, bodily autonomy, and going beyond consent. They also discuss the latest threats to reproductive justice and how it impacts Black families.  Resources Discussed:  www.kimbritive.com  www.amaze.org  www.scarleteen.com  www.sexetc.org

As we reflect on this year's Black History Month theme of "Raising Black Futures," we explore the ways we can continue to embody liberation beyond the month of February. In this episode, Trina chats with Ashley Aaron, Director of Community Arts at Museum of Children's Art, about how we can empower our children to be their most liberated selves through art and creative-expression. Some topics we discuss are: • How to encourage your children to have radical imaginations • How to shift your parenting from "compliance" to creative innovation • How to begin the internal work to ensure our children feel safe to be their free selves

As we close out Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we speak with long-time friend and partner, Kandee Lewis, to discuss domestic violence in the Black community.  Some topics we discuss are: DV in Black families (stats, rates) and the context of racism and systemic inequality that contribute to intimate partner violence Impacts of COVID and surge in DV Intergenerational violence and impacts of witnessing DV as a child. How to interrupt generational violence Connections between DV and Child Abuse Strategies for identifying and preventing relationship violence in our children's relationships Kandee Lewis, the CEO of Positive Results Center, is a masterful trainer, Certified Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Prevention Advocate, Kandee specializes in Trauma Awareness, Teen Dating Violence, Healthy Relationships, Leadership and developing youth to be Peer Advocates and Safety Partners. Born & raised in Los Angeles, and married for 36 years, Kandee and her husband Carl have 3 adult children, and a Pit Bull! Thanks to the love of her family, especially her mother—Daisy Newsom—she is the woman she is today.

Trina Greene Brown talks with Claudia Walker, author of The ABCs of HBCUs, about the legacy and impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The ABCs of HBCUs takes readers on a front-row, all-inclusive tour of Historically Black Colleges & Universities. The first ABC board book dedicated to HBCUs, children quickly recognize that "A" isn't always for "apple." From FAMU to Howard, the Divine Nine to Battle of the Bands, children learn about the love, lifestyles, and legacies that built these incredible institutions. Hbcuprepschool.com Claudia Walker is an Oakland-based author, speaker, and teacher whose work has been featured in the New York Times, Essence, and Vogue. As a proud second-generation HBCU graduate, her debut book, The ABCs of HBCUs, is inspired by her undergraduate experiences at Spelman College. Deeply committed to showcasing and celebrating stories that mainstream publications tend to overlook, Claudia launched HBCU Prep School, a publishing company that centers on Black voices and Black joy in children’s books.

In this episode, we interview Cassandra Lane, author of "We Are Bridges" (Feminist Press), winner of the Louise Meriwether First Book Prize and Editor-in-Chief of L.A. Parent magazine. We discuss her writings and reflect on the power of reclaiming and retelling of our legacies as Black folks. And when so much of our generational history has been lost, Cassandra shares strategies to reach back and fetch them (Sankofa).  In our conversation, Cassandra reflects on the following questions: How can we begin to document these narratives? What does it look like to be a griot in modern American society? When we have a deeper understanding of where, who, and what we come from, it gives us the opportunity to be firmly grounded in that knowledge. How does this translate to our parenting as we raise future ancestors? What did you find out about yourself in your quest to remember? How can we honor the parts of us that we can't remember?

This Women's History Month, P4L honors the radical power of Black mothers with Anna Malaika Tubbs author of The Three Mothers which celebrates Black motherhood by telling the story of the women who raised and shaped three of America’s most pivotal heroes: Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, and James Baldwin. Keep up with Anna, IG: @annastea_honesty Twitter: @annas_tea_ Website: annamalaikatubbs.com. Buy your copy The Three Mothers at https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/three-mothers/

On the heels of Black History Month and Valentines Day, entering upon Women's History Month, this episode honors Black Women and Self-Love. Harkening Audre Lorde's commitment to self-love and self-care who said, “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare,” I join a couple of girlfriends for a Friday-night convo about Black women and loving on ourselves. A friend of mine, Nicole D. Vick, a public health advocate, mother, and author of Pushing Through invited me to join a live stream event with another friend, Dr. Nomsa Khalfani, a mom and an executive leader in health care, to discuss Self-Love as Political Warfare.  We discuss the pressures on Black women to do it all for everyone, the need to take care of ourselves, and how self-care is community care. 

Enjoy quick convo with Ignacio Rivera (guest of our episode #19 "Let's Talk About Sex") as we returned to discuss consent. Trina shares some new experiences raising a tween around dating, relationships, and consent.  This snippet is part of a longer that Trina and Ignacio will have about pop-culture and sexual liberation, on Ignacio's  Connecting the Dots show https://heal2end.org/media/connectingthedots/

In this episode, we talk with Chemay Morales-James about all things unschooling! We discuss what self-directed education looks like, the power of learning in a village and how to best support our children in their learning and liberation. Learn more about the virtual learning village at “My Reflection Matters”. Chemay is a social liberation & equity coach who founded My Reflection Matters, LLC in 2016. She is an unschooling mom of two brilliant, TriniRican boys. She loves traveling, going on adventures and exploring new things with her sons, reading, decorating, yoga, photography, and collecting funky art.

In this special election episode, we talk with George Turner Jr., lawyer, public defender, and father. We brought George on as an expert on criminal justice to explore key questions and issues facing Black families in this historic election.   •    Why voting is important right now for Black families-- what’s at stake? •    How voting is a liberatory practice? •    Highlighting any important ballot measures/props that Black parents should be focusing on. **Please note that as a fiscally sponsored project of Social Good Fund, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, Parenting for Liberation does not and cannot endorse or oppose any candidate for public office. George Turner Jr was invited as an expert in his field and not as a candidate.**

In this special election episode, we talk with Clarissa Doutherd, Director of Parent Voices Oakland, We explore key questions and issues facing Black families in this historic election. •    Why voting is important right now for Black families-- what’s at stake? •    How voting is a liberatory practice? •    Highlighting any important ballot measures/props that Black parents should be focusing on. ****Please note that as a fiscally sponsored project of Social Good Fund, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, Parenting for Liberation does not and cannot endorse or oppose any candidate for public office.**

In this episode, we talk to Loira Limbal, Afro-Latinx filmmaker & DJ, about her feature documentary “Through the Night" about a 24 hour daycare center. We talk about the beautiful ways that Black and Brown mothers and caregivers support each other and the current challenges facing working class mothers and caregivers during the pandemic. We also reflect on the question raised by the documentary, “Who Cares for the Caregiver?” and discuss connections between caregiving and liberated parenting. You can learn more about “Through the Night” here and support their work. Follow their work at @throughthenightdoc. Article Referenced: The Rise of Extreme Daycare

Conversation with Yolanda Williams of Parenting Decolonized podcast on the connections between conscious parenting, decolonized parenting, and liberated parenting. Learn more at parentingdecolonized.com

Trina is interviewed by Sara Gallagher of Fierce Womxn Writing about being writer and publishing her new book "Parenting for Liberation: A Guide for Raising Black Children." Learn more about Trina's writing experience and a prompt for you to reflect in writing.  http://www.fiercewomxnwriting.com/podcast/trina-greene-brown-author-of-parenting-for-liberation-a-guide-for-raising-black-children/

Welcome to the second mini episode with tools from my upcoming book, Parenting for Liberation: A Guide for Raising Black Children.  This liberated parenting strategy is informed by Episode 7: Alternative Educational Environments: The Life School with Mikala Streeter.

Welcome to the fifth mini episode with tools from my upcoming book, Parenting for Liberation: A Guide for Raising Black Children.  This liberated parenting strategy  is informed byEpisode 14: Colonialism And Other -Isms With Prof Tiffany Lanoix.

Welcome to the fourth mini episode with tools from my upcoming book, Parenting for Liberation: A Guide for Raising Black Children. This liberated parenting strategy  is informed by Episode 19: Let's Talk About Sex! Interview with Ignacio & Amanda Rivera The HEAL Project. 

Welcome to the third mini episode with tools from my upcoming book, Parenting for Liberation: A Guide for Raising Black Children. The practice is the Triple As of accountability. The liberated parenting strategy is informed by Episode 1: What is Parenting for Liberation?

Welcome to the second mini episode with tools from my upcoming book, Parenting for Liberation: A Guide for Raising Black Children. The liberated parenting strategy of “Family Agreements”  is informed by Episode 1: What is Parenting for Liberation?

For the next episodes I will be sharing liberated parenting strategies from my upcoming book, Parenting for Liberation: A Guide for Raising Black Children. For today’s episode, I’m sharing a strategy that came from my interview with Maia Williams. If you aren’t familiar check out Episode 2: Revolutionary Mothering: Interview with Mai'a Williams.

Parenting for Liberation co-hosted a Grief Circle led by ML Daniel of  Spiritual Alchemy and Farah Tanis of Black Women's Blueprint. This episode features practices of Breath & Brushing shared at the open and close the Grief Circle--in an effort to honor the sacred space held with Black parents.  “As Black parents in the Americas, we are no stranger to harm to our communities and the killing of our children at the hands of law enforcement or vigilantes. However, what has sustained us is our ability to gather in community to tell stories, share a meal and lean on one another spiritually, physically and emotionally during times of profound loss, grief, and mourning and for many there is a palpable absence of this during this time of COVID-19. As such, spaces like Wailing Circle are not only necessary, but critical for providing a place that is safe for community to gather. A space where our souls have permission to grieve in whatever form and manner that feels right. We need spaces for our deafening wail as we call the names of those who are sick, those who have died and those who have been killed. Space and time to grieve what has been lost. Space to lament dreams and expectations we have nurtured and to which we have given our life blood that we must now surrender. Our souls need spaces where folks commit to lean in and not look away but allow for us to show up as our whole selves and our collective humanity, which allows for our pain to break them open in a new way. We need spaces to remind us of our collective humanity and the abundant possibility of what can be called forth in time like these.”

Feminist Press hosted a conversation with authors, Trina Greene Brown and Dani McClain, to talk about Black parenting in community during COVID-19! Trina Greene Brown is the author of the upcoming book, 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗟𝗜𝗕𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡: 𝗔 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗥𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻 which drops June 19th! Pre-order your copy via Feminist Press and use promo code: 𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗔𝟮𝟬 for 20% off. https://www.feministpress.org/books-n-z/parenting-for-liberation http://parentingforliberation.org/ Dani McClain is the author of We Live for the We: The Political Power of Black Motherhood. https://danimcclain.com/ https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/dani-mcclain/we-live-for-the-we/9781568588551/

Check out this episode with Mariah Rankine-Landers as we discusses ways to hold our children through the collective crisis and grief. Mariah shares more about her article which highlights strategies to talk to our children about COVID and grief.   https://medium.com/@Mariah510/ways-to-hold-our-children-through-collective-crisis-and-grief-bb2c712930f3

This episode captures guided meditation and collective virtual altar building space for Black parents to reaffirm the ways that we care for ourselves and our babies held by B. Anderson. B. Anderson, (they/them), is a somatic music therapy practitioner, plant medicine stewart/herbalist, mediation teacher, mediator, ritual leader and community organizer. B. calls up the traditions, legacies and medicine of their southern Black American, Jamaican Maroon and Choctaw ancestry as their healing arts praxis. B. Anderson is the founder and steward of Song of the Spirit, a community based institute in service of keeping alive the wisdom traditions of the African and Indigenous diaspora.

This episode is a podcast within a podcast, Parenting for Liberation founder, Trina Greene Brown, was interviewed by Cindy Wang Brandt of Parenting Forward and Leslie Arreola Hillenbrand of Latinx Parenting to discuss "parenting de-centering whiteness." Trina shared about Parenting for Liberation and the work to bring parents together to look at the ways the systems have oppressed us historically and current ongoing oppression, and how can we heal them. We also discuss parenting during the COVID-19 pandemic as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color.

Habari Gani?! Our first annual Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration, in partnership with Dior Sunset Foundation, was an amazing community gathering bringing together 150 Black families in Los Angeles. Kwanzaa is a 7-day African-American & Pan-African holiday created to celebrate our culture, heritage, & foster unity, beginning on December 26-January 1. This episode features a snippet from our keynote presenter, Bro. David Love, sharing about the 7 Principles of Kwanzaa and the 7 Symbols of Kwanzaa. There are a multitude of ways to celebrate Kwanzaa such as pouring libations to honor your ancestors, getting together with family with song, dance, African drums, storytelling, and poetry reading. However you celebrate, just remember to practice the 7 principles of Kwanzaa: Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity), & Imani (faith). Check out our tools online (www.parentingforliberation.org) and on our social media channels. Please share your Kwanzaa celebrations with us using the hashtag #P4LKwanzaa "May the light of the kinara fill your home with peace and light your new year with love!"

Parenting for Liberation hosted a private screening of Harriet, where over 50 Black parents and children witnessed Harriet’s enduring courage, ingenuity and tenacity to not only free herself but over one thousand enslaved Africans. The film was an inspiration for attendees to watch a small but mighty Cynthia Erivo as Harriet, wield her power--spiritual, legal, physical, and political political---against white supremacy for the sake of her own and her people’s liberation. Following the film, Parenting for Liberation hosted a talk back with families, using quotes from the film to guide discussions pushing past fear, black sisterhood, parenting fear Black children, and legacy-building.

In this week’s podcast, Trina talks with Matthew Arlington, who is currently interning with Parenting for Liberation through his program at California State University Fullerton. Matthew is a father who was formerly incarcerated during the early stages of fatherhood. This episode focuses on the hardships associated with parenting while incarcerated and methods to overcome those barriers. Trina also explores how Matthew has adjusted to parenting after prison and his parenting methods. Lastly, Matthew and Trina reflect on parenting strategies for raising our children with a liberated mind set. Key Points Approximately, 10 million children nationwide have a parent who has been incarcerated The importance of communicating with your child while incarcerated “Get on the bus” is a California based program that was developed by the Center of Restorative Justice Works, which transports families to and from prisons for visitations on Mother’s and Father’s Day. The importance of and open communication with your children after release from prison to build bonds of trust. Recognizing the inequality that still exist in society and how to teach our children how to live according to law with a sense of empowerment and love for themselves. “Friends Outside”, a Los Angeles based organization that provides resources to ex-convicts to help them transition back into society and family life. “Project Rebound”, a program located on most CSU campuses that provides assistants to ex-convicts in enrollment and other resources needed when returning to school.

In this episode, Parenting for Liberation spoke with Melissa Franklin and Brandi Sims of First 5 LA, a public agency focused on the safe and healthy development of young children. They both joined to talk about a current epidemic of Black mothers who are largely exposed to racial bias from health care professionals during childbirth. The episode delves deeper into issues of Black maternal and infant health, with each of the Black women sharing their own personal experience with maternal health ranging from miscarriage to preterm birth and how our own traumatic experience fueled our collective passions to make a change in society related to issues of maternal health.  Key topics in this episode include:  How racial disparities are directly correlated to maternal mortality rates as the CDC reports that black women are 3.3 times were likely than white women to suffer a pregnancy-related death.  How common notions regarding factors such as age, income, and education being related to Black mothers experiencing birthing challenges are false.  How the attitudes and behaviors of health care professionals towards Black mothers largely impact the lives of both Black mothers and their babies.  How organizations such as National Birth Equity Collaborative, and the group Black Mamas Matter Alliance are educating the public to tackle racial disparities and institutional racism in the public health aspect.  The impact California State Senator Holly Mitchell has made pertaining to Black maternal health.  How racial disparities in maternal deaths is impacting the country on a national scale with involvement from the California Department of Public, politicians and lawmakers across the nations.  Ways in which California’s governor, Newsom is implementing change for a successful and healthy life for Black babies, mothers, and families overall.  Various forms of solutions such as Doulas to address racial disparities in maternal health and newborn health as well as programs such as Home Visitation and how it can benefit Black mothers and families.

This special episode features a live conversation hosted by Parenting for Liberation with Dani McClain (author of We Live for the We: The Political Power of Black Motherhood) and adrienne maree brown (author of Pleasure Activism: The Politics of Feeling Good). In this conversation, Dani and adrienne highlight the joys and pleasures of parenting and caregiving as Black mothers, aunties, and doulas.

In this episode with Natalie Pipkin, founder of Black World Schoolers, she told the stories behind the research data that shows that African Americans are increasingly pulling their Black children out of schools and deciding to homeschool for a variety of reasons. Natalie shares her own personal experience with racism as a school age child, and how when her own children began experiencing it--she went into protection and fear-based parenting mode. Natalie and her husband decided it was time to stop fighting for their children to be accepted in “in the classroom but left out of the curriculum” and after fours years at a private classical education institution, Natalie decided to shift to what she calls Black World Schooling. “We believe centering the wisdom, truth, experiences, achievements, and beauty of Africans and those throughout the African Diaspora can have a unbelievably powerful impact on black children around the globe. We invite you to join us on this journey of self love, cultural appreciation, and black liberation.” -- Black WorldSchoolers The discussion also covers some juicy themes such as: *Classical education as the breeding ground of white supremacy *Both the privilege and sacrifice of choosing to send Black children to school or to home school *Distinctions between homeschooling and world schooling *Strategies for in- school parents to engage in homeschooling practices Thank you Natalie for reminding us that our ancestors have always homeschooled and educated our children. As Black parents we are always teaching and educating them on their history, how to love themselves, and how to navigate being Black. So regardless of whether our children go to school or stay at home, we as Black parents are always their first and consistent teacher--always guiding them back to themselves with love and affirmation. Blog: https://blackbeautifulandtrue.wordpress.com/2018/07/10/black-worldschoolers%EF%B8%8F-its-more-than-travel/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/black_world_schoolers/

At PACT camp, I presented a workshop on white privilege for adoptive parents of black children.  I was invited to speak at PACT family camp by Malaika Parker, an African American adoptive parent, who works to support the adoptive parents of color who are connected with PACT Adopt. While I was excited to support the nearly 150 Black children who attend the camp, when I found out that 75% of the parents who come to Pact Family Camp have adopted transracially--meaning the parents are white, I was uneasy about it. I had read the many articles on the disproportionate number of Black children fosterees and adoptees, and also about the challenges/problems of Black children being adopted by white folks (article links below); however, I decided to show up for Black children. In a commitment to their liberation, I worked with 125 white adoptive parents on how to risk their white privilege and challenge white supremacy, for all children of color. www.thenation.com/article/were-whi…t-a-black-child/ www.yesmagazine.org/peace-justice/w…rhoods-20180214

In honor of Mama’s Day and to raise awareness of the Mama’s Day Bailout initiative, Parenting for Liberation spoke with Tiara Moore and mother of 5, an activist, and mama who was bailed out by the Black Mama Day Bailout initiative. In our conversation, Tiara reflects on her experience with the criminal INjustice system, how she was arrested for defending herself, the fear tactics used and unlawful means of detainment that lead to so many Black folks taking plea deals, how Black Mama Bail Out came to her rescue, and how she used her experiences to help formerly incarcerated folks connect to resources and opportunities. Visit www.NationalBailout.com to donate to help #FreeBlackMamas like Tiara Moore for Mother's Day and beyond!

This podcast is a talk that Parenting for Liberation founder, Trina Greene Brown, gave at the National Conference for Children of Incarcerated Parents, hosted by Arizona State University. This Ted-Talk style presentation masterfully weaves personal storytelling of a child of a formerly incarcerated parent, who now gives back to incarcerated parents by facilitating liberated parent workshops with moms in prison. Trina Greene Brown, a Black feminist activist personally impacted by the prison industrial complex, is a powerhouse speaker who will make connections between the intersections of mass incarceration, racism, and parenting. She will share her innovative liberated parenting workshop series with incarcerated women on “Raising Liberated Children” for mothers who are incarcerated at a California’s women’s prison. Trina will thread stories about her relationship with her incarcerated father with the experiences of parents currently incarcerated, who rather than being afforded rehabilitation, restorative justice, or support to heal from the intergenerational trauma for themselves and their families, were incarcerated and separated from their families.

On this podcast we connect with Ida McRae who identifies as a Black Muslim woman and parent on what it means to be Black and Muslim. With the heightened violence against Muslim communities from the New Zealand attack in Christchurch that left over 50 dead and 50 more injured, and with the increased repressive policies such as the Muslim travel ban initiated by the Trump administration. Oftentimes we don't hear the experiences of Black Muslims, so we are honored to talk with Ida who is parenting a powerful Black muslim daughter. Ida is a social worker who strives to support the social and emotional wellbeing of her community and she does a lot of work to destigmatize mental health for communities of color and Muslim families. Some topics we discussed were: --With Black Muslims making up over a quarter of the Muslim community in the US we learn what it’s like to live at the intersections of Black and Muslim identities and the double experiences of anti-blackness and islamophobia. --The role of Black faith and spiritually as a sustaining and healing practice with resources to learn about Black Muslim communities in the US such as Sapelo Square a destination for all things Black and Muslim in the United States. --The importance of representation and shifting the narrative to increase the visibility of Black Muslims --Powerful Black Muslim leaders such as Movita Johnson-Harrell the first Muslim woman elected state representative in Pennsylvania, Ilhan Omar the first Somali-American, first African-born American, and one of the first two Muslim American women to serve in the US Congress, and Ibtihaj Muhammad the first American to compete at the Games in a hijab and the first Muslim-American woman to win a medal --How Black parents can talk to their children about islamophobia and how to stand in solidarity with our Muslim sisters and brothers, including reading literature to our children that highlight African American Muslim culture: Bashirah and The Amazing Bean Pie: A celebration of African American Muslim Culture by Ameenah Muhammad-Diggins.

In this podcast, Trina was interviewed by Baby Crazy podcast, where she discussed how can parents raise activist kids? We talked about how to help your kids see the value in activism, how to talk to your kids about social justice, and how to discuss race differences. https://redcupagency.com/portfolio-item/raising-activist-kids-with-trina-greene-brown/ A place the parent can start before they start the conversation with their child is to think for themselves. What do you care about, parent? What is the cause that is true to your heart? - Trina Greene Brown Resources for this Episode Website: www.parentingforliberation.org Podcast related to what we discussed: Colonialism and Other -Isms: https://parentingforliberation.org/2017/11/23/colonialism-other-isms-with-prof-tiffany-lanoix/ Kitchen Convo with Kids about police brutality: https://parentingforliberation.org/2016/07/21/kitchen-convos-with-kids/ Teaching about Black History and Voting Rights: https://parentingforliberation.org/2018/03/01/black-history-read-aloud-lillians-right-to-vote/ Sex and gender: https://parentingforliberation.org/2018/03/16/lets-talk-about-sex-podcast-with-ignacio-amanda-rivera/ Youth advocates mentioned Naomi Wadler, a 5th grader, who was the youngest speaker at the March for Our Lives rally at Washington DC. Marley Dias is a 13-year-old Black girl who launched the 1000BlackGirlBooks campaign, at age 11 she is now an author of Marley Dias Gets It Done: And So Can You! which is a guide for children to make a positive change through activism, inclusion and community involvement. Race Conversations with Kids: http://www.raceconscious.org/ specifically: http://www.raceconscious.org/2016/06/100-race-conscious-things-to-say-to-your-child-to-advance-racial-justice/#childrensbooks https://www.embracerace.org/ Teaching Kids About Social Justice: Wee The People is grounded in the belief that if kids can understand fairness, they can understand justice -- and that adults play a huge role in connecting kids’ sense of fairness in their own lives to larger issues of injustice in the world. https://www.weethepeopleboston.org/

This podcast is a great follow up to our last podcast which discussed healing justice, as we talk with Johnae Strong--black mommy of two: 6 yo Akeim and 2 yo Jari, educator and organizer dedicated to healing and liberation for all black people--about the Black Joy Experience album that was released by BYP100 in summer 2018. This album features a musical collection dedicated to freedom songs and liberation chants that keeps joy at the center of the fight for Black Liberation. We discuss the origin of Black Youth Project rooted in joy and healing, the Black Joy Experience album, the role of caregivers and children in the movement, and how we must be willing to be transformed in service of the work for the sake of liberation. Johnae is a parent for liberation, involving her children in the fight for liberation such as those held by BYP100. Throughout the podcast you will catch snippets of songs from the affirming “I Love Being Black” to painful “Mama, Mama Can’t You See.” and uplifting “Healing.” Please support the work of BYP by purchasing/downloading the Black Joy Experience on Amazon, iTunes, and Spotify. Video: https://www.facebook.com/BYP100/videos/byp100-presents-the-black-joy-experience/1898516523533003/ For a tool/resource on how to use the Black Joy Experience in your parenting and organizing check out this Black Joy Experience guide created by BYP100 to deepen learning about history of chants and freedom songs. This podcast is a great follow up to our last podcast which discussed healing justice, as we talk with Johnae Strong--black mommy of two: 6 yo Akeim and 2 yo Jari, educator and organizer dedicated to healing and liberation for all black people--about the Black Joy Experience album that was released by BYP100 in summer 2018. This album features a musical collection dedicated to freedom songs and liberation chants that keeps joy at the center of the fight for Black Liberation. We discuss the origin of Black Youth Project rooted in joy and healing, the Black Joy Experience album, the role of caregivers and children in the movement, and how we must be willing to be transformed in service of the work for the sake of liberation. Johnae is a parent for liberation, involving her children in the fight for liberation such as those held by BYP100. Throughout the podcast you will catch snippets of songs from the affirming “I Love Being Black” to painful “Mama, Mama Can’t You See.” and uplifting “Healing.” Please support the work of BYP by purchasing/downloading the Black Joy Experience on Amazon, iTunes, and Spotify. Video: https://www.facebook.com/BYP100/videos/byp100-presents-the-black-joy-experience/1898516523533003/ For a tool/resource on how to use the Black Joy Experience in your parenting and organizing check out this Black Joy Experience guide created by BYP100 to deepen learning about history of chants and freedom songs: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9fJb_pZPGLwVXdwTmFGeGlhTFU/view?fbclid=IwAR3K-FZvLoewMRyv1Xx-Ssj5ZMMlafT5ZuUKv06cz_XDYYzmeBG3L13JBEc

“Confronting chronic emotional pain in Black life is the terrain of political resistance we must now explore, the new revolutionary frontier—” -bell hooks  On this podcast, we celebrate National Mental Health Awareness Week! In this podcast we talk to Mattice Haynes and discuss our participation and learnings from BEAM’s Black Mental Health and Healing Justice training in Summer 2018 and through storytelling explore the role of healing in Parenting for Liberation. When emotions rise on the call, we lean into them, and practice breathing together. Much gratitude for authentic vulnerability.  We conclude the call with a practice from the BEAM training, a collective mantra, that we co-created about the capacity for Black folks to heal: I have a right to my feelings and emotions Black people have a right to heal We have a right to exist and just be Our families deserve freedom to play, to laugh, and to love We can and we must love and support one another Healing is essential to Black liberation Let’s get free y’all! To learn more about BEAM and their Black Mental Health trainings visit: http://www.beam.community/hjtraining/

Interview with Daniel of the D-Report. Title:Parenting for Liberation: Continuing the Conversation Topic: Parenting Segment: D Report Participants: Trina Green Brown, Broadcast Air Date: 06/15/18 Time: 5:15 PM (PST) Station: KUCR 88.3 FM Riverside, CA KUCR station page: http://www.kucr.org Discussion Topics: – How do we take care of our children within the politics of a world that requires us to resist? – What does it mean to parent from a place of fear? – What is post traumatic slave syndrome and how does this trauma affect our parenting? – How does the urgency to protect our children manifest fear? – How do balance imparting preparation of our adult sight to our children without over burdening them? – How do we acknowledge the brilliance of our children? – Why can children imagine that a different world is possible, and adults can’t? – Do we under estimate children’s potential for acceptance of and compassion for others? – Do we see children in a disrespectful way? – How do we have respectful relationships with our sons or daughters? – How do we talk to our children about sex, gender, colonialism and other “isms?” – Do other parents also feel alone in their fears and questions of parenting? – How do we create spaces to engage with other parents, so we can realize we are not alone and heal? – If you build it they will come? – Are we able to build relationships of mutuality with our children that are removed patterns of dominance and control? – What are ways of parenting that are rooted in trauma? – What if we are not interested in enforcing the politics of respect onto our children?

Mother and Literacy Activist, Dr. Kim Parker shares about hosting a family gathering in Boston for folks raising Black boys entitled "Free, Whole, & Happy Black Boys." We had the pleasure of connecting with Dr. Kim virtually sharing tools and resources. Listen for tips and strategies on how you can build a community of practice in your area.

Parenting for Liberation co-facilitated a Raising Liberated Children workshop series with mothers who are incarcerated at a California women's prison. This episode is dedicated to all the powerful workshop participants and their children. Listen to founder, Trina Greene Brown, and Cecilia Cabarello of Chicana Motherwork share how the workshop came together, why they picked mothering, healing, and intergenerational trauma as the workshop themes, how the workshops unfolded, the successes and challenges, the power of storytelling and communal healing, and what's next for more workshops with parents who are incarcerated as well as the wider community.

A discussion on being a liberated parent when talking with kids about sexuality, with Ignacio and Amanda Rivera, a parent-child duo who created the groundbreaking, heartfelt and witty online talk show, Pure Love. During our conversation, Ignacio and Amanda, offer practical ideas for how to have conversations with your children about sex(uality). Pure Love has been airing on different media hosts each month since March 15, 2017. You can find the video episodes of this session on Youtube (https://youtu.be/obQHh1XqB4Q). For more info visit the Pure Love website: https://www.igrivera.com/pure-love.html. ​

As we close out Black History Month, our founder, Trina Greene Brown, visited a local elementary school to do a read-along. After reading nearly 15 books with her son, who gave his reviews, she finally decided on “Lillian’s Right to Vote.” Lillian’s Right to Vote deals with the difficult topic of institutionalized racism in America. Using flashback memories, the book is a “split screen” that positions the current uphill battles to the voting booth side by side with the historical uphill struggle for racial justice in America.After engaging the students in a small discussion on the importance of voting, Trina facilitated a quick voting exercise to operationalize the concept of voting. This was a powerful way to engage the young people in Black History while looking forward to build a powerful Black Future, wherein young people wield their power at the polls for good.

According to Essence Magazine's "Black Girls Draw" series, "One of the greatest revolutionary acts as a Black person in America is Black motherhood." In our interview with illustrator, Jena Holliday, we discuss her artwork that represents the power of Black motherhood. In our discussion, Jena shares why she wanted to focus on Black motherhood, the importance of representation in art, and how being a mother inspired her own creativity. Jena also unveils an artist reflection of Parenting for Liberation's founder, Trina Greene Brown, being featured for her #100DaysofMotherhoodSOF To learn more about Jena's artwork, visit her design studio at www.spoonfuloffaith.com

We are so happy to talk to Jamia Wilson, author of "Young, Gifted & Black," a newly published Black children's literature book. In this interview we dig into this incredible book that highlights 52 Black heroes across the diaspora. In the welcome letter the book is described as a love letter to our ancestors and the next generation of Black changemakers. We discuss the importance of representation in children's literature, how this book is an homage to Nina Simone, and how it can be used all year long and in schools. This Black History month and all year long, read Young, Gifted & Black with your children to share a more expansive representation of Blackness with this beautiful book illustrated by Andrea Pippins. Buy Black! visit a Black online bookstore: http://www.huemanbookstore.com

We had the beautiful opportunity to speak with Malesha Taylor, a classically trained opera singer, and mother of three residing in San Diego, a suburban community in Southern California about how to build a community and instill cultural pride in her children. During our discussion, Malesha reflected on the trauma of her own childhood, growing up in California suburbs as "the only Black kid"  and she made a commitment to build community for her Black children. She shares types on how to manifest and build community in spaces that feel isolating, through the use of arts and culture. With a commitment to never "be the only" Malesha advocates for centering Black voices and other marginalized communities in the arts, through her organization, Muse Salon and  through her work as a vanguard Black opera singer.  Links to Malesha's written and creative arts are available at How I Round, Arts in A Changing America, and Mater Mea. For more information, visit www.musesalon.org or contact her at malesha@musesalon.org. For videos of her breathktaking vocals, see below: [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNIkhAvVKSM?rel=0&w=560&h=315] [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGBEYwKCnNw?rel=0&w=560&h=315] [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeI5IXs1TKk?rel=0&w=560&h=315]

On the heels of Thanksgiving (aka Thanks-taking), we had the pleasure of catching up with long time friend, Professor TIffany Lanoix to break down how to talk to Black children about colonialism and other -isms as they intersect and impact the parenting for Black children. In this podcast Professor Tiffany shares the regular and ongoing practices she engages in to discuss potentially heavy theoretical topics of colonialism, racism, classism, sexism, heterosexism, sex, and more in ways that are age-appropriate and allow the young person to lead and guide the conversation. Beyond sharing her own best practices, she also shares some resources for folks to access.

Parenting for Liberation had the privilege of interviewing Mia Birdsong a powerhouse Mama-activist doing big things to shift the stories being told about Black families! During our interview with the Mia Birdsong, Co-Founder/Director of Family Story, we discussed the limitations and false narratives that exist about the make up of the Black family such as: extending beyond the traditional nuclear family and paying homage to our African cultural traditions of raising children in a village and naming the ways that racist housing policies have intentionally separated Black families. In addition to being a story shifter and narrative expander in her work, Mia is also committed to expansiveness in her parenting. When she couldn't find enough books for her daughter with people of color, she curated literature and created Canerow so her daughter could see herself reflected in books.  From books to the streets, Mia shared  the ways to she engages her children in social justice, through conversations on Charlottesville and her son participating in children-led protests in the Bay Area with Abundant Beginnings. We concluded our talk with visions of communities of families practicing and living liberation collectively. Check out all of Mia's inspiring work at www.miabirdsong.com; and watch her world renown TedTalk at https://www.ted.com/talks/mia_birdsong_the_story_we_tell_about_poverty_isn_t_true/transcript

Shifting from Tough Love to Liberated Love with Ambreia Meadows-Fernandez. During our interview, we discussed her recent articles featured in On Parenting in the Washington Post, and reflect on slavery and the historical traumas that lead to fear-based parenting styles and explore that there is no safe place to raise Black children given the context. We share how we are breaking through our families generational inability to show love and affection, and how we are resisting tough love and physical discipline approaches. To learn more about Ambreia's work check out her site: https://onekoo.wordpress.com/ and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/onekoolknitta

In this mini-podcast, Parenting for Liberation teamed up with Chicana M(other)work to debrief our session Mothering the Revolution session at the 2017 Allied Media Conference. Cecilia and I discuss why our work centers mothers of color, our experience of holding space in a mixed race group, and also share reflections from conference attendees, recorded live from the AMC!

On the eve of Father's Day, we share an interview with Neil Irvin of Men Can Stop Rape, where he reflected on Black fatherhood and parenting for liberation, gender equity in the house-hold , the responsibility of Black keeping Black children safe, the role of Black male role models, and much more. This Father's Day, we here at Parenting for Liberation, honor, acknowledge, and celebrate Black fathers and male role models who are parenting their children for liberation!

While participating in a California Network Weaver Lab, we had the opportunity to chat with Dia Penning, live from Earth Rise Retreat Center, about liberated schools and liberated discipline practices. #parentingforliberation visit us at www.parentingforliberation.org About Dia Penning Dia Penning is an Inclusion Facilitator, Yin Yoga Instructor, and founder of the Equity Collective. She has worked with a diverse group of clients, from the National Parks Service to various yoga teacher training programs, from city departments to tech executive coaching. Dia supports clients in investigating limiting assumptions and expanding their ideas of what is possible. Working one on one or in large groups, clients examine blockages in their bodies and minds, parallel them to external structures in interpersonal relationships, accumulated history and policy. They then investigate new possibilities, use the breath and mindful attention to challenge long held habits and create change. www.theequitycollective.com

We had the honor of interviewing Jacqueline Roebuck Sakho who recently launched Black Activist Mothering. Jacqueline performs #BlackActivistMothering as a conceptual framework that is a capturing and both shedding of what it means to be a black mother who engages problems of practice unfolding in urban school settings as community work. A #BlackActivistMother herself, Jacqueline has been trailblazing in the fields of Restorative Justice, Community Based Educational Leadership, and of course Radical parenting six children for over the last 20 years. During our conversation we explored the following: Creating counter narratives to the dominant narrative about Black women and Black motherhood The role of inter-generational dialogue How Black Activist Mother can be used a tool for nation building Next steps for collecting Black mothering stories of liberation. To learn more about BAM visit www.BlackActivistMothering.com

During our interview with Mikala Streeter, Founder, Principal, and Lead Teacher of The LIFE School, we explored: -how The Life School provides an alternative environment to interrupt school pushout, the school-to-prison pipeline, and the need for more African American children being home-schooled because of the toxic educational climate; -the impact of positive adults on campuses (https://parentingforliberation.org/2016/08/19/kids-interactions-with-adults-may-affect-their-education/) -the role of teachers and educators in parenting and/or nurturing children through education The Life School is an independent, progressive Atlanta high school where students develop their own vision of success through interdisciplinary, experiential learning. It's innovative approach connects student interests, the real world, and traditional academic subjects through projects, internships, and travel experiences. To learn more about The Life School visit: http://thelifeschool.co

During our discussion with Cecilia Caballero of Chicana M(other)work, we explore: 1. being a parent in academia and the organizing taking place on campuses throughout Los Angeles and Chicana M(other)work 2. anti-blackness in brown communities including personal experiences with colorism and internalized oppression 3. the victim blaming of local state-violence victim Jesse Romero (http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2016/08/10/boyle-heights-deadly-officer-involved-shooting/) 5. ideas for how to engage Brown communities for Black Power www.parentingforliberation.org

I've heard many parents ask, how do I talk to my kids about racism--well sometimes it isn't the parents leading the discussion. In this candid convos with my kid while cooking dinner, my step daughter and I were just talking as usual--she calls it "History 101" learning about "Racism" and "Stereotypes" and the discussion turned to recent murders of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile. I didn't know that she had a seen the videos of the murders (ones that I couldn't bring myself to watch). In about ten minutes we explored stereotypes of good cop/bad cop, "bad" black folks; we discussed how to recover and heal from that trauma; and we discussed what parenting for liberation means----all while preparing dinner. I'm not sure I handled every question right--but I'm practicing parenting for liberation.

I had the honor of chatting with Monalisa Oluko Diallo--mother, educator, activist from Baltimore who has raised 3 children. During our exchange, she reflects on her experiences as a child experiencing blatant, overt racism in early education--and used that experience to inform her own parenting choices. She shares amazing tips on how to raise knowledgeable, well-rounded, globally sound Black children. parentingforliberation

With Father's Day just around the corner, I connected with my fellow gender-violence against and brother in the movement, Quentin "Q" Walcott, Co-Executive Director of CONNECT to learn about CONNECT's 7th Annual Father's Day Pledge to End Violence. During our exchange, we explored the following: -the role of men in ending violence against women -how Black boys are conditioned toward stereotypical notions of masculinity, and how can we shift to new behaviors and attitudes -the buffers that parents provide to protect against the impacts of -systemic violence on Black male behaviors and attitudes -tips for parents to challenge traditional gender roles in our homes with our children For a special treat, Q blessed us at the conclusion of the call with a spoken word piece entitled "ManCHILD" in addition to reciting pieces from the Father's Day Pledge Against Violence. To learn more about the Father's Day pledge and how you can engage boys and men in your community please visit www.connectnyc.org or on twitter @CONNECT_NYC. You can also reach out to Q on twitter @QuentinWalcott.

During this podcast for Parenting for Liberation, we had the unique honor of being in conversation with Mai'a Williams, contributing editor of Revolutionary Mothering: Love on the Front Lines. In our discussion, we explored segments of her writings and Mai'a shared her radical mothering principles when it comes to safety, boundaries, resiliency from trauma.

Show: D Report Topic: "Parenting for Liberation" conversation with Trina Greene-Brown What is Parenting for Liberation? How do we parent without fear? Is possible to raise critically aware children that are also happily care free? Air date: 05 /20/ 16 on KUCR 88.3 FM. Time: 5:15 pm Simultaneously streams online on www.kucr.org

James Baldwin "The Fire Next Time" Inspiration by Parenting for Liberation

Saying Yes to My Son by Parenting for Liberation

Black Parenting Matters: Raising Children in a World of Police Terror. Thursday, 01 October 2015 By Eisa Nefertari Ulen, Truthout My child's breath is a freedom song. In. Out. In. Out. In. Out. The rhythmic pulse of air he powers is love, is life, is liberation. In. Out. In. Out. My child is breath. "I am here," his body says with each inhalation. "I am alive," his body offers with each exhalation. Each breath is a life force and each life force is a gift, is Holy. He is Divine. He is more than mere existence. He is complex sinew, meat, blood, mind, matter, running, laughing, playing, smiling, healthy. He is boy in motion, chasing balls, jumping rivers, leaping meadows, climbing trees. He is an idea made flesh. He is a rebellion. A riot. A rage against the machine. http://www.truth-out.org/opinion/item/33040-black-parenting-matters-raising-children-in-a-world-of-police-terror