Divine Konversations

Divine Konnections
  • 5.0 (1)
  • NON-PROFIT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Divine Konversations is a heart-led podcast hosted by Deyona Kirk, where real stories meet radical healing. Centered on courageous conversations around child protection, cultural preservation, faith, and freedom, each episode uplifts Black and BIPOC voices committed to justice, healing, and community care. This is a space for truth-telling, remembering, and reclaiming what’s sacred—together.

Episodes

  1. SEP 15

    Am I “Black Enough”? Biracial Identity in Minnesota

    What does it mean to belong when you’re never quite “enough” for either side? Growing up biracial in Minnesota, that question followed us into classrooms, workplaces, and even the most ordinary spaces—like the grocery store or the dentist’s office. In this episode, it’s just the two of us—Tatianna and Tatiana, aka T²—sitting down to have a conversation we haven’t shared much about publicly: what it’s like to be biracial in Duluth, MN. Our stories are different—I grew up in an all-white adoptive family in Superior, while my co-host spent summers in Duluth before moving here permanently. But in so many ways, the threads of identity, hair, family, and belonging weave together. We talk about code-switching before we even had the language for it, the stares and awkward questions that follow biracial kids, and how spaces like Divine Konnections have finally given us room to show up as our whole selves. Key Themes + Takeaways The “Where are you from?” question. How curiosity can carry an undercurrent of exclusion. Code-switching + survival. Learning to “speak white” or minimize parts of ourselves to fit in. Hair as identity. From relaxers and straighteners to embracing curls, and how professional spaces still police Black hair. Family dynamics. What it means to grow up with blended, multiracial families and the assumptions strangers make. Spaces of belonging. How Divine Konnections has created a home where we can bring our whole selves without apology. Advice to our younger selves. “It’s going to be okay. You are enough." Pull Quotes “Sometimes I shut down the part of me that’s a woman of color just to get my point across in white spaces.” “My favorite answer when people ask about my braids? A random number. It keeps them guessing.” “If you didn’t feel like you belonged before, this is the space where you do.” “I can be professional with my natural hair, my nails, my lashes—or without any of it. I am still enough.” “It’s okay to be different. It’s okay to talk different, act different, look different. You are enough.” Chapter Markers 00:00 – Growing up biracial in Minnesota 06:10 – The “Where are you from?” question 10:01 – Code-switching + survival in white spaces 12:35 – The hair conversation: relaxers, braids, and respectability 20:00 – When professionalism gets tied to straight hair 23:44 – Finding belonging at Divine Konnections 27:50 – Parenting biracial kids in Duluth 35:16 – Small-town mapping + the mental weight of stares 43:10 – “Am I Black enough?” and the fight for belonging 49:30 – Spaces of empowerment + representation 56:01 – Advice we’d give our younger selves Your Turn (Reflective CTA) This week’s reflection: When have you felt the pressure to shrink or hide part of who you are just to fit in—and what would it look like to show up as your whole self instead? 🙌 Stay Connected + Keep the Conversation Going Website: ⁠⁠https://www.divinekonnections.org/⁠⁠ Follow Deyona on Instagram:⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/divine_konnections_inc⁠  💬 Love what you heard? Share this episode with a friend, and leave a 5-star review on Apple or Spotify to help this show reach more hearts and homes. ✨ This is more than a podcast—it’s a movement. Thank you for being part of it.

    1 hr

  2. SEP 1

    Legal kidnapping is real—and it’s happening to our children

    That’s not an exaggeration. It’s not a headline. It’s the reality that Kelis Houston has been fighting against for over a decade—and in this conversation, she doesn’t hold anything back. Kelis Houston is the Executive Director of Village Arms and Chair of the NAACP’s Child Protection Committee. She’s a policy consultant, advocate, trainer, and—more than anything—a relentless voice for justice. What started as a job at a youth shelter became a life calling after she witnessed firsthand the racial disparities and trauma inflicted by the child protection system. In this episode, Kelis walks us through her journey: from working in shelters to writing policy, from volunteer advocacy to authoring the African American Family Preservation Act, and everything in between. Her story is one of grit, faith, and fire. She’s seen the damage. She’s named the truth. And she’s still showing up. This isn’t just a conversation about what’s wrong. It’s a deep dive into how we fight back—with facts, with prayer, with policy, with community. ✨ What You’ll Hear 03:24 – How Kelis found herself in the world of child protection 06:49 – The disproportionality she witnessed—and why it lit a fire 08:05 – Writing the African American Family Preservation Act 13:10 – How neglect is used as a catchall to target poor Black families 19:17 – What parents can do if they’re investigated 25:59 – What’s changed under the new law (and what still needs to) 30:26 – Why family preservation and child safety are not oppositional 38:12 – The foster care pipeline and federal incentives 42:01 – Breaking systems, breaking cycles 44:15 – Why documenting and recording everything matters 49:17 – How systems even work to separate parents 54:26 – What happens when you’re grieving a child who’s still living 56:07 – How to prepare during pregnancy 01:02:22 – What families can ask for under the new law 01:07:07 – Why we must fight first, then reform 🗣️ Standout Quotes “I didn’t dream of doing this work. It chose me.” “They’re not protecting children. They’re punishing poverty.” “Family preservation is about safety—psychological safety, cultural safety, emotional safety.” “The system didn’t start caring about our children. They started seeing dollar signs.” “You’re not seeing it for no reason. God showed it to you so you could do something about it.” 💭 This Week’s Reflection Where are you being called to speak up—even if it’s uncomfortable, even if it’s costly? And if you’re walking through something heavy: Who can you invite to stand with you so you don’t carry it alone? 🙌 Stay Connected + Keep the Conversation Going Website: ⁠⁠https://www.divinekonnections.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/divinekonnectionsinc/ Follow Deyona on Instagram:⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/divine_konnections_inc/ Village Arms Website: http://villagearms.org 💬 Love what you heard? Share this episode with a friend, and leave a 5-star review on Apple or Spotify to help this show reach more hearts and homes. ✨ This is more than a podcast—it’s a movement. Thank you for being part of it.

    1h 12m

  3. AUG 25

    “Don’t Be Silenced”: Advocating for Our Children with Special Needs

    What do you do when the system doesn’t see your child the way you do? As a parent of a Black child with autism, that question isn’t just theoretical—it’s a daily reality. And today’s conversation is one I’ll carry with me for a long time. Mikilia Carroll is a fierce advocate, the founder of Aid for Autism, and most importantly, the mother of three—including her son Logan, who has shaped her life and calling in the most profound ways. This episode wasn’t just informative—it was a heart-to-heart. Mikilia shows up with her full truth: the overwhelm, the systems that gaslight parents, the beauty of raising a child who sees the world differently, and the powerful reminder that you are your child’s best advocate. This one is for every parent who’s ever been dismissed in an IEP meeting, every caregiver who’s cried behind a locked bathroom door, and every community member wondering how to show up better for our children. Meet Mikilia Carroll Mikilia is the founder and CEO of Aid for Autism, a community-based organization built from the ground up with lived experience. Her journey began with her son Logan, and what started as a personal mission became a movement. She’s a mom, an educator, a fighter, and someone who never backs down from asking the hard questions. This episode is a masterclass in advocacy, but it’s also a love letter to the parents who are out here doing the most—and still feeling like it’s not enough. What We Talked About Why your child’s diagnosis is not the final word How to advocate in IEP meetings when you feel ignored Planning for transitions like adulthood and independent living Guardianship, paperwork, and the systems no one explains The emotional weight of caregiving—and the beauty in showing up anyway Why extended family and community matter more than ever Favorite Quotes “If I would’ve listened to those doctors, my son would be sitting in a corner somewhere tying shoes. He knows so much more than they gave him credit for.” “Every IEP is different. Don’t let them hand you a packet and call it a plan.” “Just because they have a diagnosis doesn’t mean they don’t feel. Don’t talk about them like they’re not in the room.” “We’re not asking for pity—we’re asking for partnership. Be a village. Let me take a nap.” “You’re not alone. There are people who get it. Let us guide you.” 🔖 Chapter Markers 01:20 Meet Michaela + her son Logan 03:00 What Black parents should do after a diagnosis 05:50 Why you can challenge the professionals 08:00 How to advocate effectively in school meetings 11:30 Navigating big transitions + preparing for adulthood 13:05 Guardianship 101: what no one tells you 14:56 Signs of caregiver burnout—and what to do 18:30 How community can truly support parents 21:45 Having “the talk” with your child about being Black and autistic 26:00 Services + waivers parents don’t know they can ask for 29:00 The importance of empathy, visibility, and asking the child directly 31:00 Michaela’s final word to every parent: You are not alone 📝 Your Turn This week’s reflection prompt: “Where in your life are you being called to speak up, even when it feels like no one is listening?” Whether you're a parent, educator, or ally—this episode invites you to look deeper, ask questions, and trust your intuition. Our kids are watching. Let’s show them what advocacy looks like. 🙌 Stay Connected + Keep the Conversation Going Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.divinekonnections.org/⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/divinekonnectionsinc/⁠ Follow Deyona on Instagram:⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/divine_konnections_inc/⁠ 💬 Love what you heard? Share this episode with a friend, and leave a 5-star review on Apple or Spotify to help this show reach more hearts and homes. ✨ This is more than a podcast—it’s a movement. Thank you for being part of it.

    33 min

  4. AUG 18

    IEPs, Bias & Braids: What Schools Need to Understand About Our Kids

    What does advocacy look like when you’re juggling survival, culture, and a complicated system? Sometimes, it looks like showing up. And sometimes, it looks like sending someone in your place—because your child still deserves to be seen. This week on Divine Konversations, I sat down with Jebeh Edmunds—a powerhouse voice in education and cultural consulting, and someone I deeply admire. Jebeh spent 18 years as a classroom teacher and now leads Jebeh Cultural Consulting, where she helps bridge the gap between schools and the BIPOC families they serve. This conversation isn’t just about education—it’s about dignity, advocacy, and the power of showing up for our kids even when the system feels like it wasn’t built for us. Whether you’re a parent navigating IEP meetings, chronic health concerns, CPS involvement, or just trying to decode school communication—it’s all here. Jebeh brings clarity, compassion, and truth. 🌿 Key Themes + Takeaways How to stay involved in your child’s education, even when life makes it hard What an IEP really is—and how the process is supposed to work The importance of parent communication and how to make your presence known (even if you can’t physically be in the room) How unconscious bias shows up in classrooms—and how to challenge it The red flags families should never ignore in school communication Why protective styles, cultural assumptions, and lived experiences matter in education How immigrant and first-gen families can find community and advocacy support Memorable Quotes “I may not be there physically, but I have a voice. And I have a right to advocate for my child.” “We’re not just raising students—we’re raising humans navigating systems that weren’t always designed for them.” “You need to see my face. That’s how you’ll know I’m here.” “Teachers talk. But every child deserves to walk into a room as a clean slate.” “Even if it’s just a bruise from the park or a bad night’s sleep—tell your teacher. It’s all part of the story.” ⏱️ Chapter Markers 02:00 Meet Jebeh: Faith, family, and founding Jebeh Cultural Consulting 04:28 What is an IEP—and how should that process unfold? 08:50 What to look for when evaluating schools 11:11 Navigating school meetings when you’re involved with CPS 14:00 How to protect yourself from neglect accusations if your child is chronically ill 17:00 Red flags in school communication that parents overlook 21:00 Why cultural context—like protective hairstyles—matters 24:30 How unconscious bias shows up in the classroom 26:45 Pushing for change without burning bridges 28:30 How immigrant families can find support and community ✨ Your Turn: This Week’s Reflection What’s one small way you can show your face—literally or symbolically—at your child’s school this month? Whether it’s a quick check-in email, asking a question, or letting someone know what’s going on at home, your voice matters. 📌 Stay Connected Jebeh’s Website: www.jbaedmunds.com Jebeh’s Podcast: Cultural Curriculum Chat *Jebeh’s Book (coming Fall 2025): Orange Blossom Sign up for her newsletter to follow the journey. 🙌 Stay Connected + Keep the Conversation Going Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.divinekonnections.org/⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/divinekonnectionsinc/⁠ Follow Deyona on Instagram:⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/divine_konnections_inc/⁠ 💬 Love what you heard? Share this episode with a friend, and leave a 5-star review on Apple or Spotify to help this show reach more hearts and homes. ✨ This is more than a podcast—it’s a movement. Thank you for being part of it.

    32 min

  5. AUG 11

    How CPS Cases Really Start—What Every Black Parent Needs to Know About Child Protection

    What does it really take to protect and preserve Black families in a system that was never designed with us in mind? This episode is personal. It’s layered. And it’s needed. We’re talking about what triggers Child Protection cases, how families can advocate for themselves within the system, and the very real harm that comes when biases and bureaucracy collide with Black parenting. ChaQuana is a mother, a grandmother, a wife—and a former social worker who’s worked in our community for years. Her perspective is rare and so necessary. She’s lived on both sides of the system: as a parent who’s experienced a CPS case, and as a professional who’s had to carry out the decisions that change people’s lives. In this episode, we get honest about what opens a case, how fast things can escalate, and what families need to know—both to prevent involvement and to survive it when it happens. We talk about the power social workers really hold, the fears families carry, and the weight of being a Black parent under a constant microscope. This conversation isn’t just for families. It’s for the social workers, too. The ones in the field. The ones in the meetings. The ones who care—but might not always see the full picture. 🔑 What We Talked About How poverty and bias open doors to CPS involvement Why language, school attendance, and cultural misunderstandings matter The difference between being “real” and being “wrong” in front of a caseworker The hard truths about family placements and licensing Why every Black parent should document everything—and what to do if your file is wrong What both families and social workers need to unlearn ✨ Standout Quotes “Eyes on Black families is the beginning of an open case.” “Your raw emotions are not necessary in that space. Be real. Don’t be wrong.” “Stop thinking you’ve got time to be angry. Get busy if you want your kids back.” “Families are fighting for their children. Social workers are fighting for the child. And we end up fighting each other.” “We don’t need capes. We need foster homes.” ⏱️ Chapter Markers 02:26 What really triggers a CPS case 05:19 ChaQuana’s personal story—when her own son opened a case 07:13 Who really has the power in these cases 09:48 Why family placement doesn’t always happen 13:09 DHS, licensing, and the truth about relative care 17:17 Three prevention tips for Black families 21:44 Emotional intelligence and documentation 26:37 Mistakes families make—and what to do instead 30:12 Final words for community, parents, and social workers 📓 Your Turn If you’re a parent, a provider, or just someone who cares about our community—pause and ask yourself: “Where in my life do I need to slow down and get serious about documentation, support, or systems that impact my family?” This isn’t about perfection. It’s about protection. It’s about truth. And it’s about staying ready so we don’t have to get ready. 🙌 Stay Connected + Keep the Conversation Going Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.divinekonnections.org/⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/divinekonnectionsinc/⁠ Follow Deyona on Instagram:⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/divine_konnections_inc/⁠ 💬 Love what you heard? Share this episode with a friend, and leave a 5-star review on Apple or Spotify to help this show reach more hearts and homes. ✨ This is more than a podcast—it’s a movement. Thank you for being part of it.

    33 min

  6. AUG 4

    Parenting, Protection, and the Power of Showing Up

    What if the system was never built to protect us—but we rose up and did it anyway? There’s a moment in this episode that stopped me in my tracks. We were talking about navigating systems that weren’t designed with us in mind—school systems, child protection services, medical systems—and someone said: “They just have a title. They’re broken people, too.” That stayed with me. Because what do you do when the help you need comes from people who don’t understand your story? You gather your sisters. You speak the truth. You don’t wait for permission. And that’s exactly what we did in this conversation—six Black women, all of us deeply connected to community, family, and the sacred work of healing. The Women in the Room This roundtable was a heart-led, no-holds-barred conversation with women I deeply respect: ChaQuana McEntyre – A fierce mama of ten, former social worker, and truth-teller who speaks from lived experience. Mikilia Carroll – Founder of Aid for Autism, advocate, and the kind of mother every kid deserves in their corner. Porsche Gordin – A therapist and licensed alcohol & drug counselor who brings both clinical wisdom and lived empathy to the table. Jebeh Edmunds – Educator, Liberian American, and founder of Jebeh Cultural Consulting. Her work reshapes how schools honor identity and culture. Tatianna Kirk – My daughter and co-host, always grounding us in grace and purpose. We didn’t hold back. We talked about what we’ve lived, what we’ve seen, and what we’re still fighting for. 🧭 What We Covered The weight of raising Black children in a system not built for them Autism advocacy, early signs, and why diagnosis isn't defeat The thin line between discipline and shame—and why we need to stop hiding behind “that’s just how we were raised” What really changes when parents apologize to their kids Why reunification after foster care takes more than just paperwork The unspoken grief of losing time with your children And the bold truth: prayer matters—but so does therapy, parenting classes, and showing up 🗣️ Quotes Worth Sitting With “Your master's degree is a piece of paper. Being a Black woman—that’s what makes me show up the way I do.” “Give your kids the gift of believing in them.” “Voluntary services? Not really voluntary. It’s an offer with strings attached. Know that.” “Don't wait until the system checks you. Check yourself.” “Stop relying on Black resiliency to carry your kids. They're not okay. They're tired, too.” ⏱ Chapter Markers 03:01 Who we are and why we do this work 14:34 Parenting lessons that changed how we show up 23:42 Early signs of autism and the power of a mother’s instinct 30:59 Cultural silence: why Black families delay diagnosis 37:15 Mental health vs. “bad behavior”—how to tell the difference 50:32 How shame and culture block us from getting help 54:00 What to do when the school system fails your child 1:04:00 Reunification and the real work it takes 1:09:24 Final encouragement: therapy, prayer, accountability 💬 This Week’s Reflection Where in your parenting (or your healing) journey are you relying on silence instead of support? What would it look like to ask for help, even if it feels uncomfortable? You don’t have to do it alone. But you do have to start. 🙌 Stay Connected + Keep the Conversation Going Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.divinekonnections.org/⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/divinekonnectionsinc/⁠ Follow Deyona on Instagram:⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/divine_konnections_inc/⁠ 💬 Love what you heard? Share this episode with a friend, and leave a 5-star review on Apple or Spotify to help this show reach more hearts and homes. ✨ This is more than a podcast—it’s a movement. Thank you for being part of it.

    1h 17m

  7. AUG 4

    From Harm to Healing: Why This Podcast Matters

    What if the thing that broke you becomes the very thing you build with? This podcast started from a promise—to my mother, to my daughter, and to every young mom still fighting to be seen. I’m Deyona Kirk, founder of Divine Konnections and host of Divine Konversations. This episode is s story about pain, purpose, and why this work is so personal. I had my first child at 12. I’ve been through foster care, homelessness, and addiction. I know what it’s like to be counted out. And I also know what it’s like to come back stronger—and bring others with you. This show was born out of everything we’ve lived and everything we’re still learning. You’ll hear from me, from my daughter Tatianna, and from our teammate Tatiana Bergum, as we open up about why Divine Konnections exists, how we got here, and where this podcast will take us. These conversations are not easy—but they’re necessary. 🔑 Key Themes + Takeaways The roots of Divine Konnections and how it grew from a personal calling to a community movement The challenges of opening a culturally specific house for young BIPOC moms in Duluth What we weren’t prepared for: the mental health crisis, the systems failing our families, and how COVID changed everything Why this podcast is a tool—for families, for advocates, for systems that need change A sneak peek at the powerhouse voices coming in future episodes Our Favorite Quotes “I had a baby at 12. I had that experience. But I was still able to make it out—and it became my responsibility to go back and help someone else.” “We thought we were ready. We weren’t ready. What these moms are carrying? It’s layers and layers of trauma.” “People ask why we serve BIPOC moms. Because those are the ones falling through the cracks. Because representation matters.” “This podcast is for the families—but it’s also for the systems that say they care. Let’s have the real conversation.” Chapter Markers 00:00 Welcome to Divine Konversations 00:56 Deyona shares her story—and her why 04:07 Meet Tatianna Kirk and Tatiana Burgum 08:00 From Texas to Duluth: How the house got started 10:20 The realities we weren’t prepared for 13:57 Why Black and disabled mothers are losing their children 16:48 What we’re doing—and who we’re bringing in 20:06 Stories from school, policy, and parenting 22:15 What to expect from this podcast Your Turn This week’s reflection: Where in your life are you being called to turn pain into purpose? Maybe it’s something you’ve survived, something you’ve witnessed, or something you’re just now finding the courage to speak out about. Journal on what it would look like to be part of someone else’s healing. 🙌 Stay Connected + Keep the Conversation Going Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.divinekonnections.org/⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/divinekonnectionsinc/⁠ Follow Deyona on Instagram:⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/divine_konnections_inc/⁠ 💬 Love what you heard? Share this episode with a friend, and leave a 5-star review on Apple or Spotify to help this show reach more hearts and homes. ✨ This is more than a podcast—it’s a movement. Thank you for being part of it.

    24 min

  8. AUG 1

    Welcome to Divine Konversations

    Episode 1 and 2 coming August 4th 2025! 🙌 Stay Connected + Keep the Conversation Going Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.divinekonnections.org/⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/divinekonnectionsinc/⁠ Follow Deyona on Instagram:⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/divine_konnections_inc/⁠

    1 min
  • 8 Episodes

About

Divine Konversations is a heart-led podcast hosted by Deyona Kirk, where real stories meet radical healing. Centered on courageous conversations around child protection, cultural preservation, faith, and freedom, each episode uplifts Black and BIPOC voices committed to justice, healing, and community care. This is a space for truth-telling, remembering, and reclaiming what’s sacred—together.

Information

  • Creator
    Divine Konnections
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Divine Konnections
  • Show Website
    Divine Konversations