Reed, Write, and Create

On episode 60 of the podcast, we’re digging into the Meltingpot vault and replaying an episode that was inspired by the book, White Like Her: My Family’s Story of Race and Racial Passing (Skyhorse) by Gail Lukasik. The book is all about racial passing and family secrets in Gail’s family. I’m joined on the show by Gail Lukasik and Philadelphia journalist, Shannon Wink. Like Gail, Shannon was raised to believe she was white, but when she was doing some genealogical research for her job, she discovered some colorful family secrets of her own.  

During this lively conversation we talk about that moment when both women found out that their relatives had been passing, how their own racial identities have shifted from white to not white, but not Black either, and the toll of family secrets. I loved this conversation and it really made me rethink my own definitions of Black and white here in the United States. At the end of the episode, I have some exciting updates to share from Gail and Shannon.

Elizabeth Gilbert is Listening to Black Women Authors

Did you know that Elizabeth Gilbert has started a book club called the Onward Book Club? She launched it after the murder of George Floyd in an effort to do something about racial injustice in this country. Listen in to hear what it's all about and how you can get involved.

Literary Links from the Show

You can buy a copy of the paperback version of White Like Her on Amazon or from Bookshop.org

Elizabeth Gilbert's book club, Onward, can be found on her website, ElizabethGilbert.com

You can read Shannon Wink's original story (and see photos of her family) about finding her roots on her website.

And if you like books about racial passing, consider Brit Bennett's, The Vanishing Half. 

SUPPORT THE SHOW

Please visit the My American Meltingpot online bookstore when making book purchases. You get great discounted books and the show gets a small commission.

Please rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts

Consider a monetary donation via PayPal on the My American Meltingpot website. Look for the yellow button on the lower right-hand side of the blog. 

On episode 59 of the podcast, we’re having a birthday party for a very special book. And that book is, Hair Story: Untangling the Roots of Black Hair in America. Hair Story is the first book that I ever wrote, with my good friend, the journalist and author, Ayana Byrd. Hair Story covers the history, politics, business and culture of Black hair from 15th century Africa to modern-day America. And today, we're going behind the scenes and looking back at how Hair Story came to be.

Ayana and I birthed Hair Story 20 years ago and it debuted on February 1, 2001. Our publisher, St. Martin’s press, re-released the book in 2014 when we added two additional chapters and updated the text to incorporate all of the massive changes that had happened in the decade since the book’s debut. Namely the Internet became a thing in the world of Black hair and the Natural Hair Movement exploded.

Ayana Byrd joins me on the show as we look back at the journey to get this groundbreaking book into the world and the massive impact Hair Story has had in its two decades of life. From college syllabi to high school classrooms, from beauty salons to documentary films, Hair Story has gone global. 

Literary Links from the Show

You can buy Hair Story anywhere books are sold, including Bookshop.org and Amazon.com.

To find out more about Ayana Byrd, visit her website.

Listen to the audio documentary recently produced by the Canadian Broadcast Company about the history of Black hair where I was interviewed.

To order your copy of Cicely Tyson's memoir, Just As I Am, check to see if Amazon has them back in stock. Or try Bookshop.org.

Check out debut author J. Elle's exciting new YA novel called Wings of Ebony.

Please remember to Rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts.

You can also leave a tip on PayPal to help cover the costs of the show. You can find the link to donate on My American Meltingpot.com.

 

 

On episode 59 of the podcast, we’re having a birthday party for a very special book. And that book is, Hair Story: Untangling the Roots of Black Hair in America. Hair Story is the first book that I ever wrote, with my good friend, the journalist and author, Ayana Byrd. Hair Story covers the history, politics, business and culture of Black hair from 15th century Africa to modern-day America. And today, we're going behind the scenes and looking back at how Hair Story came to be.

Ayana and I birthed Hair Story 20 years ago and it debuted on February 1, 2001. Our publisher, St. Martin’s press, re-released the book in 2014 when we added two additional chapters and updated the text to incorporate all of the massive changes that had happened in the decade since the book’s debut. Namely the Internet became a thing in the world of Black hair and the Natural Hair Movement exploded.

Ayana Byrd joins me on the show as we look back at the journey to get this groundbreaking book into the world and the massive impact Hair Story has had in its two decades of life. From college syllabi to high school classrooms, from beauty salons to documentary films, Hair Story has gone global. 

Literary Links from the Show

You can buy Hair Story anywhere books are sold, including Bookshop.org and Amazon.com.

To find out more about Ayana Byrd, visit her website.

Listen to the audio documentary recently produced by the Canadian Broadcast Company about the history of Black hair where I was interviewed.

To order your copy of Cicely Tyson's memoir, Just As I Am, check to see if Amazon has them back in stock. Or try Bookshop.org.

Check out debut author J. Elle's exciting new YA novel called Wings of Ebony.

Please remember to Rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts.

You can also leave a tip on PayPal to help cover the costs of the show. You can find the link to donate on My American Meltingpot.com.

 

 

Welcome to 2021. It's a new year and I'm ready for something different. Not just for this world and the United States, but for this podcast. So, I'm making a change.

I don't want to talk about racism anymore.

What do I want to talk about? Something that lights me up. Something that makes me excited. Something that I wake up thinking about and fall asleep dreaming about. Something I really and truly love. Books! Yes, books. Multicultural books to be specific. Books written by authors of color, books that center the experiences of people of color. Books that share the stories of different cultures colliding or collaborating. Be clear, I still want to be an anti-racism warrior, but rather than dissect the damage racism imparts, I want to show people what's possible through stories. And I want to inspire people of diverse backgrounds to write their own stories. Because multicultural stories matter and they can be the thing that sparks the change we're all still waiting for.

On episode 58, I'm sharing how this is all going to play out on the podcast. I'll talk about the guests who are coming on the show, the topics we'll be discussing and I'll be asking for your input on a new name for the show.

I'm so excited for this change and I hope you'll continue to tune in to the Meltingpot so you can enjoy the literary love fest for multicultural books that I am creating. 

For complete show notes and some extra colorful literary links, visit the website MyAmericanMeltingpot.com

 

On episode 57 of the podcast, we’re replaying our Christmas show from 2019 because it's still very relevant today. Maybe even more so. On that episode, I set out to answer the question, "Is Christmas for white people?" Now, I’m not white and I’ve been celebrating Christmas with my very Black family for more than 40 years, so clearly Christmas isn’t intrinsically a white people’s holiday, but there are plenty of people of color in America who don't deck the halls or jingle any bells on December 25. Considering the fact that 2020 has been a banner year for people to start paying attention to issues of racial injustice, white supremacy, and the whitewashing that permeates just about every facet of American culture, I thought this was the perfect time to revisit this episode. It’s a really good one and I promise it’s not all bah humbug! 

Joining me on the show for this racial rehash of Christmas, is Dr. Marc Lamont Hill. Dr. Hill is the Steve Charles Professor of Media, Cities, and Solutions at Temple University. He is the author of several books, including his latest book that just came out in November, 2020, We Still Here: Pandemic, Policing, Protest, and Possibility. A public intellectual and an award-winning journalist, Dr. Hill has received numerous prestigious awards from the National Association of Black Journalists, GLAAD, and the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences. Dr. Hill is also the owner of the Philadelphia based bookstore Uncle Bobbies Coffee and Books.

During our conversations, Dr. Hill and I discuss the immigrant experience and Christmas. We talk about the actual multicultural origins of Christmas. We explore some of the alternative celebrations folks have come up with that feel more in line with their cultural and ethnic heritage. And we consider the idea that celebrating Christmas as a person of color, could be considered a radical act of redefinition. This conversation will definitely have you thinking differently, and maybe a bit more colorfully, about Christmas. 

* * * * * * * *

To keep up with Dr. Marc Lamont Hill, visit his website where you can read his full bio and find all of his social media links.

If you live in the Philadelphia area, check out Dr. Hill's awesome bookstore, Uncle Bobbie's Coffee and Books. Please show them some love through the pandemic.

Check out this blog post I wrote about whitewashing Christmas in America, specifically about Santa Claus vs. the Three Kings.

Please leave a gift for the podcast in the form or a rating or a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you like to listen to podcasts. 

And please don't forget to subscribe to the show so you'll know when we we're back with fresh new episodes in early 2021.

Happy Holidays. 

On episode 57 of the podcast, we’re replaying our Christmas show from 2019 because it's still very relevant today. Maybe even more so. On that episode, I set out to answer the question, "Is Christmas for white people?" Now, I’m not white and I’ve been celebrating Christmas with my very Black family for more than 40 years, so clearly Christmas isn’t intrinsically a white people’s holiday, but there are plenty of people of color in America who don't deck the halls or jingle any bells on December 25. Considering the fact that 2020 has been a banner year for people to start paying attention to issues of racial injustice, white supremacy, and the whitewashing that permeates just about every facet of American culture, I thought this was the perfect time to revisit this episode. It’s a really good one and I promise it’s not all bah humbug! 

Joining me on the show for this racial rehash of Christmas, is Dr. Marc Lamont Hill. Dr. Hill is the Steve Charles Professor of Media, Cities, and Solutions at Temple University. He is the author of several books, including his latest book that just came out in November, 2020, We Still Here: Pandemic, Policing, Protest, and Possibility. A public intellectual and an award-winning journalist, Dr. Hill has received numerous prestigious awards from the National Association of Black Journalists, GLAAD, and the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences. Dr. Hill is also the owner of the Philadelphia based bookstore Uncle Bobbies Coffee and Books.

During our conversations, Dr. Hill and I discuss the immigrant experience and Christmas. We talk about the actual multicultural origins of Christmas. We explore some of the alternative celebrations folks have come up with that feel more in line with their cultural and ethnic heritage. And we consider the idea that celebrating Christmas as a person of color, could be considered a radical act of redefinition. This conversation will definitely have you thinking differently, and maybe a bit more colorfully, about Christmas. 

* * * * * * * *

To keep up with Dr. Marc Lamont Hill, visit his website where you can read his full bio and find all of his social media links.

If you live in the Philadelphia area, check out Dr. Hill's awesome bookstore, Uncle Bobbie's Coffee and Books. Please show them some love through the pandemic.

Check out this blog post I wrote about whitewashing Christmas in America, specifically about Santa Claus vs. the Three Kings.

Please leave a gift for the podcast in the form or a rating or a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you like to listen to podcasts. 

And please don't forget to subscribe to the show so you'll know when we we're back with fresh new episodes in early 2021.

Happy Holidays. 

November is National Native American Heritage Month and it’s the month we Americans celebrate Thanksgiving. On episode 56 of the podcast, we’re going talk about both of these so-called holidays and how and what we should be doing to celebrate. Clearly Thanksgiving 2020 is going to look a lot different than years past. You may be alone or far away from extended family for the first time. Some people may not have the funds to pay for an extravagant Turkey dinner this year. Some people may be mourning the loss of loved ones to Covid-19 this holiday season. Overall, I think it’s safe to say that Thanksgiving is not going to be “normal” for anyone, so what better time than to rethink the reason and purpose of this All-American holiday.

Back in 2018, for our very first episode in fact, I was joined by Dr. Crystal Fleming, a sociologist based at Stony Brook University and the author of How to Be Less Stupid about Race. Dr. Fleming and I talked about the inherent problems in celebrating a holiday that both downplays the real contributions of Native American people to that first Harvest celebration, and erases the legacy of brutal atrocities committed against Native people by European colonizers. It’s an important conversation that we're replaying because there are so many truth bombs people should hear, especially before celebrating Thanksgiving this year. 

Stay in Touch

I’d love to hear how you’re going to honor the Thanksgiving holiday Meltingpot community.

Please feel free to tell me your plans by leaving me a comment on IG @LoriLTharps or in the comments on the My American Meltingpot blog.

And if you’d like to keep up with Dr. Crystal Fleming, check out her website at Crystalflemming.com or follow her on Twitter at alwaystheself. I’ll add the links to the show notes.

This is the end of Season 5. I'll be back in your ears in early 2021. Until then, check out the My American Meltingpot Facebook page for new and colorful content!

November is National Native American Heritage Month and it’s the month we Americans celebrate Thanksgiving. On episode 56 of the podcast, we’re going talk about both of these so-called holidays and how and what we should be doing to celebrate. Clearly Thanksgiving 2020 is going to look a lot different than years past. You may be alone or far away from extended family for the first time. Some people may not have the funds to pay for an extravagant Turkey dinner this year. Some people may be mourning the loss of loved ones to Covid-19 this holiday season. Overall, I think it’s safe to say that Thanksgiving is not going to be “normal” for anyone, so what better time than to rethink the reason and purpose of this All-American holiday.

Back in 2018, for our very first episode in fact, I was joined by Dr. Crystal Fleming, a sociologist based at Stony Brook University and the author of How to Be Less Stupid about Race. Dr. Fleming and I talked about the inherent problems in celebrating a holiday that both downplays the real contributions of Native American people to that first Harvest celebration, and erases the legacy of brutal atrocities committed against Native people by European colonizers. It’s an important conversation that we're replaying because there are so many truth bombs people should hear, especially before celebrating Thanksgiving this year. 

Stay in Touch

I’d love to hear how you’re going to honor the Thanksgiving holiday Meltingpot community.

Please feel free to tell me your plans by leaving me a comment on IG @LoriLTharps or in the comments on the My American Meltingpot blog.

And if you’d like to keep up with Dr. Crystal Fleming, check out her website at Crystalflemming.com or follow her on Twitter at alwaystheself. I’ll add the links to the show notes.

This is the end of Season 5. I'll be back in your ears in early 2021. Until then, check out the My American Meltingpot Facebook page for new and colorful content!

This is episode 55 of the podcast and the seventh and final episode of the 'Don’t Be Racist Series.' Think of it as the recap episode. I’ll be reviewing all of the anti-racism lessons learned over the last several weeks, and I’ll be reviewing the momentous presidential election that just happened as well. And at the end of the episode, I’ll be giving you some final words of advice to take with you as you continue your journey to be committed anti-racism warriors. 

I hope you remember those simple lessons as you go about your daily life, and if you do,  I guarantee your journey to being an anti-racism warrior will be a successful and satisfying one. I won’t say it’s going to be easy, but I also don’t want you to think it has to be hard. Quite frankly, I think it’s a lot harder to be a racist than it is to be an anti-racist.  Harder, lonelier, and far less sweet.

I believe in you anti-racism warriors. Thank you for listening! Thank you for showing up for this series! Thank you for doing the work. 

Resources to Continue on with Your Anti-Racism Journey

Black Lives Matter: It's not just a slogan or an important truth. Black Lives Matter is an active social justice organization with supporters and activities that span the globe. Check them out for resources for further learning and for opportunities to volunteer your time, talents and money.

The My American Meltingpot bookstore on Bookshop.org: Don't forget you can find all of your anti-racism literature and other great books by authors of color in my carefully curated list of books on Bookshop.org

The Obama Foundation: The Obama Foundation's mission is to "inspire, empower, and connect people to change their world." Check them out to find out ways you can get involved.

Colorlines.com: If you haven't checked out this daily news site that centers the voices and perspectives of people of color and other marginalized groups, then you should. It's an excellent resource published by the racial justice organization, Race Forward.

EmbraceRace.org: For parents and educators looking for resources on how to raise anti-racist children and children of color who are resilient and proud of their identities, EmbraceRace.org is a wonderful resource that offers webinars, teaching tools and community.

And you can always find more information and inspiration on the My American Meltingpot blog!

This is episode 55 of the podcast and the seventh and final episode of the 'Don’t Be Racist Series.' Think of it as the recap episode. I’ll be reviewing all of the anti-racism lessons learned over the last several weeks, and I’ll be reviewing the momentous presidential election that just happened as well. And at the end of the episode, I’ll be giving you some final words of advice to take with you as you continue your journey to be committed anti-racism warriors. 

I hope you remember those simple lessons as you go about your daily life, and if you do,  I guarantee your journey to being an anti-racism warrior will be a successful and satisfying one. I won’t say it’s going to be easy, but I also don’t want you to think it has to be hard. Quite frankly, I think it’s a lot harder to be a racist than it is to be an anti-racist.  Harder, lonelier, and far less sweet.

I believe in you anti-racism warriors. Thank you for listening! Thank you for showing up for this series! Thank you for doing the work. 

Resources to Continue on with Your Anti-Racism Journey

Black Lives Matter: It's not just a slogan or an important truth. Black Lives Matter is an active social justice organization with supporters and activities that span the globe. Check them out for resources for further learning and for opportunities to volunteer your time, talents and money.

The My American Meltingpot bookstore on Bookshop.org: Don't forget you can find all of your anti-racism literature and other great books by authors of color in my carefully curated list of books on Bookshop.org

The Obama Foundation: The Obama Foundation's mission is to "inspire, empower, and connect people to change their world." Check them out to find out ways you can get involved.

Colorlines.com: If you haven't checked out this daily news site that centers the voices and perspectives of people of color and other marginalized groups, then you should. It's an excellent resource published by the racial justice organization, Race Forward.

EmbraceRace.org: For parents and educators looking for resources on how to raise anti-racist children and children of color who are resilient and proud of their identities, EmbraceRace.org is a wonderful resource that offers webinars, teaching tools and community.

And you can always find more information and inspiration on the My American Meltingpot blog !