Podcasts about black american culture

273. Wise Living: Why to Get Outside and Travel and Read Aloud with Amber O'Neal Johnston   “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17 NIV   *Transcription Below*   Amber O'Neal Johnston is an author, speaker, and Charlotte Mason homeschooling mom who blends life-giving books and a culturally rich environment for her four children and others seeking to do the same. She recommends we offer children opportunities to see themselves and others reflected in their lessons, especially throughout their books, and she's known for sharing literary “mirrors and windows” on HeritageMom.com and @heritagemomblog. Amber is also the author of Soul School: Taking Kids on a Joy-Filled Journey Through the Heart of Black American Culture and A Place to Belong, a guide for families of all backgrounds on raising kids to celebrate their heritage, community, and the world.   www.HeritageMom.com www.SoulSchoolBook.com www.APlaceToBelongBook.com www.instagram.com/heritagemomblog www.facebook.com/heritagemomblog   Thank You to Our Sponsor:  Sam Leman Eureka   Questions that We Discussed: Looking back, what would you say has helped to shape your children's character the most? What have you learned about the importance of getting our kids (and ourselves) out into nature? How do you actually make time to be a content creator and to also homeschool and travel and host?   Other Related Episodes from The Savvy Sauce: 53 Practical Life Tips with Blogger, Rach Kincaid 57 Implementing Bite-Size Habits That Will Change Your Life with Author, Blogger, Podcaster, and Speaker, Kat Lee 82 Traveling with Your Family with Katie Mueller 84 Ordering Your Priorities with Kat Lee 103 Making Family Memories with Jessica Smartt 200 Planting Seeds of Faith in Our Children with Courtney DeFeo 204 Charlotte Mason Inspired Mini-Series: A Delectable Education with Emily Kiser 207 Cultivating Character in Our Children with Cynthia Yanof 212 School Series: Benefits of Homeschooling with Jodi Mockabee 253 Low Tech Parenting with Erin Loechner   Connect with The Savvy Sauce Our Website, Instagram or Facebook    Please help us out by sharing this episode with a friend, leaving a 5-star rating and review, and subscribing to this podcast!   Gospel Scripture: (all NIV) Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”   Romans 3:24 “and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”   Romans 3:25 (a) “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.”    Hebrews 9:22 (b) “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”    Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”    Romans 5:11 “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”    John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”   Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”    Luke 15:10 says “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”   Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”   Ephesians 1:13–14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession- to the praise of his glory.”   Ephesians 1:15–23 “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”   Ephesians 2:8–10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God‘s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“   Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.“   Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”   *Transcription*   Music: (0:00 – 0:09)   Laura Dugger: (0:11 - 2:01) Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, where we have practical chats for intentional living. I'm your host, Laura Dugger, and I'm so glad you're here.   The principles of honesty and integrity that Sam Leman founded his business on continue today over 55 years later at Sam Leman Chevrolet Inc. in Eureka. Owned and operated by the Burchie family, Sam Leman's in Eureka appreciates the support they've received from their customers all over central Illinois and beyond. Visit them today at LehmanGM.com.   Amber O'Neal Johnston is my fascinating guest for today. She's an author and speaker and coach and she's just chosen to live a very wise life as a wife and mother, and I think you're going to enjoy gleaning practical tips such as the benefits of getting our children out in nature regardless of their age. She has teens and makes this super practical for things that they would enjoy too, and she shares these incredible benefits of what happens when we simply step outdoors. She's also going to share approachable ways to introduce our family to great art and other cultures, and she gives us a fabulous book list, so, make sure you stay tuned through the end of the episode so that you can see some of the top books that she recommends. Finally, if you don't have a copy of her own latest release entitled Soul School, I highly recommend you purchase that today. Here's our chat.   Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, Amber.   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (2:02 - 2:04) Thank you so much. I'm so happy to be here.   Laura Dugger: (2:04 - 2:14) Well, I'd love for you just to start us off and introduce us to your family, and will you just share a glimpse of your values and lifestyle?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (2:15 - 3:48) Absolutely. So, I live outside of Atlanta, Georgia with my husband Scott and our four children. We are just entering birthday season, but shortly they will be 16, 14, 12, and 10. The girls are the two oldest. The boys are the two youngest, and they've been homeschooled from the beginning, so, we're a homeschooling family. I'm originally from Illinois. My husband's originally from Ohio, but we met here in Atlanta at the High Museum of Art, which is really special. We are art loving, you know, fine arts loving, liberal arts loving family, and so, the idea that we met at the museum, I will just cherish that forever. I came to, before homeschooling, I was a stay-at-home mom, and prior to having children, I have an MBA, and I worked in corporate America in like marketing and advertising, and Scott comes from a similar background with the MBA, and he was doing work in that area too, so, we had that as a connection point, but I have always stayed home with the kids, and you know, our values are rooted in our Christian faith, and we're an African-American family, and so, we have values and cultural aspects that enter our home through that avenue as well. We are world travelers, so, we enjoy that as part of who we are, and I'm an author and a speaker, and I'm just a very happy homeschooler.   Laura Dugger: (3:48 - 4:12) I love that, and it sounds like such a rich and abundant life, and there's two little connections that I have to go back to. My husband and I had a date at that same museum. I love that you met your husband there. Oh wow, that's wild! And so, we met when we were in Atlanta, but live in Illinois now, so, which part of Illinois were you originally from?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (4:12 - 4:33) I'm from Elgin, Illinois. It's out past O'Hare Airport, and I was born and raised there. My parents were both public school principals there. My dad was principal of Elgin High, and there's actually an elementary school, Ron O'Neal Elementary School in Elgin, named after my father, so, that is where I'm from.   Laura Dugger: (4:33 - 4:46) Wow, okay, so, then even with that piece, your father being a principal, and then you said you've homeschooled since the beginning. Did you always anticipate you would homeschool, or what was your journey into that?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (4:47 - 7:15) Oh my gosh, never, and it's both of my parents were principals, so, that's wild. My grandfather was an elected school board official. My sister was an elected school board official, so, public school is just, you know, in my blood from the very beginning, and that's what I assumed I would do for my kids at first. Once Scott and I got married, and we had discussed it, we decided that I would stay home when they were little, and when they were old enough to go to school, I would go back to work, and my salary would pay for private Christian school tuition, and as the years, you know, months really came to fruition for my oldest, my husband started backpedaling, and he started talking this crazy talk about homeschooling. I'm like, that's a switcheroo for you. What are you talking about? I was like, that's weird. I don't want to do that. I don't feel called to do that. That does not seem like a comfortable space for me. I don't want my kids to endure that, and ultimately, I lacked confidence in that. I couldn't even articulate it. It felt scary, terrifying. Why would I take something so weighty into my own hands, and Scott was very persistent, and I can't even explain why he was so persistent about it, but I think to me, I feel like it was planted in him by the Lord, and he felt that this was the way he wanted to lead his family, and he did it so graciously because I was very resistant. He asked, would you please try it for one year, and if you are unhappy, you don't think it's right. I'll never ask you about it again, and that gave me a softer place to land where I felt like it wasn't signing up for a long-term commitment because I knew I was going to hate it, and I said, sure. I will do that, and oh, my gosh. It was the most amazing year, and I laugh now because my daughter was four, so, she's like four and turned five during that year, and so, she was so young, and people were like, well, what were you really doing, but I took it so seriously. I was doing all things, and I joined a homeschool support group, and I was reading about it, and I realized on Friday, I'm a stay-at-home mom, and on Monday, I took on this identity of a homeschooling mom, and it's just been a beautiful journey for us. I'm so thankful that the Lord led Scott in that way. He knew what was right, not just for our children, but for me, too, when I had no vision for it, and so, I'm just, you know, very grateful.   Laura Dugger: (7:16 - 7:30) I love that story. That's such an encouragement, and, okay, your oldest is turning 16, so, when you look back, what would you say has helped shape your children's character the most?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (7:32 - 9:29) Well, I think the time that we've all had to spend together, like intense amounts of time, so, not just quality time or quantity time, but both, and I think that there's nothing else I could have done that could replace that, so, I think that's one of the things. I think my own acceptance of the divine nature of me being their mother and those being my children, and really that leading me to embrace my mother's intuition, which is something that I was hesitant for at first because there are so many experts, and surely they know so much more than me, and that's not to say that that's not important. I read so widely. I'm always reading expert ideas and views, but what I realized is that those things can help me as tools. They can mentor me, but they can't master me because the master has already appointed me as the perfect mom for these children, and nobody knows them, the little tiny details of them that nobody knows more than me, and so, when I leaned into that and I'm like, yeah, this says this online, this book said that, this thing says that, I can take what I can from those, but ultimately I feel the spirit telling me and leading me in this way with these children, and when I really leaned into that, I have a right to do that. I am their mother. That revolutionized things, and I think that's what's helped shape my children's character the most is my willingness to lean into how I'm led to lead them, and so, that's been a motherhood journey for me, and I hope that it's a legacy that I leave with my children.   Laura Dugger: (9:31 - 9:53) And do you have any specific stories that come to mind that were examples of that mother's intuition, something that really I think it is such a gift from the Lord and that the Holy Spirit speaks to us in some unique way as mothers to be in tune with our kids, so, is there a time that it really benefited them when you exercised your mother's intuition?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (9:53 - 12:42) Well, there was one time with my third, my son, my oldest son, his name is Beckett, and he was in the high chair eating while I was braiding my daughter's hair, and I heard him start making like these really weird noises, and I looked over and it was like he was choking and gagging, and I run over, and but he seemed fine, but then he would do it again, and he started sweating, and you know today I really would say, you should call 9-1-1, but I didn't, I threw all the kids in the car, and I rushed to the ER, and when we got there he wasn't choking anymore, he wasn't sweating, they did his vitals and everything, and they said, well mom, whatever happened passed, he's fine, and you guys can go home, and I was like, no, he's not fine, I'm looking at him, he's not my little boy, his vitals are checking out, but he's not looking at me the way he normally looks at me, he's not interacting with me, the little funny things that I can make him smile all the time, he's not responding to them, and so, like, I know you have your tests, but like my, I'm telling you something's wrong with my little boy, so, they have a doctor, he comes in to tell me everything's fine, and he's sending me home, and so, I was like, well I'm not leaving, I'll just spend the night in the ER then with all my kids, because I know something's wrong, and the doctor, who's this older man, he turns to me, he looks me in my eyes, and he says, you know, in all my years of medical training, there's something that they never told us, but something I've learned throughout my career, never doubt a mother's intuition, and he said, we'll take him and run more tests, and they took Beckett back to run more tests, and they came back and said, you were right, he has swallowed a coin, and it's like just teetering on the precipice, and so, at times it was blocking his airway, and at times it was shifted a little bit, and we have to go in immediately and get it, and that could have choked him, if you had just gone home and put him down to bed, and so, in that story, I took away two things, one, that I am his mother, and I don't care what the test says, or what the data says, or what the news, or a book, at the end of the day, I knew that something was wrong with my boy, the other thing is the graciousness of that doctor, to see my humanity and my personhood beyond just the insurance payment, or protocol, or whatever, it let me know that like there's something powerful about letting other people know that you see them, and that you are connected to them, as another part of God's creation, like he respected me on that level, so.   Laura Dugger: (12:43 - 13:35) That is incredible, I'm so grateful that that story has a happy ending, and that you were assertive to say that, I think sometimes as women, probably especially as Christian women, we can think, oh I want to be nice, or not push back on somebody, but I love that you were assertive, it was what was in your child's best interest, and like you highlighted, that doctor's humility is admirable, but Amber, you mentioned too that you're a writer, and you contribute a lot to things like the Wild and Free bundles, and I was always struck by the way that you would be out in nature, and there's so much to learn, so, if you had to boil it down, what wisdom would you have to share from what you've learned about the importance of getting our kids and ourselves outdoors into nature?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (13:36 - 16:49) Yeah, that's so funny, I love that you asked me that, because I like to tell people I was raised in the air conditioning, and so, there is no one who began motherhood further away from nature and being outdoors than me, like, and I can look back at those early days of like, I knew you could take your kids to the playground, and I did do that, but like what else would you do outside, you know, and people would be like, oh we went hiking on this trail, and I was like, where did you get on it, like where do you find a trailhead, like I mean this is back, like this is where I was coming from, and I was just like, and then what would we do, like we just walk, and do we talk about trees, I don't know any trees, I know Christmas trees are evergreens, you know, so, it was just like coming from this very like foundational place where I didn't know anything, but I believed, right, I believed, I somehow inherently believed when I read that being outdoors was important for children, so, I'm reading Charlotte Mason's work, and she's talking about nature study, I'm reading Last Child in the Woods by Louvre, and I'm hearing about this, he calls it a nature deficit disorder, and I'm reading all of these different kind of people who really respected childhood, and personhood, and really wanted the best for children, I'm reading a Christian perspective of the joy in connecting with God's creation, first and foremost, but also this idea of encouraging natural and authentic physical activity, running, climbing, balancing, exploring, developing coordination, and confidence, and the mental health components, you know, reducing stress, and improving mood, and not just for the kids, but my friend from A Thousand Hours Outside, she talks about how the first time she like took her kids out for the whole day, it was for her, because she was going crazy with these all these little kids, and the house, and the bags, and the diaper bag, and the snacks, and she didn't know what else to do, so, she just went outside, and how healing that was, and therapeutic that was for all of them, the idea of curiosity, of fueling curiosity, and creativity, I've never seen my kids come up with the most, I mean, they come up with imaginative things in our house, but outside, the, oh my goodness, the things they come up with, the things they create, and make, and the storytelling that comes out of that, and I think the family bonds, our experiences, it's another way of memory making, I mean, we make memories when we go see plays, and musicals, and travel as well, so, it's not the only way, but it's a strong way of that shared outdoor adventures, so, like a couple weeks ago, we were all whitewater rafting, it's funny, like a lot of funny things happen when you're out there doing crazy stuff, and so, we have a lot of laughter, and we have a lot of inside jokes that come from our time together, so, I think that all of those, it's not just one thing, it's one of those rare things where there are all the pros, and there really are no cons, and so, I intentionally embrace that for my family, even though it's everything that I didn't have growing up.   Laura Dugger: (16:50 - 17:41) Wow, that is so interesting, I love how books have really inspired you to make changes that have benefited your entire family, and I'm thinking back years ago when I was in grad school, studying marriage and family therapy, there was this book that we read, Letters to a Young Therapist, I believe the author is Mary Pipher, and she said something that I found to be very true in my life, she said, from childhood when we all look back, our memories typically boil down to three categories, one is family dinners around the table, the second is traveling with our family, and the third is anytime we were outdoors, and so, I'm wondering that legacy that you're giving your kids, they're going to have an abundance of memories in all three of those buckets.   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (17:42 - 18:29) Yeah, I love that, and I had never read that, it's making me want to go and read her work, but I can't agree more, I mean that's what I've seen anecdotally, at least in my family, and it's definitely been the case for us, I can totally see that, the other thing I love about outdoors too is it's free, you know, so, there have, we've had times of plenty and times of not quite enough financially throughout our journey, due to layoffs, and you know, recessions, and all these different things, but that has been one thing that the travel hasn't always been as consistent as we wanted, but the nature, the time outside has always been accessible, even during COVID, that was accessible to us, so, I love it for that too, but yeah, that's really cool.   Laura Dugger: (18:29 - 18:41) Absolutely, okay, so, you started with, you were getting some inspiration from different books and speakers, but then when did you actually implement this? Do you remember how old your kids were?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (18:42 - 20:11) Right away, so, my oldest was like four, five years old, and we started going outside, now again, we had always been going to the park, so, they had been spending a lot of time outside, but I will say like that's like a very, you know, man-made structures, and you know, I can't think of it, like very cultivated space, so, we weren't spending time in uncultivated space until around there, so, maybe a four-year-old, two-year-old, and infant, and I know they started growing up in that way, and I had kids in an ergo on the back, and I remember hiking with a kid in an ergo on the front, and then snapped another one on the back, and you know, these are memories I have of being outdoors thoroughly by the time the boys were coming along, and I remember the story where we were at a creek, and I looked up for a moment, and just sheer panic that my little boy was gone, he wasn't in my eyesight anymore, and the girls were playing there, and I'm like, you know, and I look, and look, and look, and there's nothing, and no one, and all I can think you sees in the water, and I wasn't paying attention, and my heart's racing, and I'm like, girls, where's your brother? And my daughter says, mommy, he's sleeping on your back. And I'm like, oh my gosh, I just think, like, I was so tired during those years, and I just remember, I would just think, let's just go outside, and some days that's just the most I could come up with, but yeah, I was freaking out, and the little boy was sleeping on my back.   Laura Dugger: (20:12 - 21:50) And now a brief message from our sponsor.   Sam Leman Chevrolet in Eureka has been owned and operated by the Burchie family for over 25 years. A lot has changed in the car business since Sam and Stephen's grandfather, Sam Leman, opened his first Chevrolet dealership over 55 years ago.   If you visit their dealership today though, you'll find that not everything has changed. They still operate their dealership like their grandfather did, with honesty and integrity. Sam and Stephen understand that you have many different choices in where you buy or service your vehicle. This is why they do everything they can to make the car buying process as easy and hassle-free as possible. They are thankful for the many lasting friendships that began with a simple welcome to Sam Leman's. Their customers keep coming back because they experience something different.   I've known Sam and Stephen and their wives my entire life, and I can vouch for their character and integrity, which makes it easy to highly recommend you check them out today. Your car buying process doesn't have to be something you dread, so, come see for yourself at Sam Leman Chevrolet in Eureka. Sam and Stephen would love to see you, and they appreciate your business. Learn more at their website, LehmanEureka.com, or visit them on Facebook by searching for Sam Leman Eureka. You can also call them at 309-467-2351. Thanks for your sponsorship.   I'm wondering too, so, when you began, what did you start with? What did you do outside?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (21:51 - 24:13) So, we started with walking, and I also was very verbal about my, what I felt were my inadequacies with friends, and that's why, you know, I can't overemphasize the, I haven't brought that up yet, but the idea of community. You don't need a hundred friends, just a few people who either are doing the same thing as you, have done it, or know you personally so well. But I had a friend who was like this outdoor enthusiast, and I always admired her for that, and she'd be like, oh, I went to the hydrangeas, they're coming out today, and they're gonna bloom for four days, and you know, like, and she would be like, oh, do you want some wild blueberries? And I'd be looking at her with side eye, like, girl, I only eat blueberries from Publix, because how do I know that you know what you're doing? You know, those could be poisonous berries you identified wrong. So, we had this kind of ongoing thing, I just asked her, I was like, hey, could we go outside with you guys sometimes? And she was like, of course. So, our first hike was with her and her kids, and she showed me how to go outside and do nothing. Like, we didn't do anything, we just walked. And the kids let us, you know, they would stop and ponder things and ask questions, which she knew the answers to, but wouldn't answer. So, she was like, well, what do you think? Or that's something cool we can investigate, or whatever. So, I realized, wow, here's this expert naturalist who's not even using her expertise. I don't have any expertise, so I could do the same thing. Well, what do you think about that? So, the kids let us, we stopped when they stopped, we kept going when they kept going. We had plenty of water and snacks, which she had told me, which was important. And that was my first thing. It was a hike. And after that, I only went back to that place by myself with my kids without her, because that was the only trail I knew. I knew where to park and where to go, and I felt confident. And then lo and behold, I run into Charlotte Mason's work, where she talks about returning to the same place throughout the year, and having your kids compare what's happening their season to season. And so, different rationale for why I was doing that. But then I was like, look, there's beauty, even in the simplicity of me not knowing what else to do. So, that's kind of how we got into it. And then I started having more experience and going out and being more adventurous further away from home with my kids.   Laura Dugger: (24:14 - 24:24) Okay, so, then what other ways has it evolved? You mentioned whitewater rafting. So, you've got teens now. What does your time outdoors look like in this phase?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (24:25 - 26:02) So, lots of camping. So, you know, Memorial Day weekend, you know, we were camping in yurts with friends. This past weekend, we camped, we had a big Juneteenth celebration, and then we went camping for Juneteenth weekend. And so, I would say that kayaking, paddle boards, we have paddle boards, we take out fishing, I hate fishing personally, don't like it at all. But two of my kids enjoy fishing. So, I'm there for that. I'll just bring a book or whatever, because it's quite boring to me, but they love it. So, we moved. I mean, how much of a commitment is that we moved to a different house, when we were able to have our whole property is forest floor. So, it's completely shaded and intertwined with trees and plants and a kind of wild scape. And across the road is a lake where the boys can fish and I can call their names for lunch and they can hear me now. I have to yell it loud. It's kind of country. Other people probably like what is going on? I'm like, you know, but they can hear me right there. And so, the creek and just really everything. A lot, a lot of hiking, I will say we live near a mountain and we're in Georgia. So, the North Georgia mountains are not far from us. We have Appalachia or Appalachia, as my friend said, I mispronounce it. And yeah, there's nothing that isn't my one of my first dates with Scott was whitewater rafting. So, we've always kind of embraced that.   Laura Dugger: (26:03 - 26:37) Oh, that's a special way to tie in a married couple memory with your kids and get to pass that along. And water and mountains, those things are, they never get old. But I've heard others even say like, you don't have to take stuff other than water and snacks, like you mentioned, to go outside. But I like the practical tips that sometimes people take art supplies, and they can nature journal or a book to read aloud. Do you have any other practical tips like that, that you would encourage if somebody wanted to get started with this lifestyle?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (26:38 - 28:47) Yeah, I would say, um, we, okay, the best thing I can say is to just try it like I think that oftentimes I know my I'm like this, you want to try to be an expert at something before you actually put it into practice. And the point is, like, we're looking at someone's work or something that they're doing after years that they've been in practice. And then we're expecting to do that from the very beginning. And until we get there, we don't want to do it. So, for example, nature study, nature journaling, I always admired nature journaling. But when you look at people's nature journals that they people who are willing to share, there's usually a reason they're willing to share theirs because it looks beautiful. And mine didn't also look beautiful. But I was still willing to give it a try. And I love that. And I love my kids, what they've worked on. And I cherish all of our early beginning sketches. And quite honestly, I'm still not great. But I think having tools like watercolor pens and water pens where we can do watercolor on the go. And we've done many pictures out by the side of the creek on picnic blankets, especially like my older children while younger people are like, What do I do with these little ones like water, you know, like they love that splashing, making sandcastles and things while I'm painting or doing things watercolors with the with the older ones. And were they museum worthy? No. But there was a lot of enjoyment involved in a skill-based learning. So, I think asking questions and inquiry, using pictures, sure and painting, but also keeping track of things the the date that our cherry blossoms bloom, and our white cherry blossom blooms before the pink one every year and keeping track of that or paying trying to map all of the vegetation in our yard like we are, you know, know which trees what they're called where they come from that takes time. And those are things we've done. It's not like we're only just sitting there barefoot grounding ourselves and forest bathing. You know, we're out there learning as well. And I think that, you know, both are beautiful ways to enter into that.   Laura Dugger: (28:48 - 29:34) I love it. There's so many benefits. And you even mention grounding that helps so much going barefoot with inflammation and different body systems that are reset even by getting out and getting early morning light and the serotonin that's produced that turns into melatonin at night. So, we're happier in the day and sleepier at night, resetting systems in our eyes and like healing our body in different ways to an even how much better outdoor air is for us than indoor air. The benefits just go on and on. So, would you have any to add that either your family has experienced personally, or you've learned about just benefits of getting outdoors?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (29:34 - 31:29) Yeah, I think that one, even, you know, all the things you said, yes, and also the mental clarity. And that's why I don't like being time outdoors, being tied to a negative consequence for academic related behavior. So, the house across the road from ours, you know, I could say ironically, or just be like, God chose to gift us. It's a homeschooling family. They moved in a couple years ago, and they have some kids are some of our kids are similar ages. And our boys are just outside all the time together hours and hours and hours every single day. And I see the difference on days where the weather doesn't permit it or where one family or the other, you know, isn't available. There's a difference in terms of clarity and the work that's happening at the lesson table as well. And this came up, you know, my nephew, you know, they're not homeschooled, and his parents took him on a trip, which caused him to miss a day of school. And he missed an assignment that day, he didn't turn it in. And so, the school then when he got back to school punished him by keeping him indoors for recess. And I was helping, you know, my family craft a note that talks about two things. One, they punished a child for a decision the parents made. And that is grossly unfair, they should be talking to the parents about not missing school, if that's the important thing. And the second thing is, you took away the very thing that allows these children to have what they need to sit quietly and take in, you know, that that's not, that's not how you that's not an appropriate consequence. So, anyway, I feel that the mental clarity beyond the things I would have named the same things you already said, it would be the only other thing that I would bring in and why time outside actually helps us to achieve deeper and broader and more expansive learning when we are inside.   Laura Dugger: (31:29 - 31:54) That's good. And I love how you keep mentioning the piece of community that that's the best way to do this. So, regardless of somebody homeschools, or they don't, how can all of us actually prioritize this? And what's a good, healthy goal for getting started, even as specific as how much time outdoors, how many outdoors or how many days a week should we be outdoors?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (31:55 - 33:01) Yeah, that's, it's so different for every family, I think that you should go just past the point of comfort, you know, for most of us. So, if the point of comfort for you is like 30 minutes a week, then you would start out like aim for an hour a week, you know, 20 minutes, three days, if you're already outside for, you know, 10 hours, a couple hours each day, you know, I would say, maybe shake it up with what you're doing and see what would it be like to go on a really long outdoor excursion on a Saturday, or to take a day off or something like that. So, I don't want to say an exact number, because we're all entering in at a different place. For me, if someone had told me to spend eight hours outside with my kids, when I was first starting, and I'm used to going to playground for 20 minutes, that would have been overwhelming. And I would have been like; there's no way I'm ever gonna do it. So, I think like, just taking it, like, where do I feel most comfortable? And how can I push myself just past that point would be a great place to start and kind of a nice place to always stay? Like, what's the next thing that we can do to lean further into this?   Laura Dugger: (33:02 - 33:15) That's really good, very wise counsel. And Amber, you've mentioned that your family loves to travel. So, will you share any adventures that you've had as a family with world schooling?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (33:16 - 36:20) So, our goal, and it's just a fun thing, you know, I don't know if we'll totally do it, but I think we will, is to have children. So, for us, world schooling is where we're not on vacation, but we're actually deeply immersed in a learning stance in another country, another part of the world. And we're trying to do that on every continent, except Antarctica, before my oldest graduates. So, we have two continents left, we are going to be going to Asia in the fall. So, we'll be taking that one off of our list and for that particular feat. And then her senior year, we'll do Australia and hop over to New Zealand. That's the plan, if it's God's will for us to do that, that's what we would like to do, and that will complete our journey. And then we'll keep traveling, but that was just kind of a fun thing to help lead us, because there are so many places in the world to go, like how do you know? And so, that kind of helped us know, well, let's do this continent, let's do that continent. So, we took our first trip, we spent three months in South America, most of it spent in Bolivia. And I can tell you exactly the kids' ages, because my youngest turned two in Bolivia. So, they were two, four, six, and then one turned eight there. And so, that was, you know, diapers, I had a baby in diapers, a little one in diapers and still nursing when we went on our first trip. And I've never regretted that. People have said, why would you take kids so young? You know, they're not going to remember. And I think a couple thoughts. One, you'd be surprised, they do remember. They may not remember this artifact in some museum, but that's not what we spend most of our time doing. But they remember the people. And we've kept in touch with a lot of the people that we've met in these different countries. And we've even had visitors in our home, staying in our basement apartment that we met abroad. So, they do remember. They remember how things feel and taste more than they remember exactly, like historical markers and things like that. Also, I kind of compare it to like breastfeeding and nursing, like my kids, except for one little boy who held on way too long, but they don't remember that. But I believed that it was something good for them that was forming. It was helping to form who they were, not so much who they were personality wise, but their bodies as they were growing. And so, sometimes we do things that are foundational to our children's development, even if they don't have a conscious and direct memory of that thing. And that's how I see world travel. So, we've been to Europe, and we were in Greece when COVID hit. We were in the middle of a big trip there. So, we had the whole struggle to get back to the United States. We've been to West Africa, most spent in Ghana, England, France. We're going to Ethiopia this year. So, yeah, that's kind of, that's our thing.   Laura Dugger: (36:20 - 37:04) Wow. And those memories are incredible. Even let's say your children forget some of this, or if they're too young to remember all of it, you remember this and you get to share those stories with them and pass that along. I can't even imagine all of the learning that takes place from being immersed in those other cultures. But you also mentioned welcoming people into your basement apartment. So, you sound hospitable as a family. What does that actually look like? And I'm kind of going to throw two questions at you. What does that actually look like? And then both for world schooling and hospitality, what are tips for ways we can replicate that as well?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (37:06 - 39:52) So, one thing that's important to me to always share about world schooling, I have a whole chapter about our world schooling adventures in my first book, but one important thing that I call out there is Eli Gerzen. He's the guy who came up with the word world schooling. And he says, you know, we don't even need a passport to do it. That world schooling is really learning from the world around you. It could be your local library. It could be the internet. It could be your neighbors. And so, while I use this more global term of world schooling, because that's just what we call it in our family, the truth of the matter is it's a way of seeing the world and seeing all the opportunity to make connections right where you're sitting. And people are like, oh, you guys have so much money. I can't do that. First of all, we don't have so much money. Like, for instance, we have one car, right? So, there are sacrifices that we make that other people may choose to spend their money in a different way. So, we definitely don't have a ton of money. But more importantly, I'm thinking, yeah, you're saying that you don't have money, but how much have you explored your county? Like, what do you know about the history of your county? And have you been to your local historical society? And have you really, you know, got in? Have you been to an old the oldest cemetery within driving distance of your home? Have you gotten a tour of it to hear the stories of who's there? Like, you can have that same inquiry and curiosity without ever leaving. So, I'll say that first. And in terms of the hospitality part, it's like an it's an intention, right? You have to like, decide that you're going to do that, because it's so much easier not to have people at first view, like, oh, my house is not clean, and blah, blah, blah. And people don't just stop by the way they used to stop by, like my grandparents' house, it was so fun staying there in the summer, because people just folks just came in and out all day, just they come calling is what they call it, they come calling. And even when we read Jane Austin, people leaving the call guard, you know, when they came to visit, and you weren't there, like, there was this idea that you didn't have to have an appointment. And now you do, you have to let someone know before you're coming. So, it's a choice to be vulnerable, if you want to be hospitable in that way that people will see your, you know, dirty bones of your house. And you know that you're not always presenting this, like really sanitized version of your family and your family life. And so, I think that's intentional decision to say it's more important to us to be with other people and let them in than it is for us to always sanitize everything before they get here. And I don't mean sanitizes and clean the house that too, but I mean sanitizes and everyone's behaving the way that I want them to behave in front of people and all of that as well.   Laura Dugger: (39:53 - 41:05) When was the first time you listened to an episode of The Savvy Sauce? How did you hear about our podcast? Did a friend share it with you? Will you be willing to be that friend now and text five other friends or post on your socials anything about The Savvy Sauce that you love? If you share your favorite episodes, that is how we continue to expand our reach and get the good news of Jesus Christ in more ears across the world. So, we need your help.   Another way to help us grow is to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts. Each of these suggestions will cost you less than a minute, but it will be a great benefit to us. Thank you so much for being willing to be generous with your time and share. We appreciate you.   Well, and I think it is a biblical command for all of us and it does bless the person or the people that we are hosting, but there are also rewards for us in the process. So, if you even just could think of one reward of a way that this hospitality has blessed your family, what would you say?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (41:07 - 41:55) Well, I would say John chapter five, it says, you know, this verse we've all heard, "I am the vine, you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit apart from me, you can do nothing." So, you know, when we talk about hospitality, we spend a lot of time talking about what my family is doing for other people. But also, that means that my family is constantly in contact with other believers and other people who are helping us with our faith to helping us to remain connected to Jesus. And without that connection, we know that there's nothing that we can do, nothing of any spiritual significance. So, while I'm inviting those people into our lives, it also ensures that my family is not alone in what we're trying to do in our faith. So, like, that's one of a very easy benefit, I can say right off the top.   Laura Dugger: (41:56 - 42:18) Then that one is truly invaluable for our children to get to witness the way other people live out their faith, and it impacts each of us. But I'm also curious, how do you manage your time so that you can be a content creator, and you can homeschool and travel and cultivate these relationships?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (42:20 - 46:08) So, first, let me say that it's not always easy. And there are seasons where I feel like I'm doing a really good job with that. And there are seasons where I feel like I'm not doing a good job. I always prioritize my family first. And so, during the seasons where I feel like I'm not doing a good job, it's very public. People can see I did not post on Instagram for a month, or I'm not speaking as much. They're finding it harder to find opportunities to hear me speak, or I have a long lull before books are published. Those are times where I've turned inward towards my family, where I felt like I didn't have the bandwidth for everything. And so, that's something I have to deal with on a constant basis, because I know that my business or my ministry is not as rich and robust as it could be. I have ideas for days. I have ideas and the ability to bring them to fruition. But I'm not willing to sacrifice the time that it takes to do those things in this season. Because even though I don't have little kids, I definitely have more time than I did when I had little kids. It's not even just time; it's more mind clarity as well. But I don't have as much time as people with little kids would think, because I want to be fully present, even for my teens. When they want to talk to me, I want to be talkable too. I want to be available to them. And we're going to places. We're doing things. They're busy. I'm busy. And I'm trying to prepare them for young adulthood. And that's just as time-consuming as trying to prepare my young children for the next stage of their development. So, I guess it's so messy. Oh my gosh, it's messy. It's chaotic. It's a little bit crazy. But in the center of it all, I really appreciate the opportunities I do have to do the things that help refuel, help me refuel. So, I'm a writer. So, writing isn't just about creating a book. It's that I get to create a book, but really it's about the process and how cathartic it is for me to sit in silence and wonder about things and be able to write them out. And oh, lo and behold, there's a publisher who is interested in publishing those things. But the real work for me is in the process of writing. Then when I come home from a coffee shop or I emerge from my room, I come back more enthusiastic about what it is we're working on and what we're doing. The other thing that I would share is that I don't do all of that stuff by myself. So, things that people don't, just like I say, I have one car and we travel the world, people are like, oh, okay, this is not what I thought. My husband does all the laundry, every piece of laundry in this house that the teens do their own, but all the laundry that's done, he does and has done for over a decade. So, that's a thing I have to say, because you might be picturing that I'm doing all of those things. Or when I wrote one of my books, I was struggling and Scott was like, how can I help you? And he was like, what if we get help to come in with the kids like a nanny or something a few hours a week? I'm like, no, that's the last thing I want somebody to touch. So, he's like, well, what is it? So, we hired a chef, and she would prepare all of our dinners according to like what I, how I like my family to eat and lots of whole foods and good things. And she would drop them off at our house. It was very expensive, but I used part of the money from the advance from the publisher to pay for that so that I could write the book. So, I think those are things that a lot of times people don't talk about, but I have support in place. I'm not super woman any more than anyone else.   Laura Dugger: (46:08 - 46:49) Oh, I appreciate that real picture and those creative ideas because as mothers, we don't just make goals for ourselves. Like you said, we have these dreams and ideas that we could put into practice, but we consider our relationships as well and how it will impact everyone. So, I love hearing practically how that plays out for you and the trade-offs that you've chosen to make. And I know that you and I also share a passion for reading aloud. So, if we could get really practical for a moment, what are some of your most recommended read aloud for families from a variety of age groups?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (46:50 - 53:05) Well, I'm always ready for that question, but I have to say, it's almost asking me, which of my children are my favorite? It's so hard in so many ways, but for younger elementary, I picked three books that I think kind of help show how expansive I feel like I want my children's reading life to be. So, this book is called Indigo Dreaming, and it's a book about two girls, one's in North America and another one we can believe is off the coast of Africa. And they're both doing what they do in their own homes. And it's beautifully illustrated also, but they're both doing what they do in their own homes while wondering, is there another little girl in this world doing what I do, liking what I like? Well, indeed there is. And it's poetic and it has soft paintings. It's just stunning. And then another one is called The Magic Doll. It's a children's book inspired by African art. And in this book, the mother desperately wants to have a child, but she's dealing with infertility, and she turns to the use of an infertility doll. And what would I say about that? My family doesn't believe that, but it's a book that I read with my children because we were going to visit this culture. And I wanted to explain to them how we can respect something and learn about it even without adopting it. And that you can understand the yearning of a mother's heart to hold a child in her hand and the desperation that that could bring about. And I wanted them to know that we would see fertility dolls there and what they meant and things like that. And it's also beautifully illustrated, which is important to me. And then this one's just a fun book. It's called I Had a Favorite Dress, but as the dress starts getting too small, she cuts it and turns it into a skirt. And then it gets turned into this. And then the little, small piece gets turned into some socks. And then it's just a little scarf and snip, snip, sew, sew, pretty hair bow. And so, the same piece of fabric, this favorite dress she had, every time she can't use it in that way anymore, it gets moved and shifted. Into something else. And this book reminds me to just, you know, sometimes we share heavier topics with our children, even beautiful topics, but sometimes it's just joy. Like that's the whole purpose of the book is to smile and have fun. And I'll move more quickly for the older elementary books. I have this book called Schomburg. It's a nonfiction book about Arturo Schomburg and the man who built a library, which is now housed. His home library is now housed as part of the collection of the public library system in New York. And he collected books about all types of black and brown people. And it was considered one of the foremost library collections. So, as a book lover, I love that story. This one's called Heart and Soul. It's the story of America and African Americans with stunning illustrations by Kadir Nelson. So, I love visual art. I always say my family, we can't afford to buy the most exquisite art for our walls, but we have an exquisite art collection through our picture books that I've collected. And then the last one is for that group is John Henry by Julius Lester and Jerry Pinkney illustrations. So, those are two powerhouses of African American author and illustrator. Both have passed. And it is the tall tale of John Henry told in a way that you've never seen before. For older kids, like middle schoolers, I love this one Big Open Sky because it's about some black exodusters who are moving west. And it goes so well for families who love Little House on the Prairie. But, you know, Little House on the Prairie, in some ways, there's some instances that are a little disrespectful to Native Americans and black people. And this is like a redemptive story, not instead of but alongside of it to say that there were black people that were also moving westward and what was their journey. And it's written in verse, like, oh, my gosh, I can't even tell you enough about that. This book, The Angel Orphan, my friend Leah Bowden wrote this book, and it's the story of Charlotte Mason. So, in chapter book form. So, there's also a picture book that someone wrote, but this is a beautiful story about Charlotte Mason. And my family's all-time favorite on my kids read aloud is The Winged Feather Saga by Andrew Peterson. And that whole series, oh, my goodness, that cemented so much of our family lexicon, because it's filled with like made up words. And it I mean, we have jokes and talks and sayings for days coming out of that series. For our older teenagers, um, or even early elementary, early middle school and early teenage years, the Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry is just like a such a classic, Mildred D. Taylor that many of us read. But she also wrote a young adult version where Cassie is entering young adulthood. So, different age audiences, but same author. And a lot of people haven't heard of the other book All the Days Past, All the Days to Come. So, for high school, I love that. And then I threw a couple things in for mama. I'm an epic story of called Homegoing about two sisters and the different paths their lives take during a time I'm part of it is told in Africa and part of its told in the United States. And the last book I have is this memoir, A Black Mother's Garden. It's called Soil. And she uses her actual real garden at her home to kind of give us this idea of life. And it's, it's, you know, it's, it's hard to explain, but it's her it's part memoir, part gardening, like learning and talking about the plants, but also how all of that can turn into kind of like the soil of your life and the people being plants, and she really focuses on wildflowers. So, it's a stunningly, like poignant and beautiful memoir. So, those are my favorite, you know, and now if you ask me tomorrow, you're going to get a different stack.   Laura Dugger: (53:07 - 53:27) I love it. What a gift to get to see all of those you and I share some of those favorites, and you've introduced me to some new ones. So, I'm very grateful and hope everybody listening feels the same. But speaking of books, you've authored more than one. But will you tell us about your most recent release entitled Soul School?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (53:28 - 55:58) Yeah, so, Soul School is it's Soul School: Taking Kids on a Joy Filled Journey Through the Heart of Black American Culture. And I know it's so hard with those. But it is a book of books. So, people who have enjoyed Honey for a Child's Heart, or The Read-Aloud Family, those types of books, which I have adored, and I have all of them, and I've highlighted them or, or Give Your Child the World is another one, highlighted them and dog eared them and have used them to check out books for the library for my children for many, many years. And, and at the same time, I was always very, you know, on my heart that the books that I spend a lot of time reading with my children that I choose and I select are never really included in most of those books.   And there was the season, you know, I'm like, frustrated, you know, I'm mad. I'm like, why? Why are they putting these books in here? And then the more I thought about it, I was like, the most you can ask for a mother to do when she's sharing these books, when it's coming from that is what she read with her children. So, am I going to be mad at her that she didn't read what I think she should read? No, do I wish that it had been more expansive? Sure, I do. But how many of us wouldn't go back and do something differently if knowing what we know today or whatever. So, I wrote a companion like the I see not to replace those books. But this book is filled with African American and black diasporic children's literature starting from preschool all the way through high school.   The first part of the book, I talk about what I'm looking for specifically in books about black American culture, and why those things are important. So, the first few chapters, first five chapters are really teaching the teacher. And then the rest of the book, which makes up most of the book are really rich annotated book lists with descriptions why I chose the book discussion questions, project ideas, and something called second helpings. Like when you think of a big soul food dinner, you go through the line the first time and you fill your plate, but then you go back for second helpings of the things that taste the very best. So, if your child likes this book, then here are two second helpings that they also would probably enjoy. And you know, the book was years in the making, I read all 300 plus books in there from cover to cover. And that's kind of my contribution to raising our children.   Laura Dugger: (56:00 - 56:40) Wow, I mean, it is a stunning piece of work. And there's so much for your family, but also for all of us. So, I think of being one of your kids, what a treasure that their mom read 300 books and put this together. But for all of us, I love books on books. And like you said, we can use it to go to the library or then once we read those and find which other ones we love, we can add it to our home collection. So, thank you for that powerhouse of work. And Amber, there's still so much more that you could share with us. Where can we go after this conversation to connect with you or to learn more?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (56:42 - 56:56) Go to heritagemom.com. And there you'll find all of my books and years' worth of blog posts and book recommendations and other things. My Instagram is @heritagemomblog and the same at Facebook.   Laura Dugger: (56:56 - 57:12) Wonderful. Okay, we will add those links to the show notes for today's episode. And you may be familiar that we're called The Savvy Sauce because savvy is synonymous with practical knowledge. And so, as my final question for you today, Amber, what is your savvy sauce?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (57:12 - 57:50) Oh, this is such a great question. I love this part of your podcast. I would say that my savvy sauce is learning to be a really great listener. Like if there's nothing else, then that's listening to my husband and the things of his heart and listening to my children and my neighbors and my friends.   But also, people I don't know, people in other places. And also, people I disagree with and being willing to be quiet and listen and take what I can from what they're sharing as well. So, that is, I think my savvy sauce is being an introspective listener.   Laura Dugger: (57:50 – 58:13) That is well said. You are such an inspiring and creative soul. And I have thoroughly enjoyed this chat. And I know I've been hearing you speak on other podcasts and reading your work for years. So, this was such a treat to get to connect with you today. And I just want to say thank you for being my guest.   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (58:14 - 58:16) Thank you so much for having me.   Laura Dugger: (58:16 - 1:01:59) One more thing before you go. Have you heard the term gospel before?   It simply means good news. And I want to share the best news with you.   But it starts with the bad news.   Every single one of us were born sinners, but Christ desires to rescue us from our sin, which is something we cannot do for ourselves.   This means there is absolutely no chance we can make it to heaven on our own.   So, for you and for me, it means we deserve death, and we can never pay back the sacrifice we owe to be saved.   We need a Savior. But God loved us so much, he made a way for his only son to willingly die in our place as the perfect substitute.   This gives us hope of life forever in right relationship with him. That is good news. Jesus lived the perfect life we could never live and died in our place for our sin.   This was God's plan to make a way to reconcile with us so that God can look at us and see Jesus.   We can be covered and justified through the work Jesus finished if we choose to receive what He has done for us.   Romans 10:9 says, “That if you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”   So, would you pray with me now?   Heavenly Father, thank you for sending Jesus to take our place.   I pray someone today right now is touched and chooses to turn their life over to you. Will you clearly guide them and help them take their next step in faith to declare you as Lord of their life?   We trust you to work and change lives now for eternity. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. If you prayed that prayer, you are declaring him for me, so me for him.   You get the opportunity to live your life for him.   And at this podcast, we're called The Savvy Sauce for a reason.   We want to give you practical tools to implement the knowledge you have learned. So, you ready to get started?   First, tell someone. Say it out loud. Get a Bible.   The first day I made this decision, my parents took me to Barnes & Noble and let me choose my own Bible.   I selected the Quest NIV Bible, and I love it. You can start by reading the book of John. Also, get connected locally, which just means tell someone who's a part of a church in your community that you made a decision to follow Christ.   I'm assuming they will be thrilled to talk with you about further steps, such as going to church and getting connected to other believers to encourage you.   We want to celebrate with you too, so feel free to leave a comment for us here if you did make a decision to follow Christ.   We also have show notes including where you can read scripture that describes this process. And finally, be encouraged.   Luke 15:10 says, “In the same way I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”   The heavens are praising with you for your decision today.   And if you've already received this good news, I pray you have someone to share it with. You are loved and I look forward to meeting you here next time.

Episode 348. Black Americans make up just 13% of the U.S. population, yet their influence shapes the entire world. From music and dance to fashion, language, and beyond, Black American culture sets the global standard. In this episode, we dive into how a community so often marginalized has become the heartbeat of worldwide culture. Sponsor: The LRPod Network Free Community. Podcast videos, exclusive content and more. Podcast Website ----------------- Quick Links ========== Personal Finance, MSS is a groundbreaking video series that dives into the core principles of economics, wealth distribution, and financial stability. It's perfect for learners, professionals, and anyone looking to understand the forces shaping the global economy. As an affiliate, you're helping to spread knowledge and empower others with valuable insights. How To Make An Additional $1,000 - $3,000 Per Day In Passive Income On Complete Autopilot In 2025... Discover NITRIC BOOST ULTRA
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How much do you love a great book list? The kind that introduces you to stories you never knew you needed? That's exactly what Amber O'Neal Johnston has created in her latest book, Soul School: Taking Kids on a Joy-Filled Journey Through the Heart of Black American Culture.In today's episode, we explore the profound impact literature has on shaping identity and why it's essential for all children—not just Black children—to engage with stories from diverse perspectives. Amber shares how Soul School isn't just a book list, but a guide to curating a home library that reflects the richness of Black American history, culture, and imagination.We discuss the power of Afrofuturism, the accessibility of poetry, and how parents can thoughtfully introduce new voices into their children's literary world. If you're looking for ways to expand your family's reading life in a meaningful way, this conversation is a must-listen.Order Soul School today and start weaving cultural education into your family's everyday learning.Resources:Learn more about Amber's book at soulschoolbook.comOur previous interviews with Amber Johnston:Building a Family Heritage through Homeschool with Amber O'Neal Johnston - Part One - A Brave Writer's Life in BriefBuilding a Family Heritage through Homeschool with Amber O'Neal Johnston - Part Two - A Brave Writer's Life in BriefBuilding a Family Heritage through Homeschool with Amber O'Neal Johnston - Part Three - A Brave Writer's Life in BriefCheck out Julie's new author website: juliebogartwriter.com!Subscribe to Julie's Substack newsletters: Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off TopicPreorder Julie's new book, Help! My Kid Hates Writing: How to Turn Struggling Students into Brave WritersFind Amber O'Neal Johnston's Soul School in the Brave Writer Book Shop: https://bravewriter.com/book-shop/list/podcast-recommendationsVisit Amber's website at heritagemom.comAmber is @heritagemomblog on InstagramTry out our Brave Writer Practice PagesFind our podcast book recommendations in the Brave Writer Book Shop: https://bravewriter.com/book-shop/list/podcast-recommendationsLearn more about the

Amber O'Neal Johnston is a Charlotte Mason homeschooling mom who makes her home in Georgia with her husband and four children. In this conversation, Amber  shares her new book, Soul School: Taking Kids on a Joy-Filled Journey Through the Heart of Black American Culture, and shows us how we can create a home where every child is seen and celebrated. Grab your copy of Amber's book: https://bit.ly/3Eo6cihYou can find the show notes for this episode at https://www.homeschoolcompass.com/podcastFollow the Homeschool Compass on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/homeschoolcompassFollow the Homeschool Compass on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homeschoolcompassWe would be so grateful if you would leave The Homeschool Compass Podcast a rating and a review in your podcast player. It helps new homeschool families find these encouraging conversations. Thank you in advance!

Listen to Jay and Kay Discuss Today's Trending Stories.Iconic Entertainers, James Earl Jones and Frankie Beverly Pass Away. RIP Icons James Earl Jones and Frankie Beverly passed away and fans of their music and films mourned. These entertainers were synonyms with Black American Culture. Celebrities from around the world shared their stories of how these men influenced them. Jay and Kay joined the conversation and gave their take on these two outstanding performers.Trump vs. Harris Debate: Breaking Down the Winners and Losers. Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris met for the first time of this campaign cycle for a contentious presidential debate. The showdown could shape the rest of the campaign or have no effect at all. Jay and Kay discuss what occurred and if there are enough undecided voters to impact the election.Baby Mama Drama? Tyrese Gibson Placed In Jail for Child Support DebtTyrese Gibson was ordered to be jailed by a Georgia judge in connection to child support backpay. Tyrese owes $73K, but the disputes the amount he should have to pay for child-care to social media influencer Samantha Lee. This is an ongoing debate in social circles and Jay and Kay talk about this complicated and divisive topic.Taylor Swift Endorses Kamala Harris for President, But Loses Fan Support? Taylor Swift is supporting Vice President Kamala Harris in the race for president. Swift removed all speculation about whether she would share her political views ahead of the November election. Did this help or hurt VP Harris and Swift? Jay and Kay unpack the impact.Kendrick Lamar Performing at Super Bowl LIX. Does His Selection Shade the GOAT?It was revealed that Westcoast rapper Kendrick Lamar will be the featured performer at the Super Bowl LIX halftime show. However, with the Super Bowl to be played in New Orleans the news of who is not performing may have upstaged the announcement of Lamar. With New Orleans having such a rich hip-hop history many believe Lil Wayne and his young money crew, which includes Nicki Minaj and Drake should have headlined the show. Jay and Kay talked about the history of SB performances and if K.Dot is the correct selection. Tua Tagovailoa Sustains Another Concussion. Is It Time to Retire?The Pro Bowler Quarterback suffered what was at least his third concussion of his short five-year NFL career. Former players called for Tua to put safety first and hang it up. Jay and Kay debate the topic and what Tua should do, retire or take the chance and continue to play.Shannon Sharpe on IG Live Having Sexy Time. Was It a Fake Mistake? Former NFL great and Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe had an ‘oops' moment when he unknowingly turned on IG Live during sexy-time with a female companion, giving his 3.2 million followers an opportunity to hear the intimate details in real time. Was this a genuine mistake or was this an ingenious ploy to go viral. Jay and Kay give their hilarious opinions.What Do You Say Jay and Kay? My Best Friend is Dating My Ex-Girlfriend and Says It's Not Wrong.Friendship is put to the test when a best friend has found love in the arms of his friend's ex-girlfriend. Their connection doesn't sit well with the former boyfriend, and he ask Jay and Kay their advice on how he should go about handling this. Their answers may surprise you.

EPISODE WEBSITE LINK In this episode of the Homeschool Our Way Podcast, I'm joined by Amber O'Neal Johnston. She's a homeschool mom of four, speaker, and author who's here to talk about how she infuses Black history and culture into her family's homeschool experience. Be sure to pre-order your copy of Amber's new book SOUL SCHOOL: Taking Kids On a Joy-Filled Journey Through the Heart of Black American Culture⁣⁣⁣! Pre-order by August 15, 2024 and fill out this form to receive a code for a FREE Heritage Pack download of your choice, PLUS all future preorder bonuses! More from Amber: Also check out ➡️ A Place to Belong: Raising Kids to Celebrate Their Heritage, Community, and the World Heritage Packs | Multicultural Study Guides Check out Amber's website & blog, and sign up for her newsletter ➡️ Heritage Mom Follow Amber on social media: Instagram | Facebook ********* Want more info on how to get started homeschooling?

Send us a textLet's talk history y'all, and jump into the vibrant tapestry of how Caribbean people have had a profound impact on Black culture and the civil rights movement in the United States.In this episode, we had the pleasure of conversing with the brilliant Alexandria Miller, a Jamaican American doctoral student and host of Strictly Facts Podcast, who shared her wealth of knowledge on the subject. We explored the nuances of Black identity, particularly within the context of people within the Caribbean diaspora who have shaped and enriched Black American culture.Alexandria speaks on the significant contributions of Caribbean people, highlighting historical figures like Marcus Garvey, Shirley Chisholm, and Malcolm X, whose roots and activism have been instrumental in the fight for equality and justice. We also touched on the complexities of language, discussing the term "patois" and its cultural significance.Our conversation was not just about the past; it was a celebration of the ongoing influence of Caribbean culture in America, from the rhythms of Afrobeats to the entrepreneurial spirit of icons like Rihanna. Alexandria's personal journey and her mantra, "one one cocoa, full basket," reminded us of the importance of perseverance and the collective effort in achieving our goals.For those looking to deepen their understanding of the role Caribbean history, Alexandria's podcast Strictly Facts, is a biweekly treasure trove of history and culture that you won't want to miss. (We love her episodes, especially a recent episode on law, race, and sovereignty in Puerto Rico).Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Impostrix Podcast. Stay to the end to hear a transparent message from Whitney about cultural competency and continued learning.Remember, our stories and histories are interconnected, and by learning from each other, we continue to build a more inclusive and empowered community. Until next time, stay validated and keep making waves!Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed the episode, and reach out to us at impostrixpodcast@gmail.com with your thoughts and feedback!Connect with Alexandria on IG @StrictlyFactsPod and on her website, StrictlyFactsPod.comDo you want to watch this episode? It's available on YouTube!I am a creative entrepreneur and want my fully customizable and attorney-created services contract. Sponsor:Smithers Law Group LLC, Your Trusted 360 General Counselwww.stulawgroup.com/contract-bank Wills for the PeopleAdvancing wealth equity through intentional, accessible, culturally responsive and transformative estate planning services and education. Available in Georgia only. www.willsforthepeoplega.cominfo@willsforthepeoplega.comSupport the Show. SUBSCRIBE to the Validating Voice NewsletterSUPPORT Impostrix Podcast

Let's talk history y'all, and jump into the vibrant tapestry of how Caribbean people have had a profound impact on Black culture and the civil rights movement in the United States.In this episode, we had the pleasure of conversing with the brilliant Alexandria Miller, a Jamaican American doctoral student and host of Strictly Facts Podcast, who shared her wealth of knowledge on the subject. We explored the nuances of Black identity, particularly within the context of people within the Caribbean diaspora who have shaped and enriched Black American culture.Alexandria speaks on the significant contributions of Caribbean people,  highlighting historical figures like Marcus Garvey, Shirley Chisholm, and Malcolm X, whose roots and activism have been instrumental in the fight for equality and justice. We also touched on the complexities of language,  discussing the term "patois" and its cultural significance.Our conversation was not just about the past; it was a celebration of the ongoing influence of Caribbean culture in America, from the rhythms of Afrobeats to the entrepreneurial spirit of icons like Rihanna. Alexandria's personal journey and her mantra, "one one cocoa, full basket," reminded us of the importance of perseverance and the collective effort in achieving our goals.For those looking to deepen their understanding of the role Caribbean history, Alexandria's podcast Strictly Facts, is a biweekly treasure trove of history and culture that you won't want to miss. (We love her episodes, especially a recent episode on law, race, and sovereignty in Puerto Rico).Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Impostrix Podcast. Stay to the end to hear a transparent message from Whitney about cultural competency and continued learning. Remember, our stories and histories are interconnected, and by learning from each other, we continue to build a more inclusive and empowered community. Until next time, stay validated and keep making waves!Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed the episode, and reach out to us at impostrixpodcast@gmail.com with your thoughts and feedback!Connect with Alexandria on IG @StrictlyFactsPod and on her website, StrictlyFactsPod.comDo you want to watch this episode? It's available on YouTube!Interested in a free discovery call to see how W. Knox Lee Consulting & Mediation could help you achieve your goals? Email the team at info@wknoxlee.com.Support the showSUBSCRIBE to the Validating Voice NewsletterSUPPORT Impostrix Podcast

ABOLISH BLACK MEN FROM THE UK THAT SPEAK ON BLACK AMERICAN CULTURE TOPICS THEY ARE CORNY UNCLE TOMS

Diamond and Silk give their thoughts on Brandon Straka, The WalkAway Black American Culture Debates and Chairwoman joined by Cheryl Brown SHARE SHARE SHARE Sponsors: Use Promo Code: TrumpWon 1. https://TheDrArdisShow.com/shop-all/2. http://CBSpray.com3. https://DrStellaMD.com4. https://GraithCare.com5. https://MyPillow.com/TrumpWon Save up to 66% Visit http://SupportDiamondandSilk.com to Become a Monthly Supporter Follow Diamond and Silk on https://FrankSocial.com/u/DiamondandSilk Follow Diamond and Silk on https://TruthSocial.com/@DiamondandSilk Follow Diamond and Silk at https://ChatDit.com Follow Diamond and Silk on https://Gettr.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So, let's start out with the elephant in the room, no matter how we look at the plight of the African Americans in our society, there IS a problem. There may be more to it, however than simply discrimination, although that DOES happen, albeit not as it did in Jim Crow and Slavery days. Statistically there is an issue with wealth distribution between Whites, Hispanics, Blacks, and Asian, but is this really an issue of systemic racism? How can the Naturalized Nigerian-American make more than 10% the average American, as seen in the below Yahoo Finance data? Is this a sign of discriminatory practices in a country that an immigrant can make more than the average income of its natural born citizens? Before you read this next paragraph, I need you to consider that these are the statistics and data. They have little to do with race, as we will attempt to show in a moment, but the truth is what will help us aid those communities who have remained wounded and poor for centuries. When discussing police policy, many will point to the disproportionate incarceration of the African American, this is a reality. However, according to the below study on homicides and crime in 2019 America, over 50% of the homicides in this nation are committed by those of African descent. It is important to note that in 2019 America, 14% of the population fit this description. One critical piece to this puzzle lies in the next bit of information from the FBI Stats from 2019: 48.7% of the homicides in the United States occurred in the South. As Christians, we are supposed to look to our Master and King for His solutions to oppression as well as matters of society. However, the Enemy of Our Souls, is in the business of offering counter solutions, like Legal or Critical Theory. The idea that the only dynamics in life are that of oppressors and oppressed is at the root of this theory and Critical Race Theory strives to critique the Western Culture (built on Judeo-Christian Principles) as a power structure of oppressors and oppressed that must be reorganized. (As we have discussed before, this is all derivative of failed Marxist Theory. It has simply been repackaged as a different set of oppressors and oppressed.) So, what would the tenets of CRT be? Well, here are the 5 tenets of Critical Race Theory from Nicholas Daniel Harlep of University of Wisconsin Milwaukee in 2009: “There are five major components or tenets of CRT: (1) the notion that racism is ordinary and not aberrational; “Firstly, racism is ordinary : the overall ethos of majority culture promotes and promulgates a notion of “color-blindness” and “meritocracy.” These two notions are mutually intertwined and serve to marginalize certain enclaves of people—predominantly people of color. Color-blindness and meritocratic rhetoric serve two primary functions: Critical Race Theory first, they allow whites to feel consciously irresponsible for the hardships people of color face and encounter daily and, secondly, they also maintain whites' power and strongholds within society.First, color-blindness legitimizes racism's need for an “other” in order to flourish and maintain its influence within the fabric of society. Racism and white supremacy are not aberrant, insofar as the oppressors—the status quo—exploit the “others” (the oppressed) in order to maintain their elitist control, as well as to claim that they are neutral. Close examination repudiates this false sense of neutrality. Second, meritocracy allows the empowered—the status quo—to feel “good” and have a clear conscience: many would ask why the powerful would not have a clear conscience since they maintain a majority of the wealth and power in society. The powerful maintain power and only relinquish portions of it when they have nothing to lose; furthermore, they receive platitudes and compliments when they do choose to dole out portions of their power” (2) the idea of an interest convergence; “Secondly, Bell's (1980) theory of interest convergence is a critical component within the cogs of CRT. Common sense belief s are formulated by the majority “status quo.” The beliefs created by the majority—the haves—oppress minority groups—the have-nots and have-too-littles. Stated more precisely, interest convergence is the notion that whites will allow and support racial justice/progress to the extent that there is something positive in it for them, or a “convergence” between the interests of whites and non-whites. CRT focuses on informing the public how certain stories act and serve to silence and distort certain enclaves of people and cultures (typically people of color), while simultaneously building-up and legitimizing others', typically the majority—status quo (which retains or gains even more power through these transactions).” This author then continues with a parable about aliens and white people making a deal where white people get a perfect world after sacrificing the blacks to the aliens. This is to prove the point that whites only reverse racist behavior if it benefits whites. (Charming, right?) (3) the social construction of race; I totally agree with this one…. (4) the idea of storytelling and counter-storytelling; “Fourthly, the idea of storytelling comes from its powerful, persuasive, and explanatory ability to unlearn beliefs that are commonly believed to be true. CRT calls this concept “storytelling” and “counter-storytelling.” This dichotomy—storytelling and counter-storytelling—is predicated upon the belief that schools are neutral spaces that treat everyone justly; however, close examination refutes this: simply evaluating graduation rates accomplishes this. School curricula continue to be structured around mainstream white, middle-class values. There continues to be a widening of the racial achievement gap (the separation of students of color's achievement and the achievement of Anglo-Americans). Whose needs do these values and curricula serve? It is not students of color? Hackman and Rauscher (2004) draw attention to the fact that under the guise of mainstream curriculum certain enclaves of students become marginalized through curriculum and praxis that are insensitive and inequitable. Hackman and Rauscher (2004) state the following:[...] often under-funded [...] mandates across the nation leave many educators wondering how best to serve their students, particularly those students who do not fit into the mainstream [author's emphasis] profile or curriculum. In today's schools, the needs of students with disabilities and members of other marginalized groups often go unmet, and as such, more inclusive educational approaches need to be adopted to ensure that all students have access to a solid education. (p. 114) CRT's counter-storytelling is a necessary tool given the curricula in equity in the U.S. educational system. Without CRT's counter-sto rytelling, the true stories would never be publicly proclaimed, and perhaps the world would come to believe and perceive that all was fine.” This translates to a disdain of the Scientific Method, Mathematics, Logic and Rhetoric, for less logical and more empathetic “story based learning”. (Because melanin, prevents people from thinking logically… oh yes, this ultimately came out of 1930s Germany. This makes more sense now.) (5) the notion that whites have actually been recipients of civil rights legislation. Fifthly, whites have actually been recipients of civil rights legislation. It is worth citing Taylor (2009) at length: Fifty years post Brown, de jure separation has been replaced by de facto segregation, as White flight from public schools has created a two-tiered system in many cities and student assignments have shifted from mandatory busing to neighborhood preferences. Most children of color currently attend schools with relatively few Whites; very few White children attend schools where they are the minority. Clarenton, South Carolina, one of the case schools used by civil rights lawyers Thurgood Marshall and Charles H ouston, remains as segregated as it was before 1954. The educational progress of African Americans that has occurred has thus been allowed only if it is perceived by the majority as cost-free, or nearly so. Preferably, these changes have come incrementally, and without social disruptions such as marches, boycotts, and riots. Importantly, for most Whites, advances must come without affirmative action. (p. 6-7) The irony is that, although whites have undeniably been the recipients of civil rights legislation, it has also been verified that affirmative action, too, best serves whites (e.g., Delgado & Stefancic, 2001; Delgado, 2009). Delgado (2009) exhorts and explicitly requests that “[...] we should demystify, interrogate, and destabilize affirmative action. The program was designed by others to promote their purposes, not ours” (p. 111). Lawrence (2002) states this similarly: “The dismantling of affirmative action is segregation. Its purpose and meaning are the same as the Jim Crow laws'' (p. xv).” I actually agree here to the point that the majority of well intentioned laws, and some of them ill-intentioned, leveled at fixing racism do not fix the problem. These laws only create more problems more egregious than the original issue. So, instead of simply smelling a rotten egg, let's attempt to figure out how we are to fix the issue. But before we do, it is important to note how we got to where we are. Let's look to Thomas Sowell for some history. In a great commentary on the issue “The Origin of Black American Culture and Ebonics, Sowell deconstructs the origins of certain behaviors and characteristics of different cultures. He starts out reading a historical excerpt describing a terror of a people decending on 1950s Indianapolis, people who did not regard work, the law, their children, and who's moral standards were so low that they would shame an alley cat. The folks of Indianapolis were not making a racist cry for relief from African-Americans settling in their towns, but white rednecks. These Celtic rough and rowdy characters would sooner kill their brother or best friend than take an insult. This subculture is one that Sowell, and other historians, trace to modern day hood culture. With a link below, it is an interesting listen, but Sowell makes several very good points. The most salient, I think, is the fact that these white southerners were in a cycle of intergenerational poverty that even freshly arrived Germans, Danes, and even freed African slaves would out perform in every way from education to commercial success. This intergenerational poverty had been present in these families before they even came to the New World from the British Isles. Not only did these lack the Protestant Work Ethic, but promiscuity was rampant. One clergy member noted that 9/10 of those brides he officiated for were pregnant at the ceremony. This was in stark contrast to those in the North where such things were far from normal. Rape was also often punished less severely than petty theft, whereas in the North, rape was a hanging offense. This culture of Godlessness was the culture that many poor and enslaved African Americans lived within, even after emancipation. They had picked up the most destructive tendencies of Anglo Culture. After gaining their freedom, Sowell notes, those who escaped the RedNeck Culture often ultimately made it to the middle class, some even before the 1960s. Now, this does not mean that things were at all easy, but this is not simply an issue of oppressed and oppressors. The presence of successful members of society with high melanin content in their skin suggests cultural issues. This is where the Church needs to step in. What does our Father in Heaven say about the philosophies of this World? Colossians 2:8 “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.” If it does not comport with scripture, it should be out. This counter reality narrative is vain, deceitful, and destructive. Ibram Kendi once wrote in regards to antiracism, a component of CRT: “The only remedy to racist discrimination is anti-racist discrimination. The only remedy to past discrimination is present discrimination. The only remedy to present discrimination is future discrimination.” In A Rhythm of Prayer: A Collection of Meditations for Renewal Chanequa Walker-Barnes, a self-proclaimed theologian prayed: “Dear God, Please help me to hate White people. Or at least want to hate them. At least, I want to stop caring about them, individually and collectively. I want to stop caring about their misguided, racist souls, to stop believing that they can better, that they can stop being racist.” Galatians 3:28 “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” James 2:9 “But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.” CRT is toxic and antithetical to the Biblical Worldview. It may sound nice, like every other trap the Enemy of Our Souls lays before us, but in the end, bitter sadness awaits. We as a Church need to not only be informed about what CRT is, and we also need to be a Holy people. We need to address racism in every form, whether it is racism or the new ant-racism of CRT, we need to unify as one diverse body under and in Christ. If the World sees that, perhaps some will realize how wrong this belief truly is. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/u-could-actually-more-nigerian-133011858.html https://www.ojjdp.gov/ojstatbb/crime/ucr.asp?table_in=2 https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/fact-sheet/facts-about-the-us-black-population/ https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED506735.pdf

This episode is the second part of the talk about how the Black American Culture translates in the UK eyes of WTFIGO Podcast Join Abigail Opiah, Samantha Allan and Lola on the WTFIGO podcast as we tackle this week's current affairs and pop culture news. Socials: • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wtfigopod/ Listen Here: • Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/what-the-f-k-is-going-on/id1466508415#episodeGuid=13ef0725-3315-4d21-bfb9-1bc123cb799c • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5QIp1gntAkbjDLFbck1Uam This podcast is a part of the Happy Accidents Media (HAM) Podcast Network. Search for us on any podcast platform to find our other shows. Follow the socials below: • IG: https://www.instagram.com/happyaccidentsmedia/

Get a behind-the-scenes look at how the Nyack Library creates and presents our Schubert Award-winning Black American Culture and Arts series, originally inspired by and focused on the life and legacy of Dr. Toni Morrison. This series continues in 2021, with the Black Family as its theme, and includes our upcoming four programs devoted to Juneteenth, now an official New York state holiday. We also touch upon the challenges of library work during the pandemic and how living in the virtual world allowed us to re-think and recreate our approach to programming.   This episode will premiere on May 24th.

Black History Untold with Kurimeo~ Who were the Black Dutch of the South? Mississippi, Alabama, South Carolina, Huguenots, Black Irish and Hebrews. Who were/are you? Exploring the Origins of Black American Culture that was lost when black Europeans relocated to the US and mixed in with Indigenous Black Indians. The receipts of our black European Roots.

On this episode we talk about how Black American Culture translates in the UK from the eyes of WTFIGO Podcast Join Abigail Opiah, Samantha Allan and Lola on the WTFIGO podcast as we tackle this week’s current affairs and pop culture news. Socials: • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wtfigopod/ Listen Here: • Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/what-the-f-k-is-going-on/id1466508415#episodeGuid=13ef0725-3315-4d21-bfb9-1bc123cb799c • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5QIp1gntAkbjDLFbck1Uam This podcast is a part of the Happy Accidents Media (HAM) Podcast Network. Search for us on any podcast platform to find our other shows. Follow the socials below: • IG: https://www.instagram.com/happyaccidentsmedia/

In this Black History Month Episode we explore the influence on trains on the music and culture on African Americans and the rest of the country.

Wrapping up our three part episode for Black History Month, Sarah and Andy bring more gems reminding BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) that we are beautifully unique and black all year around. More shared stories on African culture, dialects, stereotypes and traditions.

This second part of the interview Sarah and Andy share how colonization influenced African religions, they dispel African stereotypes displayed in American media and more. Africa is a continent NOT a country or language. Africa is very high in linguistic diversity and hundreds of dialects. These students take us to class on the bias of African natives.

Today Tony Lee shares new music from Brent Faiyaz & Khruangbin. Also, he shares a few uncommon black history facts, and goes on a mini rant about Black American Culture. Tune in!!

This Episode you’ll hear the interesting stories of two DGS seniors and African natives; Andy Agyei (Ghana) and Nalule (Uganda) compare and contrast living In Africa Vs Black American Culture. They paint such a surreal view of how Black people who come from different sides of the globe can have similar and different experiences. Both students describe being multilingual, curriculum differences and false media perceptions.  Stay tuned as this three part interview is packed with gems. African Languages: http://linguistics.emory.edu/home/resources/polyglot/low/low_nc.html Interesting Black History Facts: https://explorethearchive.com/black-history-month-facts

We talk about AAVE (African-American Vernacular English), the struggle of growing up in a society where black american's are put down and not given credit for the things they created. We also talk about the difference between being Black and being African American. This one is good so enjoy and learn.

agree or disagree share it --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-lost-african/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-lost-african/support

PT and Corey Discuss the Black American Culture as well as the  Black and African Connection.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/teml/message

Ms. Vixen is your destination for lit womanist perspectives, on pop culture, politics, media, and other incisive conversations usually stolen from us from the mainstream to profit off of. Yup, Ms. Vixen isn’t here to be polite or play around, we know Black Women, Black Femmes and Black Folks impacted by misogynoir, are the standard and not the exception. With Ms. Vixen magazine, Ms. Vixen IRL our workshop series, and now Ms. Vixen the podcast we will do more than just celebrate ourselves, we will always and forever turn up! Visit our website MsVixenMag.com for the latest article, events, and updates. This episode Queen chats with Takenyah, she is a Black American media personality who is passionate about the liberation of marginalized communities. We talk about preserving Black American Culture, colorism, fatphobia and more! RESOURCES MENTIONED THIS EPISODE: Catch up with our guest Takenyah on this socials and her apparel store: Twitter: twitter.com/_takenyah Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/TaKenyah Apparel https://theselfloveproject.shop/: DR. Yaba Blay Looking for Freedom Now https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5lLOfwlIjg&list=PLEBerX4B9YN6UocUwN2qBUj-0PXewiHXD Dashaun Harrison Twitter: https://twitter.com/DaShaunLH Help sustain, progress, and keep Ms. Vixen going by hitting us up with a donation: https://www.msvixenmag.com/donate Subscribe to our newsletter and get all Ms. Vixen info sent straight to your email: https://www.msvixenmag.com/subscribe-1 Send us an email to submit your writing and all other inquiries to contact@msvixenmag.com

Special Guest Hattie Marie joins us in discussion on black/indigenous culture --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Jake and Phil are joined by Thomas Chatterton Williams to discuss Albert Murray’s The Omni-Americans and Thomas’ new memoir, Self-Portrait in Black and White Manifesto: Albert Murray, The Omni-Americans https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/543160/the-omni-americans-by-albert-murray--with-a-foreword-by-henry-louis-gates-jr/ Art: Thomas Chatterton Williams, Self-Portrait in Black and White https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/617884/self-portrait-in-black-and-white-by-thomas-chatterton-williams/9780393608861 References: Stanley Crouch https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanley_Crouch Ralph Ellison and Albert Murray, Trading Twelves https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/46140/trading-twelves-by-edited-by-albert-murray-and-john-f-callahan-preface-by-albert-murray-introduction-by-john-f-callahan/ Ralph Ellison, Invisible Man http://www.randomhousebooks.com/books/46131/ J. Hector St. John de Crèvecoeur, Letters from an American Farmer http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/4666 James Baldwin, Everybody’s Protest Novel http://faculty.gordonstate.edu/lsanders-senu/Everybody's%20Protest%20Novel%20by%20James%20Baldwin.pdf Albert Murray, Stomping the Blues https://www.upress.umn.edu/book-division/books/stomping-the-blues Thomas Chatterton Williams, A Blues for Albert Murray https://www.thenation.com/article/blues-for-murray/ Reverend Eugene Rivers, On the Responsibility of Intellectuals in the Age of Crack http://bostonreview.net/reverend-eugene-rivers-on-the-responsiblity-of-intellectuals-in-the-age-of-crack Gordon Wood, The Radicalism of the American Revolution https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/193550/the-radicalism-of-the-american-revolution-by-gordon-s-wood/ The William and Mary Quarterly, Forum: How Revolutionary Was the Revolution? A Discussion of Gordon S. Wood's The Radicalism of the American Revolution https://www.jstor.org/stable/i348499 Nikole Hannah-Jones, The 1619 Project, “Our democracy’s founding ideals were false when they were written. Black mericans have fought to make them true.” https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/08/14/magazine/black-history-american-democracy.html Simone de Beauvoir, The Ethics of Ambiguity https://www.marxists.org/reference/subject/ethics/de-beauvoir/ambiguity/ Ralph Ellison, Shadow and Act https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/46135/shadow-and-act-by-ralph-ellison/ Coleman Hughes, The Case for Black Optimism https://quillette.com/2019/09/28/the-case-for-black-optimism/ Coleman Hughes, Kanye West and the Future of Black Conservatism https://quillette.com/2018/04/24/kanye-west-future-black-conservatism/ Zadie Smith, Fascinated to Presume: In Defense of Fiction https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2019/10/24/zadie-smith-in-defense-of-fiction/ The Glenn Show, Black American Culture and the Racial Wealth Gap with Glenn Loury and Coleman Hughes https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/black-american-culture-racial-wealth-gap-glenn-loury/id505824976?i=1000444070055 The Fifth Column Podcast, On Anti-Racism with Glenn Loury, John McWhorter, Coleman Hughes, Thomas Chatterton Williams, and Kmele Foster http://wethefifth.com/episodes/121 Tobi Haslett, Irrational Man https://www.bookforum.com/print/2603/thomas-chatterton-williams-s-confused-argument-for-a-post-racial-society-23610 Ralph Ellison, “The Novel as a Function of American Democracy” https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/46137/the-collected-essays-of-ralph-ellison-by-ralph-ellison/ Zadie Smith, Getting In and Getting Out https://harpers.org/archive/2017/07/getting-in-and-out/ Corey D. Fields, Black Elephants in the Room https://www.ucpress.edu/book/9780520291904/black-elephants-in-the-room Ralph Ellison, “Brave Words for A Startling Occasion” https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/46137/the-collected-essays-of-ralph-ellison-by-ralph-ellison/

Black culture is it above reproach? Are there issues concerning the black experience that could be improved upon or should we consider the black experience sacrosanct? This episode explores this idea and gives a few examples of what we could improve upon.

Coleman’s essay, “Black American Culture and the Racial Wealth Gap” ... Is America’s present-day wealth built on slavery? ... Coleman: People attribute too much causal power to racist policies ... How to quantify “black culture” ... Coleman: We should stop focusing on racial disparities ... Glenn: Social remedies should be implemented on individual, not racial, terms ...

WELCOME BACK!!!! Did you miss me? I missed you guys. I brought my friend and fellow music lover, Robbie Digital on to talk new industry vs old industry, a little something. Then we tackle the topic of new chick rappers vs old chick rappers.

Podcast Description “When [we] started explicitly talking about the racist narratives and started explicitly talking about what was happening to us, not just in context of watching the show, but our accounts being hacked and people being doxed. You had people who are like: ‘Why can’t you just shut up and enjoy it?’ In one season it was assault, and in the next season it’s “oh he’s my boyfriend” - so I have been attacked, doxed and hacked and yet you’re expecting me to be your boyfriend. Why can’t we all just get along."Welcome to Part 2 of my conversation with @ashermaj & @digitalsista  and our discussion about the ways technology is being used to target, harass & silence Black Women on and offline.Asher's BioAsher has been in the femslash fandom world for about twenty years. She watched fandom go from being the only places where she could see relationships like her own that weren't sad, tragic or terrible to being organized, vocal, effective advocates for better representation of marginalized groups in media. It's not just fanfiction and fanart anymore. It's fanfiction, fanart, pop culture analysis AND social justice. Who knew?! She has a boring job involving mucking about with databases. The saga of #swanqueen, the most beautiful ship to ever have been squandered by soulless hacks is far more interesting. Fandom, if you're not into it, is a vast undiscovered country of awesome weirdness, brilliant authors, breathtaking art and free novel-length works of fiction ranging from Holy Sh*t good to My Immortal. Google My Immortal +fanfic, trust me, just google it.Shireen's BioShireen is an Internet pioneer and serial founder who was born and raised in the projects of New York City, playing video games before they could be played on televisions and designing BBS boards and gopher sites prior to the Web going world wide.  Additional Resources Facebook Ads that Targeted Voters Centered on Black American Culture with Voter Suppression as the End GameThe neurochemistry of story, the dramatic arc, and empathy“inner demons don’t play well with angels”Believing in even the possibility of a happy ending is a powerful thing. -Mary Margaret Twitter Shireen Mitchell Become a #causeascene Podcast sponsor because disruption and innovation are products of individuals who take bold steps in order to shift the collective and challenge the status quo.Learn more > Twitter Asher Become a #causeascene Podcast sponsor because disruption and innovation are products of individuals who take bold steps in order to shift the collective and challenge the status quo.Learn more >All music for the #causeascene podcast is composed and produced by Chaos, Chao Pack, and Listen on SoundCloud. Listen to more great #causeascene podcasts full podcast list >

There is arguably no racial disparity more striking than the wealth gap. While the median white household earns just 65 percent more income than its black counterpart, its net worth is fully ten times as high. And, unlike income, which individuals earn in their own lifetimes, wealth accrues over generations, and whites are more than three times as likely as blacks to inherit money from their families. In the public debate on racial inequality, the wealth gap is among the sharpest arrows in the progressive quiver. When conservative commentators argue that America is a meritocracy, or that blacks lag due to cultural factors, progressives can retaliate with a single statistic that seems to prove the reality of white privilege beyond the possibility of doubt. But statistics don’t interpret themselves, and the wealth gap is no exception. A recent wave of scholarship—including Mehrsa Baradaran’s The Color of Money, Richard Rothstein’s The Color of Law, and Ta-Nehisi Coates’s “The Case for Reparations”—has converged on the interpretation that the wealth gap is caused by two factors: slavery and … The post Black American Culture and the Racial Wealth Gap appeared first on Quillette.

Black culture from a African American women experience. The will to change your life and know you are valid in your feelings sis --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

BHL: This Week -- In this episode Black Hollywood Live hosts Derrial Christon, DJ Jesse Janedy, and Courtney Stewart discuss news for the week of October 2nd. Also joining the conversation are special guests Tanjareen and Angell Conwell of Family Time on Bounce TV. Jesse opens things up by discussing news about a club that doesn't allow dark skin or over weight people entrance and Nicki Minaj & Steve Harvey might have production deals in the work. Courtney switches to talk about Whoopi Goldberg vs ABC, and closes with why its not possible for Black Americans to appropriate African culture. Derrial wraps things up with how A listers are scared to go on the Wendy Williams show. All this and more on BHL's This Week for October 2nd.

Taking IELTS? Get our free IELTS video training now Learn about 3 hip-hop English songs that you must know to improve your English pronunciation! Today we have special guest Stephen Mayeux on the show. Stephen teaches English through hip hop and he’s here today to share some of his best ideas with us! 3... Read More The post AEE 133: ESL Hip Hop – A Glimpse into Black American Culture Through Music appeared first on All Ears English Podcast | Real English Vocabulary | Conversation | American Culture.