Parenting While Black 2022

We were excited to relaunch our Parenting While Black series in 2022! This free virtual conversation series offered a safe and welcoming space to hold conversations for and by Black families. The six-part series began on Monday, March 7, 2022, and was held biweekly through May 16, 2022. All webinars had live Spanish translation and closed captioning available.

This series was moderated by Eurnestine Brown, PhD, Director of Relational Equity and Belonging at the Brazelton Touchpoints Center.

Episode 1: Centering Our Black Joy and Excellence with Our Children, Families, and Communities
Monday, March 7, 2022, 3–4:30 PM ET / 12–1:30 PM PT

In this conversation, we came together to reaffirm Black Joy and Excellence. We discussed how together, we can continue to foster the brilliance and resilience of Black infants, children, families, and communities. We recognized that Black Joy radiates from within – our hearts, minds, soul, and spirit. Our conversation highlighted the many ways Black Joy keeps our children healthy, safe, culturally grounded, protected, and most importantly, loved.

Featuring:

Dr. Iheoma Iruka, Mom, Founding Director, Equity Research Action Coalition; Research Professor, Department of Public Policy and Fellow, Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute, UNC-Chapel Hill

Dr. Ed Greene, Father, Grandfather, Former Director of Global Outreach for Sesame Workshop; Former VP for Children, Youth & Digital Media Literacy at the Hispanic Information Telecommunications Network (HITN); Chief Strategy Officer at Edgreenestrategies.com; and Research Fellow at Knology  

Download Episode 1 resources here.

What is Black Joy?

Episode 2: Infertility, Fertility, and Birthing People: the Black Birthing Experiences
Monday, March 21, 2022, 3–4:30 PM ET / 12–1:30 PM PT

In this conversation, we explored the collective experiences of navigating fertility, pregnancy, and available birth options for ourselves as Black expectant families. We talked about strategies and concrete steps you can take to advocate for yourself, birthing people and your family when you feel hopeful and vulnerable before, during, and after becoming a family.

Featuring:

Aaron Doctor, MD, OB/GYN, Resident Physician, Morehouse School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology

Venus Standard, MSN, Alliance of Black Doulas for Black Mamas; Certified Nurse Midwife, DONA Doula; and Assistant Clinical Professor, University of North Carolina School of Medicine

Jacquelyn McMillian-Bohler, PhD, MSN, Alliance of Black Doulas for Black Mamas; Certified Nurse Midwife; and Assistant Clinical Professor, Duke University School of Nursing

Stephanie Devane-Johnson, PhD, MSN, Alliance of Black Doulas for Black Mamas; Certified Nurse Midwife; and Associate Professor in Midwifery, Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, Midwifery Department    

Download Episode 2 resources here.

Episode 3: Black Mental Health Matters: Being Black in White Spaces
Monday, April 4, 2022, 3–4:30 PM ET / 12–1:30 PM ET

Let’s continue to shine more light on Black mental health and well-being. This conversation explored ways we can advocate for our children as they navigate the world around them. We discussed strategies and concrete steps for creating authentic and embracing spaces for our Black children and youth and each other as parents and caregivers.

Featuring:

Dr. Nicole Christian-Brathwaite, Board-Certified Adult, Child, and Adolescent Psychiatrist; CEO and Founder of Well Minds Psychiatry and Consulting Company, PLLC

Antonio Wheeler, MSW, CADC, MA, Clinical Social Worker/Therapist; Founder, Anchored In Wellness Chicago  

Dr. Kimya Barden, Psychotherapist; Associate Professor of Urban Community Studies, Chicago Northeastern Illinois University; Co-creator, The Speaker Shop

Download Episode 3 resources here.

Episode 4: Elevating Our Racial Identity: Flourishing in Blackness Across the Life Span
Monday, April 18, 2022, 3–4:30 PM ET / 12– 1:30 PM PT

In this conversation, we discussed strategies for centering and supporting the development of robust racial identities in Black children and youth. We explored ways we can intentionally create a sense of belonging and connectedness as Black children grow into their cultural, ethnic, and racial identities. Our conversation highlighted the strengths, challenges, and resilience within the Black family and community in raising our children and youth.

Featuring:

Dr. William P. Jackson, Founder, Village of Wisdom (VOW)/Black Genius; Educational Psychologist – Measurement & Evaluation

Dr. Mavis Sanders, Senior Research Scholar of Black children and families, Child Trends        

Download Episode 4 resources here.

Episode 5: Thriving in the Midst: Grounding and Uplifting Our Babies, Children, Families, and Communities
Monday, May 2, 2022, 3–4:30 PM ET / 12–1:30 PM PT

This conversation highlighted the many ways Black children, families, and communities continue to thrive in the midst of the changing global world. We discussed strategies Black families and communities utilize to nurture, protect, and raise up their children and families to not only survive but to thrive.

Featuring:

Dr. Leah Austin, CEO and President, National Black Child Development Institute (NBCDI)

Freddie E. Taylor, Founder and CEO, Urban Intellectuals UI)

Download Episode 5 resources here.

Episode 6: Literacy, Technology, Art: Healing the Harm and Centering Our Joy in Raising Black Infants, Children, and Youth
Monday, May 16, 2022, 3–4:30 PM ET / 12–1:30 PM PT

In this conversation, we explored how the arts and technology can affirm our Black infants, children, youth, families, and communities. Let’s celebrate healing, joy, and excellence.

Featuring:

Dr. Stephanie Jolly-Curenton, Associate Professor, Boston University; Director of CEED; Program Director for Child & Youth Policy

Anthony Frasier, CEO, ABF Creative

Download Episode 6 resources here.

Thank You to our Partners