Ep. 6 Melissa Guida-Richards: Unpacking Abby Johnson's comments

I reached out to Melissa who is actively on the front lines of educating people in the adoption community. We discuss the harmful language Abby Johnson uses to describe her own adopted son in the infamous youtube video. There are misconceptions about the black community that she perpetuates with alarming conviction. Melissa is a formidable essayist, mother, blogger, author (THE WHITE SAVIOR MENTALITY will be out in Fall 2021) and podcast host. 

GUEST:  Melissa Guida-Richards
 guida-richards.com 
https://adopteethoughts.com/
https://www.mother.ly/u/melissaguida-richards
https://spoonie-mama.com/index.php/about-melissa-guida-richards/

@adoptee-thoughts
@guidarichards

Resources:
Anti-racism recourses
https://www.laniseantoineshelley.com/resources

Article Abby Johnson’s Comments About Her Adopted Brown Son are Problematic. Here’s Why:

https://www.brookings.edu/blog/how-we-rise/2020/08/26/abby-johnsons-comments-about-her-adopted-black-son-are-problematic-heres-why/

Therapists:
https://www.laniseantoineshelley.com/blog
betterhealth.com

Exercises I love:
African dance
https://youtu.be/cAXepObYN6E

Stretch/Barre workout
Coach Kel
https://youtu.be/FlokyngRBYc

Black beauty influencer:
Jackie Aina
https://youtu.be/9-oW7F9T9IE

Weight management:
https://youtu.be/YuR51ktq1k8
Quit Sugar
https://youtu.be/hx4Kr1HJ79E

Plant care:
Planterina
https://youtu.be/9vDpgaoynhY

Support the show

CONNECT WITH HOST:
@youngadoptee
@lantoines
www.laniseantoineshelley.com

DONATE TO THE SHOW:
https://ko-fi.com/whentheywereyoung

DISCOUNT FOR 15% GUIDE BOOKS:
Isaac Etter's IDENTITY (Equipping parents, Empowering Children)
Black Hair Care – https://identitylearning.ck.page/products/blkhaircare?promo=WTWY
TRA – https://identitylearning.ck.page/products/a-practical-guide-to-tra?promo=WTWY

ADOPTEE CONVERSATIONS WITH PARENTS:
14 through18, and episode 28, and 29.

WATCH PANELS:
https://www.facebook.com/USFCH/videos/806431379903046

BALDWIN'S ESSAY ON "WHITENESS":
https://bannekerinstitute.fas.harvard.edu/files/bannekerinstitute/files/on_being_white.and_other_lies_baldwin_0.pdf

HISTORY “Colored”:
https://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2014/03/30/295931070/the-journey-from-colored-to-minorities-to-people-of-color

NYC ARTICLE ON THE USE OF "BIPOC":
https://www.nytimes.com/article/what-is-bipoc.html

RECOURSES ON HOW TO TALK ABOUT RACE:
https://www.laniseantoineshelley.com/post/copy-of-literacy-program-for-syrian-girls-refugees