Black Excellence Archives

Black Excellence – Jared Donahue Robinson

Jared Donahue Robinson, the visionary behind JDRobinsonCultureAnd.co, is a dynamic force driving cultural preservation and community empowerment through the lens of Black history and heritage. His work transcends mere historical documentation, evolving into a vibrant platform for education, celebration, and transformative dialogue. Robinson's dedication to reclaiming and amplifying Black narratives solidifies his place as a beacon of Black excellence.

Robinson's approach is rooted in the belief that understanding the past is crucial for shaping a prosperous future. He meticulously curates and presents historical information, not as static facts, but as living stories that resonate with contemporary audiences. His platform serves as a vital resource, offering a nuanced and authentic portrayal of Black experiences often overlooked or misrepresented in mainstream narratives.

Community Engagement & Intergenerational Dialogue

Central to his work is the emphasis on community engagement. He fosters spaces for intergenerational dialogue, encouraging the sharing of personal stories and collective memories. He understands that history is not just about dates and events; it's about the lived experiences of individuals and communities. By creating platforms for these voices to be heard, he empowers individuals to connect with their heritage and build a stronger sense of identity.

Making Black History Accessible & Engaging

Robinson's impact extends beyond traditional historical education. He leverages technology and creative mediums to make Black history accessible and engaging. His online platform features multimedia content, including videos, podcasts, and interactive presentations, that bring history to life. He also collaborates with artists and creatives to produce culturally relevant content that resonates with diverse audiences.

His work is characterized by a commitment to authenticity and accuracy. Robinson meticulously researches and verifies historical information, ensuring that the narratives he presents are grounded in truth. He challenges dominant historical narratives, offering alternative perspectives and highlighting the contributions of Black individuals and communities that have been marginalized or ignored.

Furthermore, Robinson actively cultivates educational initiatives that bring Black history into classrooms and community centers. He understands the importance of empowering young people with knowledge of their heritage, fostering a sense of pride and agency. By providing educators with resources and tools, he equips them to teach Black history in a meaningful and engaging way.

Family Camp 2025:

Adding to his commitment to community and education, Jared Donahue Robinson will be joining us at Family Camp this year. His presence will provide a unique opportunity for families to engage directly with his expertise and passion for Black history. This will offer a chance to further build connections, learn, and appreciate the importance of cultural understanding within transracial adoptive families.

Jared Donahue Robinson's commitment to cultural preservation and community empowerment is a testament to his unwavering dedication to Black excellence. He is not just preserving history; he is shaping the future by empowering individuals and communities to embrace their heritage and build a more just and equitable society. His work stands as a powerful reminder of the importance of reclaiming our narratives and celebrating the richness and complexity of Black history. Through his platform and his engagement with our community, he is ensuring that the stories of our past continue to inspire and empower generations to come.

Each month, we take time to highlight the remarkable contributions of Black leaders, trailblazers, and changemakers whose impact continues to shape our world. These stories serve as a valuable opportunity for transracial families to learn, reflect, and engage in meaningful conversations about Black history and culture. We invite you to explore our past Black Excellence features in the carousel below, where you’ll find inspiring figures from various fields—activism, science, arts, sports, and beyond. If you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe to our monthly newsletter to receive these stories, along with discussion prompts and book recommendations, right in your inbox.

Black Excellence – Rachel Briggs

For those that have been at TRJ camp these last couple of years, our example of Black Excellence for this month is a familiar face that brings so much spirit to our time together.

Rachel Briggs of Dream Through STEAM RI embodies Black excellence, passionately advocating for STEAM education, especially for underrepresented youth. Her work transforms lives, bridging opportunity gaps and fostering innovation.

Dream Through STEAM RI, under Briggs's leadership, creates pathways for young minds to engage with STEAM through hands-on learning and mentorship. She dismantles systemic barriers, providing safe spaces for exploration and growth.

Her approach cultivates creativity and problem-solving, incorporating arts to emphasize holistic learning. She empowers youth, encouraging them to see themselves as future innovators and leaders.

A Champion of Community Engagement

Briggs champions community engagement, collaborating with schools and organizations to expand STEAM access. She recently hosted her first Cultural Blind Dates event, pairing individuals from different cultural backgrounds for dialogue, promoting empathy and understanding.

Honoring African American STEAM Pioneers

Her business honors African American STEAM pioneers, using their stories to educate and inspire. At Paul Cuffee Charter School, students learned physics through shipbuilding, inspired by the school’s namesake. Briggs partnered with CCRI for "The Contributors," a photo reenactment exhibition celebrating Black women in STEAM. This exhibition serves as a powerful visual testament to their contributions.

Rachel Briggs is a role model, showing children that they can succeed in STEAM. We look forward to welcoming Ms. Rachel back to TRJ camp 2025.

For more information about Rachel Briggs:

Watch video from Feb 26th, 2025 where Rachel Briggs joined the The Rhode Show to explain Dream Through Steam RI and discusses her Cultural Blind Date event

Each month, we take time to highlight the remarkable contributions of Black leaders, trailblazers, and changemakers whose impact continues to shape our world. These stories serve as a valuable opportunity for transracial families to learn, reflect, and engage in meaningful conversations about Black history and culture. We invite you to explore our past Black Excellence features in the carousel below, where you’ll find inspiring figures from various fields—activism, science, arts, sports, and beyond. If you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe to our monthly newsletter to receive these stories, along with discussion prompts and book recommendations, right in your inbox.

Black Excellence – Habeebah Rasheed Grimes

Habeebah Rasheed Grimes, a mental health advocate and CEO of Positive Education Program (PEP), whose work centers on supporting children impacted by trauma, systemic racism, and educational inequities. As a passionate leader in the mental health field, Habeebah uplifts the importance of culturally responsive and trauma-informed care, ensuring that Black and Brown children receive the support they need to thrive.

Her unwavering commitment to justice, healing, and empowerment reflects the spirit of TRJ and the values we hold dear. We heard from Habeebah virtually at TRJ's Family Camp in 2021 where she helped us frame the intersections of racial trauma and family separation.

Get more information about Habeebah Rasheed Grimes: https://www.habeebahrgrimes.com/ as well as links to various panels, podcasts and recordings featuring her work.

Each month, we take time to highlight the remarkable contributions of Black leaders, trailblazers, and changemakers whose impact continues to shape our world. These stories serve as a valuable opportunity for transracial families to learn, reflect, and engage in meaningful conversations about Black history and culture. We invite you to explore our past Black Excellence features in the carousel below, where you’ll find inspiring figures from various fields—activism, science, arts, sports, and beyond. If you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe to our monthly newsletter to receive these stories, along with discussion prompts and book recommendations, right in your inbox.

Black Excellence – Alec Ingold

Alec Ingold stands as a shining example of Black excellence, both on and off the football field. As an NFL fullback for the Miami Dolphins, Ingold exemplifies dedication, athleticism, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. His powerful blocking and contributions to the Dolphins' offense have solidified his place as a respected player in the league.

However, Ingold's impact extends far beyond the gridiron. Deeply rooted in his own experience as a transracially adopted child, he recognizes the profound importance of family and the transformative power of love and support. He understands firsthand the unique challenges faced by transracially adoptive children, including navigating issues of identity, race, and belonging.

Driven by this personal connection, Ingold is a passionate advocate for adoption. He established the Ingold Family Foundation, an organization dedicated to actively working to connect youth in foster care, particularly children of color, with loving and supportive families. He provides mentorship, resources, and a pathway to a brighter future, ensuring that these children have the opportunity to thrive.

Ingold's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of honoring one's roots. He embraces his heritage while breaking barriers in the NFL, inspiring countless individuals to strive for greatness in their own lives. His commitment to giving back to his community and advocating for foster and adoptive children exemplifies the true meaning of Black excellence – achieving success while uplifting others and making a positive impact on the world.

Read more about Alec’s adoption: Alec Ingold: Turning Adoption into a Superpower.

Black Excellence – Jon Batiste

Jon Batiste has been a trailblazer in the music industry, both honoring traditions and breaking new ground. Hailing from the vibrant city of New Orleans, Batiste's music is a fusion of jazz, R&B, funk, and soul, creating a sound that is both timeless and contemporary.

Batiste's ability to seamlessly blend genres and incorporate elements of classical music into his compositions demonstrates his versatility and deep understanding of musical theory. His live performances are electrifying, often featuring spontaneous improvisations and audience interaction. He has redefined the role of the bandleader, infusing his unique style into every note played and every song performed.

While rooted in the rich traditions of New Orleans jazz, Batiste is a true innovator. He honors the past while pushing the boundaries of the present. His music pays homage to the greats who came before him, while simultaneously forging a new path. By blending traditional jazz with contemporary influences, he creates a sound that is both familiar and groundbreaking.

As a Black artist, Batiste has used his platform to amplify marginalized voices and promote social justice. His music is a powerful tool for healing, understanding, and empowerment. By breaking down barriers and challenging stereotypes, he has become a role model for aspiring musicians and a beacon of hope for a more inclusive future.

Jon Batiste's legacy is still unfolding. As he continues to push the boundaries of musical expression and social consciousness, he is undoubtedly one of the most influential artists of his generation.

Black Excellence – Rachel Noerdlinger

Rachel Noerdlinger was born in 1970 in New Mexico, and adopted by white parents as a baby. Noerdlinger has made significant contributions in public relations and social justice. Known for her tenacity and expertise, she served as the Chief of Staff for New York City’s First Lady, Chirlane McCray, where she advocated for social programs and community empowerment. Noerdlinger also played a key role in organizing national events, including the public communications for George Floyd’s funeral, demonstrating her commitment to civil rights and social justice. She later became a partner at Mercury Public Affairs, marking her as the firm’s first Black woman partner—a groundbreaking achievement that speaks to her influence and leadership in the industry.

Noerdlinger speaks openly about how being a transracial adoptee has shaped her views on identity and belonging. She has spoken candidly about the nuances of transracial adoption, which has been a source of insight into the complexities of race and family. Her openness on this topic has been inspiring to many who face similar experiences, offering perspectives on self-acceptance and resilience. Noerdlinger has advocated for understanding and empathy, urging others to look beyond stereotypes and foster real conversations around race and inclusion.

Noerdlinger’s voice has been a guiding one for social justice and advocacy. She has expressed the importance of diversity, urging organizations to genuinely listen to communities rather than respond only in times of crisis. Her fearless approach to addressing tough issues and her drive for inclusivity have made her a respected figure. Her career reflects a commitment to making a positive impact, using her platform to challenge systemic inequities and advocate for underrepresented communities.

Noerdlinger’s latest venture is becoming partner at Actum, LLC, a leading communications and strategy firm that works with individuals, politicians, companies and organizations with advocacy mobilization, government relations, storytelling and narrative development and much more.

Learn more:

April Dinwoodie’s interview with Rachel Noerdlinger in 2018

PR and Media Activist Rachel Noerdlinger Stands on the Frontlines of Social Justice

Rachel Noerdlinger Makes History as the First Black Woman to be Named Partner at Mercury

Photo credits to: Rachel Noerdlinger

Black Excellence: Gina Prince-Bythewood

Gina Prince-Bythewood was a creative kid, was always writing short stories and in high school decided she really wanted to write for tv and become a director. She went on to graduate from UCLA Film School, and started as a tv writer right after graduation. She has since become a prominent filmmaker, writer, and director of films like “Love & Basketball,” “The Secret Life of Bees,” and “The Woman King,” and a committed activist.

Prince-Bythewood was born on June 10, 1969, in Los Angeles, California, and was adopted by a white family when she was three weeks old. Her adoptive parents raised her in the predominantly white neighborhood of Pacific Grove, California. Growing up as a Black girl in this environment deeply influenced her perspective on race and identity, themes that she explores in her films. In various interviews, Prince-Bythewood has spoken about the challenges she faced as a transracial adoptee, including issues of belonging and understanding her identity.

Her experiences with race and adoption helped shape her storytelling approach, which often includes themes of identity, love, and the complexities of the Black experience. Her work captures her sensitivity to personal and cultural struggles, as well as her passion for telling nuanced, character-driven stories. Her adoption story is integral to her outlook on life and her work, influencing the depth and authenticity she brings to her characters and narratives.

For More:

Gina Prince-Bythewood in conversation with author Rebecca Carroll on the book Surviving the White Gaze:

Black Excellence: Keegan-Michael Key

Keegan-Michael Key is an actor, comedian, writer and producer, known for his sharp social satire and innovative sketches in shows like Key & Peele, which he co-created and starred in with Jordan Peele, and Schmigadoon, as well as his work in television, film and on Broadway.

Key was born in Detroit, Michigan, to parents Carrie Herr and Leroy McDuffie. He was adopted at a young age by Patricia Walsh and Michael Key. His mother of origin and his adoptive mothers are white, and his father of origin and his adoptive father are Black. Being biracial and raised in a biracial household played a significant role in his upbringing and helped shape his understanding of identity and race, themes that often appear in his work.

Being biracial and raised in a biracial household played a significant role in his upbringing and helped shape his understanding of identity and race, themes that often appear in his work.

In interviews, Key has shared that his adoption journey and being biracial gave him clarity about identity from an early age. He learned to appreciate the diverse perspectives of both communities, and this duality helped him find empathy and understanding in his personal and professional life. He has said that his background allows him to see situations from multiple points of view, which has influenced his approach to comedy, particularly in exploring social and racial dynamics. Key has also mentioned that his experiences with adoption and race helped him develop resilience and self-awareness, giving him the tools to address topics like race, identity and privilege with nuance and humor in his work on Key & Peele and beyond.

For more from Keegan-Michael Key:

On adoption: https://youtu.be/XlQV7P6yj-M?si=5En-fE2K6hhCcdhT

On comedy: https://www.npr.org/2023/10/10/1204833725/keegan-michael-key-breaks-down-how-he-sets-up-a-joke

Black Excellence: Colin Kaepernick

On August 26, 2016, NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick took his first knee during the national anthem at an NFL preseason game. This action was part of his protest against racial inequality and police brutality in the Unites States. His actions made the whole country pay attention, and helped ignite the national debates around Black Lives Matter and what role athletes can play in social activism, as well as the meaning of patriotic gestures during sports and elsewhere.

After the 2016 season, he lost his position as an NFL player, and no team has been willing to let him play since. He has continued his advocacy work, including community outreach and education initiatives.

Kaepernick’s resolve and bravery, to be one of the most visible leaders in contemporary efforts to end police brutality and race discrimination, and his willingness to risk his job and passion, have inspired people all over the world.

Colin Kaepernick is also transracially adopted. He grew up with his adoptive family and excelled in sports, played college football at the University of Nevada, Reno, and was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in 2011. Kaepernick feels a strong connection to his biological roots, and has spoken openly about the complexities of identity and cultural heritage, and has used his platform to advocate for greater awareness of adoption issues and the importance of embracing diverse backgrounds. His upbringing has had an important impact on his social activism.

To Learn More:

Colin Kaepernick: Hopes of a 2022 NFL Comeback, from I am Athlete:

Change the Game, written by Colin Kaepernick, with Eve L. Ewing, illustrated by Orlando Caicedo: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0Z8YawR1Ae/?igsh=Z2lkeTF4eW1kd2Vo
Colin Kaepernick describes how he embraced his blackness as a teenager, from NPR 2023: https://www.npr.org/2023/03/08/1161925892/colin-kaepernick-nfl-graphic-novel-teen-identity

Photo credits:

Ted S. Warren-AP/Shutterstock.com
Blair Getz Mezibov Qiu
Blair Getz Mezibov Qiu

Black Excellence – Isaac Etter

This month we are combining our Black Excellence and Book Corner featuring Isaac Etter. Isaac is a transracially adopted person and a social entrepreneur who founded Identity, a startup focused on helping adoptive and foster families thrive. At Identity, Isaac is working on re-imagining post-placement support for adoptive and foster families. He uses his story and deep passion for adoption and foster care education to bring relevant, quality, and diverse resources to adoptive and foster parents.

Isaac utilizes his experience of being adopted to curate deep conversations about race, identity, and adoption. With his unique insight, Isaac facilitates impactful discussions about adoption's impact on children and how parents can support their children in navigating identity and racial identity development. He specializes in helping child welfare professionals and parents understand the unique challenges and joys involved in transracial adoption and fostering.

A Practical Guide: Transracial Adoption.

As a special offer to the TRJ community, Issac has created a special offer - $17.75 for his Identity guide, A Practical Guide: Transracial Adoption. Now including two bonus chapters! One written by Julie Etter, adoptive mother, and an extended Q&A chapter.

Currently Isaac is working on releasing an update of his Black Hair Care guide to include QR links to explanations of tools, products, and also walkthroughs. Learn more about Issac and his work here and listen to monthly podcast episodes of Inside Transracial Adoption with his mom. Link: https://www.youtube.com/@identitylearning

Book Corner – Brooke Randolph: It’s Not About You

Understanding Adoptee Search, Reunion, & Open Adoption

It’s Not About You: Understanding Adoptee Search, Reunion, & Open Adoption is a book written for adoptive and birth parents and their therapists. After repetitive conversations with adopted persons (and sometimes their parents) about reactions to their search and reunion, Brooke knew adoptive and parents of origin needed a book on the topic.

Brooke is a therapist, author, speaker, trainer and an adoptive parent who enjoys sharing with groups of all sizes whether that is in person or online. Both therapeutically and personally, she is committed to never stop learning and growing. Primary specialties for Brooke include adoption competent therapy, Brainspotting, relationship building, and developmental trauma. Brooke is a certified Imago Relationship Therapist, a Certified Brainspotting Trainer & Consultant, and coordinator for the groups Brainspotting Indy and Brainspotting with Adoption.

This year, we are thrilled to have Brooke joining us at camp to help bring to life parent work sessions centered on creating a brighter path to inclusivity for transracially adopted persons as well as the extended family.

https://brooke-randolph.com/author-brooke/

Community Engagement & Intergenerational Dialogue

Making Black History Accessible & Engaging

Family Camp 2025:

Black Excellence Posts:

A Champion of Community Engagement

Honoring African American STEAM Pioneers

For more information about Rachel Briggs:

Black Excellence Posts:

Black Excellence Posts:

From the Field to the Family: Alec Ingold's Legacy of Giving Back

Jon Batiste: A Musical Maestro

Learn more:

Photo Credit: Ted S. Warren-AP/Shutterstock.com

Photo Credit: Blair Getz Mezibov Qiu

Colin Kaepernick Changes the Game

To Learn More:

A Practical Guide: Transracial Adoption.