Parenting For Liberation

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 e

Trina and Dr. Decoteau Irby discuss 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, especia

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 childr

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 an

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.