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In this episode of Raising Joyful and Resilient Black Children, Dr. Valerie Adams-Bass speaks with Ore Bailey from BEBASHI-Black Educating Blacks About Sexual Health Issues, an organization dedicated to educating the Black community about sexual health. They discuss the history of Babashi, its expansion of services beyond HIV prevention, and the importance of engaging with Black families and youth. The conversation highlights the unique challenges faced by adolescents in understanding sexual health, the barriers within the Black community, and the resources available for LGBTQ youth. The episode emphasizes the need for education and support for parents to facilitate conversations about sexual health with their children. In this conversation, Ore Bailey and Valerie Adams-Bass discuss the alarming rise of HIV cases among adolescents, emphasizing the importance of open conversations about sexual health. They explore the role of parents and caregivers in educating young people, the resources available for sexual health education, and the positive impact of Babashi's programs in the community. The discussion also covers the significance of consent, integrated care for long-term health outcomes, and the importance of nutrition in maintaining health. They highlight the sobering statistics regarding HIV in the Black community and encourage listeners to seek out community resources for education. Finally, they provide advice for parents on how to approach discussions about sexual health with their children in a comfortable and engaging manner. Learn more about Bebashi: https://www.bebashi.org/ Instagram: @philly.bebashi Resources: HIV in Children and TeensFor Teens: How to Make Healthy Decisions About SexThis episode is brought to you by What is Black Follow us on Instagram/Facebook: @joyfulreslientblackchildren

In this episode of Raising Joyful and Resilient Black Children, co-hosts Dr. Sharita Butler-Barnes and Dr. Valerie Adams-Bass sit down with Desiree Tucker, a dynamic community leader and founder of Women Solve, to explore the power of culturally affirming wellness practices. Together, they delve into Desiree’s work with Get Fit Frederick, an initiative aimed at reducing health disparities by centering Black women and families in wellness programming. Desiree shares strategies for building inclusive, joyful spaces that promote movement, mindfulness, and nutrition, especially for Black children. The conversation unpacks: How cultural traditions can support holistic healthThe importance of designing wellness programs with community inputChallenges and successes in engaging Black familiesWhy joyful connection and open dialogue are essential for long-term well-beingStay connected with Desiree Tucker Website: https://womensolve.org/ Instagram: @womensolve This episode is brought to you by What is Black Follow us: @joyfulresilientblackchildren on Instagram/Facebook

In this episode of Raising Joyful and Resilient Black Children, hosts Drs. Valerie Adams-Bass and Sheretta Butler-Barnes welcome Brad Edwards, Director of Community Engagement & Program Strategy at Dear Fathers, a national media platform dedicated to Black fatherhood. They explore how Brad and the Dear Fathers team empower Black fathers through storytelling, community support, and culturally informed programming. Brad shares his journey into fatherhood and discusses impactful initiatives like Dads to Doulas and Fearless Fathers 101, which support Black dads in navigating fatherhood, improving mental health outcomes, and reducing infant mortality rates. Tune in to hear how intentional community engagement, vulnerability, and joy are reshaping narratives around Black fatherhood—and learn practical tools for supporting and celebrating the dads in our lives. Stay Connected with Brad Edwards Website: https://dearfathers.com Instagram: @brad.m.edwards, @dear.fathers This episode is brought to you by What is Black Follow us: @joyfulresilientblackchildren on Instagram & Facebook

In this episode, Dr. Brittany Friedman—sociologist and author of the book Carceral Apartheid: How Lies and White Supremacists Run Our Prisons—joins hosts Dr. Valerie Adams-Bass and Dr. Sheretta Butler-Barnes to discuss how mass incarceration impacts Black children and families. Known for exposing how institutions hide harmful truths, Dr. Friedman unpacks the deep connections between state violence, misinformation, and systemic control. The conversation explores storytelling as a tool for resistance, truth-telling, and healing, while offering tangible ways communities can support affected families. Stay connected with Dr. Brittany Friedman Website: https://www.brittanyfriedman.com/ Instagram: @curlyprofessor This episode is brought to you by What is Black Website: whatisblack.co Instagram/Facebook: @joyfulresilientblackchildren

In this powerful and heartfelt conversation, hosts Dr. Valerie Adams-Bass and Dr. Sheretta Butler-Barnes are joined by licensed dietitian nutritionist Tasha Manigo-Bizzell to explore Black families' cultural and nutritional needs. Together, they unpack the role of food in cultural heritage, the misconceptions about soul food, and the importance of using real, whole ingredients in everyday meals. Tasha offers practical strategies for nourishing the body and soul — from preparing meals with children to reframing physical activity as joyful movement. This episode celebrates the deep connections between food, family, and health while providing tools to help listeners build culturally rooted wellness practices. Stay Connected with Tasha:   Website: https://www.musewellness.com/   Instagram: @musewellness This episode is brought to you by What is Black Website: whatisblack.co Instagram/Facebook: @joyfulresilientblackchildren

In this powerful episode, Dr. Valerie Adams-Bass and Dr. Sheretta Butler-Barnes are joined by Khari Arnold, founder of Library Dads, a growing fatherhood and literacy movement rooted in community, connection, and cultural pride. From Saturday "library linkups" in Atlanta to dad-only events and community field trips, Khari shares how Library Dads is changing the narrative around Black fatherhood—one book, one hug, and one library visit at a time.  What You’ll Learn: The three pillars of Library Dads: Bonding, Books, and Brotherhood—and why bonding comes first.How literacy becomes a foundation for emotional connection, academic success, and joy.Why community-building among Black fathers is crucial to healing and empowerment.Tips for dads who feel unsure or anxious about reading with their children—and how to start.Creative, low-cost (or free 99) ways to engage kids beyond screens.Stay Connected: Follow Library Dads: Instagram & TikTok: @thelibrarydadsWebsite: www.librarydads.orgBrought to you by What is Black Website: whatisblack.co Instagram & Facebook: @joyfulresilientblackchildren

In this episode of the Raising Joyful and Resilient Black Children Podcast, hosts Dr. Valerie Adams-Bass and Dr. Sheretta Butler-Barnes celebrate the culmination of Season Two by reflecting on the season's highlights and memorable conversations. They express gratitude to the Parenting Joy Circle co-hosts for enriching discussions and delving into key topics covered throughout the season, including insights from guests such as Carole Boston Weatherford, Dr. Alvin Thomas, Desiree Tucker, Kristin Henning, Takari Tatam, and Michelle Browder. From exploring family heritage to addressing systemic issues like juvenile justice and advocating for mental wellness, this season's discussions have empowered listeners with valuable insights and strategies for raising joyful and resilient Black children.

Welcome to today's episode, where we're delving into a topic that hits close to home for many of us the experiences of Black children in our educational systems. Hosts Dr. Valerie Adams-Bass (Valerie) and Dr. Sheretta Butler-Barnes (Sheretta) are joined by a special guest, Desiree Tucker, a valued member of their parent joy circle who brought this important topic. As parents, caregivers, and educators, it's crucial to understand the challenges Black children face in schools, including the often subtle but impactful microaggressions they encounter. In this episode, they explore: Defining microaggressions and understanding how they differ from more overt forms of racism or discrimination.Examining the everyday reality for Black children in schools and how microaggressions affect their academics and overall well-being.Sharing personal experiences and stories to shed light on how Black children encounter these subtle forms of prejudice in educational settings.Discussing steps educators and school administrators can take to address and minimize the effects of microaggressions on Black students.Exploring ways to challenge and dismantle harmful societal attitudes and stereotypes to create safer spaces for Black children in schools.Providing guidance for parents and caregivers on how to support their Black children facing microaggressions at school and advocate effectively within the education system.Generating solutions for schools to create more inclusive and supportive environments where Black students can thrive academically and socially despite facing microaggressions.Join us as we navigate this crucial conversation, offering insights, personal experiences, and actionable strategies to create a more equitable educational experience for Black children.

This episode of "Raising Joyful and Resilient Black Children" delves into the importance of celebrating and strengthening Black fatherhood, featuring insights from Dr. Alvin Thomas and his work with the Black Fatherhood Podcast. Through thoughtful discussion and exploration, the episode aims to challenge stereotypes and empower Black families.

In this episode, we're joined by special guest Michelle Browder, the founder of I AM MORE THAN... Youth Empowerment Initiative in Montgomery, Alabama, and the artist behind the remarkable "The Mothers of Gynecology" Sculpture. Michelle discusses how she empowers youth through arts and history education, teaching social justice, balancing art and activism, and much more. Join us for an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation with Michelle Browder.

Welcome to another empowering episode of "Raising Joyful and Resilient Black Children." In this episode, Dr. Sheretta Butler Barnes and her esteemed guest co-host, Nicole Peltier Lewis, have a thought-provoking conversation with Kristin Henning, a powerhouse advocate, Youth Defender, Justice Advocate, Trainer, Author, Speaker, and Law Professor. Kristin, author of "The Rage of Innocence," takes us on a profound journey through her career, discussing her roles as a former lead attorney for the juvenile unit of the DC Public Defender Service and the insights gained from decades of championing racial justice for Black youth. The discussion delves into the critical intersection of race, adolescence, and policing, shedding light on the criminalization of Black youth. Henning shares her expertise on implicit racial bias and its role in police youth encounters, emphasizing the importance of training to dismantle systemic biases. As the episode unfolds, listeners gain valuable insights into the journey of writing "The Rage of Innocence" and its potential to catalyze change in the treatment of Black and Latinx children within the justice system. As the episode wraps up, Henning shares how listeners can further engage with her impactful work. Tune in for a compelling dialogue that educates and inspires positive change in the quest for justice and resilience for Black children. Guest details: Kristin Hennings's Racial justice work at the Georgetown Juvenile Justice Clinic & Initiative  Website for The Rage of Innocence: How America Criminalizes Black Youth  FB: https://www.facebook.com/profkrishenning IG: https://www.instagram.com/profkrishenning/ Stay up to date with the Raising Joyful and Resilient Black Children Podcast.  Sign up for our newsletter at https://mailchi.mp/whatisblack/newsletter. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @joyfulresilientblackchildren Reach out to us via email at [email protected].

Enjoy this replay of our interview with Dr. Nicole M. Joseph from Season 5.  Dr. Joseph is an assistant professor of mathematics at Vanderbilt University, and she is the author of the book called Making Black Girls Count in Math Education. In this episode, we discussed 1. The inspiration for writing her book, Making Black Girls Count in Math Education. 2. The intersectionality of Black girlhood and math 3. Traditional vs. culturally responsive math education 4. Ways to increase the visibility and promotion of math for Black girls Articles and resources mentioned during episode: 1. Black Girls Interrupted: The Erasure of Black Girls Childhood (https://genderjusticeandopportunity.georgetown.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/girlhood-interrupted.pdf) 2. Black Girl Mathgic: https://blackgirlmathgic.com/ 3. Black Girls Do Stem: https://bgdstem.com/ 4. I am Stem Camps: https://www.iamstemcamps.com/ 5. Black Girls Love Math: https://www.blackgirlslovemath.org/ 6. Dr. Natalie King: https://www.drnatalieking.com/ 7. Brittany Rhodes: https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/black-girl-mathgic-founder-wins-naacp-national-convention-pitch-contest/ Dr. Nicole M. Josephs information: https://www.nicolemjosephphd.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicolemichelle.russell Twitter: https://twitter.com/profnicolej?s=20&t=Gcih8zGZo1_6T2ajKpXF4w Stay up to date by signing up for our newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/whatisblack/newsletter

On today's episode, we're joined by Takari Tatum and his grandmother, Gwendolyn, to discuss The Rubber Band Mentality. Takari explains how he conceptualized using rubber band bracelets to address mental health concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also talks about how he's helping children cope with mental health issues and shares details about his new book, "Snap It." Gwendolyn discusses the importance of supporting her child's advocacy and provides insights on how parents can inspire their children to pursue meaningful initiatives. The conversation explores the positive changes that have emerged from The Rubberband Mentality, which has had a significant impact on the lives of others. To learn more about The Rubberband Mentality and get involved, listeners can visit their website at https://therubberbandmentality.com/.

On this special episode, we feature a live event interview with Ciera Burch, the author of the new middle-grade novel Finch House. The interview was recorded at the Frederick County Public Library. The interview highlights the importance of generational connections and how the book can spark essential discussions about resilience and courage for both children and parents. Ciera's magical narrative promises to engage young readers' imaginations while inspiring them to tap into the wells of courage. Guest media: https://www.cieraburch.com/ Instagram: @cierasburch Stay up to date: Sign up for our newsletter at https://mailchi.mp/whatisblack/newsletter

Books can serve as a powerful tool in raising children who are aware of their history and joyful, resilient, and deeply connected to their heritage. On todays episode, we explore the powerful middle-grade novel, KIN: ROOTED IN HOPE, by award-winning author Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrator Jeffery Weatherford.  During the conversation, Carole and Jeffery share the inspiration behind the book, the poetic forms used to write the book, working together, and how Kin addresses essential themes, heritage, and storytelling. This episode was produced by Jacqueline Douge and edited by Manuel Simon. Stay up to date: Sign up for our newsletter at https://mailchi.mp/whatisblack/newsletter. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @whatisblk   Reach out to us via email at [email protected].