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Society & Culture

S2E15: “The Gift of Adoption” x Jini Thornton [SEASON 2 FINALE]

podcast September 10, 2021

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“I need to fill this gap for my children.” – Jini Thornton

Jini Thornton was not pressed about being adopted or about someday finding her biological family. The New York native was raised in a loving and stable family, where adoption was normal. Jini grew up with cousins who were adopted and the family – particularly her mother who adopted Jini in the late 1960’s as a single, Black woman – talked about adoption openly. It wasn’t a thing.

It wasn’t until Jini’s son expressed his need and desire to know that Jini moved forward with getting her original birth record and starting down the path of finding her birth family. Going into the search and reunion process Jini didn’t think it would be a big deal, but quickly learned that was more than a notion. 

Even when the outcomes are favorable, search and reunion is a rabbit hole where the only expectation is to understand that you can’t know what to expect. Jini’s story highlights the saving grace of having the support of loved ones, faith, and a good therapist on the main line behind Jesus. 

Jini wants Black families to know adoption is an option and adoptees have power and permission to choose in their lives.

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