Transracial Adoption – Page 2

September: Navigating Life with Clarity and Confidence

In September we focus on navigating to move through life with clarity and confidence as it can relate to our family's relationship to the calendar. As we make our way through the year there are so many ways we can use the calendar to lean into conversations about the uniqueness of our families. Being thoughtful about how our families have to navigate the world differently and talking openly about what we might face can help ease the impact. This month, our featured article, "5 Ways Schools Can Better Support Adopted Students," could feel very relevant to September.

The calendar can be the perfect tool to:
• Celebrate the special moments and prepare for the harder ones.
• Honor every person in the family who is connected to your child and to you.
• Ensure you are making time each month to talk with intention about adoption and differences of race, culture, and class.

September Pro-Tip to Foster Conversations About Transracial Adoptions

At Transracial Journeys we send our families conversation cues each month, from our Transracial Journeys card deck, given to all our families at Family Camp and available for purchase. The card deck contains three cards for each month, designed for the children to ask their parents. Below are the questions for September. Before letting your child get started, prepare by reading the parent pro-tip, from the Parent Guide, each month.

September Pro-Tip for Parents: It’s a good idea to add the birthday of your child’s family of origin. If you do not know the dates make an effort to find out and if that is not possible, pick a day where you will honor them in some way and start to institutionalize that on your calendars every year. This will make space to honor those that came before you and while birth parents may not be physically present every day they remain attached to your child and your family in spirit. Make plans to have special treats on these days to celebrate the people that are connected to your children and to you.

Get more thoughts on how, as parents, we can help build practices of learning and aligning to become capable of walking beside our children with clarity and confidence, centering their experiences and needs, instead of hovering around them and world events in our own anxieties, which centers ourselves. A September reflection, written by white adoptive parent, Bear Howe, was presented last year in two parts: Walking Beside Our Children With Clarity and Confidence (Part 1) and Walking Beside Our Children With Clarity and Confidence (Part 2). These can be helpful articles for other white adoptive parents in our TRJ group and beyond - TogetheR on the Journey.

This post is from our September 2025 email newsletter. If you would like to get our newsletter in your inbox each month, please subscribe. You will get invitations to our Parent Meet-Up each month, a virtual meeting to act as a transracial adoption support group - sharing issues, ideas and strategies for creating a culture of communication and curiosity in your home, as well as monthly card prompt to keep the conversations about race, adoption, family, love and relationships front and center all year long. And lastly, you'll always be made aware of important dates for Transracial Journeys Family Camp!

Black Excellence: Charlotte Forten Grimké

Charlotte Forten Grimké stands as a testament to Black excellence in education and activism. Her life, though marked by challenges, demonstrates a powerful commitment to fighting for racial and gender equality through the transformative power of learning.

Born in 1837 into a prominent abolitionist family in Philadelphia, Forten's early education took place at home, as her father refused to send her to the city's segregated public schools. However, a significant turning point arrived when, at 16, she moved to Salem, Massachusetts, to live with the abolitionist Remond family and attend Higginson Grammar School. This relocation, which can be seen as an informal adoption into a more progressive educational and social environment, profoundly shaped her future. Forten's mother died when she was three, and her father, Robert Bridges Forten, did not want her to attend Philadelphia's segregated schools. Instead, he sent her to the more progressive Salem, Massachusetts, where she boarded with the Remond family, who were also prominent Black abolitionists. The move to the Remond family's household provided Charlotte with the opportunity to pursue a higher quality and integrated education not available to her in Philadelphia.

In Salem, Forten gained access to an integrated education that had been denied to her in Philadelphia. She attended Higginson Grammar School, where she was the only Black student in a class of 200, and later the Salem Normal School (now Salem State University), training to become a teacher.

Forten's time in Salem further immersed her in the abolitionist movement. Living with the Remonds and joining the Salem Female Anti-Slavery Society connected her with prominent figures like William Lloyd Garrison. She began publishing her own poetry and essays in abolitionist periodicals, using her voice to advocate for change. This period marked the emergence of her powerful literary and activist voice.

Forten’s commitment to education and equality led her to the Sea Islands of South Carolina during the Civil War as part of the Port Royal Experiment. There, she joined efforts to establish schools for formerly enslaved people, according to Horizons National. This was a pivotal time where she connected with the Gullah people and experienced firsthand the thirst for knowledge among a community that had been denied access to formal education. Although initially met with skepticism by some, she earned their trust and affection, chronicling her experiences in her journals and published essays like "Life on the Sea Islands". These writings not only documented her personal experiences but also provided valuable insights into the lives of both free and enslaved Black Americans during this tumultuous period.

After the war, Forten Grimké continued her work as an educator and activist, serving the Freedmen's Union Commission and teaching at various schools. She later married Reverend Francis J. Grimké, a prominent Presbyterian minister and civil rights advocate. Together, they continued their fight for racial justice and equality, with Charlotte becoming a co-founder of the Colored Women's League and actively involved in the women's suffrage movement. Charlotte Forten Grimké's story is a powerful reminder of the enduring spirit of Black excellence. Her determination to seek education, her unwavering commitment to social justice, and her eloquent use of words to fight for equality continue to inspire generations. Her legacy is one of resilience, leadership, and a profound belief in the transformative power of education for all.

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.

Book Corner – August 2025

The 1619 Project: Born on the Water

by Nikole Hannah-Jones & Renee Watson,
illustrated by Nikkolas Smith

Grades 2-5, Ages 7-10

Her school assignment is “trace your roots.” How can a young Black girl, who can only trace her family back three generations, complete this assignment? Her grandmother gathers the family around to tell them about their beginnings. She talks about the vibrant civilization enjoyed by African people before they were kidnapped and enslaved. She tells stories of the terrible journey to America, and what happened to the survivors when they arrived. Ending on a hopeful note, this is a moving and important book..

https://www.asiabookcenter.com/store/p4041/The_1619_Project%3A_Born_on_the_Water.html

Back to School, Plugged In and Present

When School Isn’t Just About School Anymore

Across the country, public education is undergoing major shifts. The rollback of DEI initiatives, bans on inclusive curriculum, and political pushback on mental health support aren’t just headlines—they’re realities that directly affect our children.

For parents raising Black and Brown children through adoption—especially in transracial families—this moment calls for something more than good intentions. It calls for presence, participation, and proactive parenting.

The Landscape Has Changed

DEI programs are being cut or rebranded in schools and districts nationwide.
Curriculum bans increasingly target topics like race, gender identity, and historical truth.
Teachers face restrictions on discussing equity, culture, or even acknowledging differences.
Mental health and student support services are underfunded, defunded, or politicized.

This isn’t “business as usual”—and our children feel it.

Why This Matters for Adopted Children

Adopted children, especially those in transracial families, already face unique educational challenges:

Adopted children are nearly twice as likely to have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or receive special education services compared to non-adopted peers.¹
Studies show higher rates of school-based behavioral referrals and emotional distress among adopted children, often linked to identity, trauma, and attachment dynamics.²

These outcomes aren’t inevitable—but they are real. And they require us to stay attuned to the evolving educational landscape.

Your Child Is Watching

Black and Brown children—especially those adopted into white families—often carry a deep, intuitive awareness of when they are not being fully seen. Even when they can’t name it, they notice when identity is ignored, erased, or punished.

Silence doesn’t protect them. It isolates them.

Stay Plugged In: 5 Ways to Show Up This School Year

Review what your child is learning—and what they’re not.
Ask how race, identity, heritage, and family structure are addressed in the classroom.
Speak up at school board or PTA meetings.
One calm, clear voice can shift a room. Showing up matters.
Connect with teachers and staff early.
Build trust. Ask how your child is doing socially, emotionally, and culturally—not just academically.
Build a cultural safety net at home.
Make sure books, media, and mentors reflect your child’s identity—even if school doesn’t.
Find or build your people.
Whether it’s a parent group, online forum, or TRJ family circle—community creates confidence and impact.

Together, we can raise children who are not only seen—but celebrated.

With love and solidarity,
The TRJ Team

August – Growing: Always Learning

Back to school is a time of transition for children and families. It’s a time to be thoughtful about what children need when they go into schools every day. A great way to prepare children from families that don’t match is by having intentional conversations about differences of race and ethnicity as well as family structure and culture. Read "Back to School, Plugged In and Present" this month's featured article, for more on the unique educational challenges faced by our adopted children - especially those in transracial families.

Related articles from years past include:

CARD ONE: IDENTITY
Close your eyes and think of being a kid at school: What is the first word that comes to mind?
• Can you describe what your school was like?
- How big was it?
- How many other kids were there?
• What was your favorite subject?

CARD TWO: RELATIONSHIPS
• Who were some of your favorite teachers and why?
• Were there any kids or teachers who looked like me in your school?
• Were there any kids or teachers that were a different race than you?

CARD THREE: EMBRACING AND FACING DIFFERENCES OF RACE AND CULTURE
• Did you ever see black or brown students being treated differently?
• How do you think your experiences in school were different from mine?
• What can you do better to prepare me for what I might face at school?

This post is from our August 2025 newsletter. If you would like to get our newsletter in your inbox each month, please subscribe. You will get invitations to our Parent Meet-Up each month, a virtual meeting to act as a transracial adoption support group - sharing issues, ideas and strategies for creating a culture of communication and curiosity in your home, as well as monthly card prompt to keep the conversations about race, adoption, family, love and relationships front and center all year long. And lastly, you'll always be made aware of important dates for Transracial Journeys Family Camp!

Book Corner – July 2025

Surviving the White Gaze: A Memoir

by Rebecca Carroll
Adult

Transracial adoptee Becky had an idyllic early childhood in a loving family. Living in a rural community, she was the only person of color in her town, and as she grew older, Becky felt isolated and confused. Life became even more difficult when she met Tess, her white birth mother, at age 16. Tess refused to talk about Becky’s Black father and undermined Becky’s identity and self-esteem. Becky’s journey to find herself is an illuminating – and ultimately hopeful - read.

https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Surviving-the-White-Gaze/Rebecca-Carroll/9781982116279

Together on the Journey: Freedom, Truth & the Power of Connection

TRJ Family Camp 2025 Newsletter Feature
from April Dinwoodie and the TRJ Board of Directors

Every July, the calendar turns our attention to freedom. Fireworks, flags, and family cookouts remind us of independence—but for those of us connected to adoption, freedom carries a deeper, more complex meaning.

At TRJ, we know that freedom doesn’t begin with independence alone. It begins with truth—and the courage to name it. It requires access to origins, permission to grieve, and space to explore identity in all its complexity. It requires support. It requires community. It requires love that tells the truth and makes room for transformation.

That’s why we gather.

At TRJ Family Camp 2025, we will come Together on the Journey—to center truth, celebrate culture, and connect in ways that nurture the full humanity of transracially adopted people and their families.

This year’s theme is more than a title. It’s a promise.
That no child, youth, or parent has to walk this path alone.
That our collective growth will be rooted in honesty, tenderness, and action.
That healing and joy can exist in the same room as grief and complexity.

Our programming is grounded in three pillars—CONNECT, GROW, and THRIVE—with clear goals and practical tools for both parents and children. Whether it’s a parent practicing emotional presence, a teen learning to share their story, or a whole family creating cultural rituals together, camp is a space to deepen connection and rediscover what belonging really means.

This year, we’re honored to welcome three dynamic presenters: Habeebah Rasheed Grimes, Jared Robinson, and Dr. Tony Hynes, whose lived and professional experiences will anchor powerful conversations with families. We’re also thrilled to have Fairy Hawk return to offer reiki and breathwork as a resource for restoration during the weekend. And this year, along with working with the campers, Miss Rachel will also be spending time with parents.

A Special Saturday Event—Open to All

One of our most anticipated moments will take place Saturday, August 2, during our Hair & Identity Celebration, which will be open to the broader Ohio community and virtual guests alike.

This powerful experience will include:

Blended Together Vision & Opening Remarks
Storytelling with Miss Rachel
A Dynamic Panel Conversation
Live “Wash Day” Hair Care Demonstration featuring detangling, styling, and maintenance guidance
Sponsor Highlights & Audience Q&A
Closing Reflections

Whether you’re attending in person or virtually, this event is for parents, professionals, educators, and anyone who wants to better understand the intersection of hair, culture, and identity in transracial adoption. Stay tuned for RSVP details!

This is the work of freedom.
Not the kind that forgets or flattens the past—but the kind that creates a future where adopted people are empowered to know who they are, where they come from, and that they are never alone in the journey.

We are so glad you are here.
Let’s keep walking together.

With heart and solidarity,
April Dinwoodie & the TRJ Board of Directors

Black Excellence: Frederick Douglass

Frederick Douglass stands as an undeniable pillar of Black excellence, his life an unwavering testament to the power of self-liberation, intellect, and the relentless pursuit of justice. Born into the brutal dehumanization of slavery in Talbot County, Maryland, around 1818, Douglass's journey from bondage to becoming one of the most influential abolitionists and human rights advocates in American history is a profound narrative of resilience and triumph.

Douglass's early life under slavery exposed him to its inherent cruelties, but also ignited in him an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. He famously taught himself to read and write, understanding that literacy was a pathway to freedom and a weapon against oppression. This self-education became the foundation of his extraordinary career as an orator and writer.

After escaping slavery in 1838, Douglass quickly rose to prominence in the abolitionist movement. His powerful autobiography, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, published in 1845, laid bare the horrors of slavery with an eloquence that captivated and shocked readers, forcing many to confront the institution's barbarity. Through his speeches, particularly his searing 1852 address, "What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?", Douglass masterfully exposed the profound hypocrisy of celebrating liberty while millions remained enslaved. He challenged America to live up to its founding ideals, arguing that the nation's festivities were "a thin veil to cover up crimes which would disgrace a nation of savages."

Beyond his fight against slavery, Douglass was a tireless advocate for women's suffrage and other civil rights, recognizing the interconnectedness of all struggles for freedom.

Douglass's personal life also reflected his commitment to transcending societal norms. He married Anna Murray, a free Black woman, in 1838, shortly before his escape from slavery. Together, they had five children: Rosetta, Lewis Henry, Frederick Jr., Charles Remond, and Annie. After Anna's death in 1882, Douglass married Helen Pitts, a white suffragist, in 1884. This second marriage sparked considerable controversy, drawing strong objections from both white and Black communities due to prevailing racial attitudes against interracial relationships. Some within the Black community felt he had abandoned his race. However, Douglass famously defended his marriage, asserting that love transcended racial lines and living out the principles of equality he advocated in his public life.

He continued to champion equality for African Americans in various government positions after the Civil War, until his death in 1895.

Frederick Douglass's legacy is immense. He not only helped dismantle slavery but also laid intellectual groundwork for the ongoing fight for civil rights. His life exemplifies how one individual, armed with conviction, courage, and a powerful voice, can ignite profound social change and remain a beacon of hope and determination for generations to come. His unwavering commitment to truth, justice, and the full humanity of all people makes him an enduring figure of Black excellence.

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.

July – Expanding: Exploring Our Unique Identities

As we all learn more about our history and what freedom really means, July 4th gives us much to contemplate. Who is really free and when? Freedom related to adoption and exploring the truth of who we are as individuals and families is foundational and important.

Read more about why Frederick Douglass and his speech "What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?" in this month's Black Excellence post. And learn how our 2025 Family Camp celebrates culture and explores identity in an effort to find truth that can help lead our own journeys to independence and freedom in this month's feature post, Together on the Journey: Freedom, Truth & the Power of Connection.

July Pro-Tip to Foster Conversations About Transracial Adoptions

At Transracial Journeys we send our families conversation cues each month, from our Transracial Journeys card deck. The card deck contains three cards for each month, designed for the children to ask their parents. Below are the questions for July.

July Pro-Tip for Parents: Do your research on the complexities of July 4th and be ready to steer confidently into the conversation with your child/children. Create space to process the emotions that may come up as you prepare to have the conversation about freedom and enslavement with your child. Even if it is hard, don’t shy away from moving in the direction of openness related to hard topics like this. It is only when we are confident and centered in the truth of our histories both collective and individual that we can be truly FREE!

This post is from our July, 2025, e-newsletter. If you would like to get our newsletter in your inbox each month, please subscribe. You will get invitations to our Parent Meet-Up each month, a virtual meeting to act as a transracial adoption support group - sharing issues, ideas and strategies for creating a culture of communication and curiosity in your home, as well as monthly card prompt to keep the conversations about race, adoption, family, love and relationships front and center all year long. And lastly, you'll always be made aware of important dates for Transracial Journeys Family Camp.

Book Corner – June 2025

Baby's First Words

by Stella Blackstone & Sunny Scribens
illustrated by Christiane Engel
Board Book

Dad and baby have a great day together in this colorful board book. When a baby’s other dad comes home, it’s time for a bubble bath and a cozy tuck-in. Young children will enjoy learning new words as they spend the day with this happy family.