50 min
Being Brown in a Black and White World with ANNEMARIE SHROUDER Speak LOUD
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- Personal Journals
In this episode, I talk with AnneMarie Shrouder, a diversity and inclusion speaker and consultant. She’s the author of, “Being Brown in a Black-and-White World: Conversations for Leaders about Race, Racism and Belonging,” and a mother. Today, she’s here to talk about the reality of being “bi-racial” in a world that encourages you to choose one or the other.
AnneMarie was raised in Montreal by two immigrant parents: a mother from Austria and a father from Jamaica. Growing up, AnneMarie was more connected to her mother’s side of her family. But in many social situations, she was either 'too black' or 'too white' to fit in. She felt pressured to choose one or the other, and didn't come to the realization that she could choose 'both, and,' until adulthood. Overcoming that polarization of 'either or' was an most empowering part of her journey.
AnneMarie talks about some of the struggles she’s faced in raising her daughter. Her daughter racially identifies as black, while AnneMarie identifies as bi-racial. While she made it a priority to instill pride in her daughter's identity, she was floored when her daughter went through a phase of wanting to be white. Friends and colleagues reminded her, however, that she lived in a world built on--and for--whiteness. It’s easier to be white, and AnneMarie’s daughter saw that, even at a young age.
Despite being at a disadvantage in some aspects of her child’s identity, AnneMarie prioritized exposing her child to black culture. They spent seven months in Barbados with her child’s grandparents. AnneMarie marveled at how much her daughter grew when surrounded by black people. Her friends, her teachers, their public figures, were all black.
AnneMarie initially avoided writing her book, “Being Brown in a Black-and-White World.” She stared writing when she was pregnant, and intended to write about how her daughter came to be. But in the process, a different book poked its head out. Although it wasn’t what AnneMarie set out to write at first, it was something she realized had to be said.
Her personal journey is intertwined with her business in diversity and inclusion. Because of this, it made sense to write not just a book on business or a personal story, but to write them together. AnneMarie’s book could technically be read for just the business or the personal side. But she hopes that by putting them together, she encourages people to truly see each other. She believes that everyone loses when we don’t see all of who someone is.
Listen in to hear AnneMarie’s take on the effect of the internet and technology on racism, the instances she felt the most discriminated against, and how she’s making the world a better place for her daughter.
Resources Mentioned
Join Me on Speak Loud Platform
Speak Loud Podcast on the web
Find AnneMarie’s book on her website
Spread the message of Speak Loudly Podcast andshare this episode with a friend!
***Disclaimer: All content found on Speak Loud Podcast, including text, images, audio, or other formats were created for informational purposes only. Material contained on Speak Loud Podcast website, podcast, and social media postings are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice. Information on this podcast and guest comments, opinions, and content are solely for edu
In this episode, I talk with AnneMarie Shrouder, a diversity and inclusion speaker and consultant. She’s the author of, “Being Brown in a Black-and-White World: Conversations for Leaders about Race, Racism and Belonging,” and a mother. Today, she’s here to talk about the reality of being “bi-racial” in a world that encourages you to choose one or the other.
AnneMarie was raised in Montreal by two immigrant parents: a mother from Austria and a father from Jamaica. Growing up, AnneMarie was more connected to her mother’s side of her family. But in many social situations, she was either 'too black' or 'too white' to fit in. She felt pressured to choose one or the other, and didn't come to the realization that she could choose 'both, and,' until adulthood. Overcoming that polarization of 'either or' was an most empowering part of her journey.
AnneMarie talks about some of the struggles she’s faced in raising her daughter. Her daughter racially identifies as black, while AnneMarie identifies as bi-racial. While she made it a priority to instill pride in her daughter's identity, she was floored when her daughter went through a phase of wanting to be white. Friends and colleagues reminded her, however, that she lived in a world built on--and for--whiteness. It’s easier to be white, and AnneMarie’s daughter saw that, even at a young age.
Despite being at a disadvantage in some aspects of her child’s identity, AnneMarie prioritized exposing her child to black culture. They spent seven months in Barbados with her child’s grandparents. AnneMarie marveled at how much her daughter grew when surrounded by black people. Her friends, her teachers, their public figures, were all black.
AnneMarie initially avoided writing her book, “Being Brown in a Black-and-White World.” She stared writing when she was pregnant, and intended to write about how her daughter came to be. But in the process, a different book poked its head out. Although it wasn’t what AnneMarie set out to write at first, it was something she realized had to be said.
Her personal journey is intertwined with her business in diversity and inclusion. Because of this, it made sense to write not just a book on business or a personal story, but to write them together. AnneMarie’s book could technically be read for just the business or the personal side. But she hopes that by putting them together, she encourages people to truly see each other. She believes that everyone loses when we don’t see all of who someone is.
Listen in to hear AnneMarie’s take on the effect of the internet and technology on racism, the instances she felt the most discriminated against, and how she’s making the world a better place for her daughter.
Resources Mentioned
Join Me on Speak Loud Platform
Speak Loud Podcast on the web
Find AnneMarie’s book on her website
Spread the message of Speak Loudly Podcast andshare this episode with a friend!
***Disclaimer: All content found on Speak Loud Podcast, including text, images, audio, or other formats were created for informational purposes only. Material contained on Speak Loud Podcast website, podcast, and social media postings are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice. Information on this podcast and guest comments, opinions, and content are solely for edu
50 min