Black Representation in the Curriculum: Conversations on Teaching, Culture, Equity, and Belonging

Dr. Catherine Quinlan
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Black Representation in the Curriculum explores how representation shapes learning, identity, and opportunity in schools and society. Hosted by Dr. Catherine Quinlan, curriculum design expert and endowed chair professor in science education, the podcast connects research with real-life experiences to look at teaching, culture, equity, and belonging. Through open conversations with families, educators, school leaders, scholars, and other members of society we highlight real stories and lived experiences to help create learning spaces where Black students are seen, supported, and deeply valued.

  1. 1D AGO

    Going Beyond Ceremony in STEM Education

    This episode shares a talk I gave on Friday April 9, 2021 titled: Creating and Evaluating a Culturally Representative STEM Curriculum Supported by the Next Generation Science Standards. This presentation shares some of the thinking that went into my curricula products as well as my recent book on Black Representation in the Science Curriculum: Implications for Identity, Culture, Belonging, and Curriculum Development. This presentation highlights some of the predispositions addressed in part 1 of my book and reflects the work in my last academic position. I also share illustrations from my chapter series children’s books throughout this presentation. About thIs talk: Dr. Catherine Quinlan’s presentation focuses on the importance of creating inclusive STEM educational materials that reflect African American culture and heritage. She emphasizes the need to incorporate the experiences and narratives of Black heritage into science education, reposition perspectives on African American contributions, and understand the impact of identity on educational practices. The discussion also highlights the Gullah Geechee community's struggles and resilience in the face of environmental challenges, advocating for a more inclusive and representative approach to STEM education. About the Host: Dr. Catherine L. Quinlan, ED.D. I am a researcher, professor, and curriculum design expert.I currently hold the Brenda B. Brodie Endowed Chair for Teacher Education inthe School of Education at North Carolina Central University. Learn more about me and my research on my websites andYouTube channels. For more information visit my websites: Personal Website of Dr.Catherine L. Quinlan: ⁠⁠⁠https://drcatherinequinlan.com⁠⁠⁠ Visibility In STEMEducation Consultant/Services: ⁠⁠⁠https://visibilityinstem.com/⁠⁠⁠ TEDx Talk: The ClarityWe Need For Belonging: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3xAD3I3x-M&feature=youtu.be⁠⁠⁠ Recent Academic Book: Black Representation in the ScienceCurriculum: Implications for Identity, Culture, Belonging, and Curriculum Development. ⁠⁠⁠https://www.routledge.com/9781032757193⁠⁠⁠ Keystone Passage,Chapter Series Book: ⁠⁠⁠https://keystonepassage.com⁠⁠⁠ Check out the podcast:Learning, for Truth and Love: Spotify:⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6IlAjleK06X35gdoGqylGH⁠⁠⁠   YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@drcatherinequinlan⁠⁠⁠   Podcasts ⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/learning-for-truth-and-love/id1785560564⁠⁠⁠   Music: ⁠⁠⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/649118d6-1db7-4273-aa01-bfd495703f71/learning-for-truth-and-love⁠⁠⁠   iHeart Radio: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-learning-for-truth-and-lov-248725998/⁠⁠⁠

    32 min

  2. MAR 4

    How Curriculum Shapes Black Children's Identity and Confidence (Part 2 of September 14, 2020 webinar on Cultural Inclusion and Representation)

    This episode shares a panel discussion that provides perspectives from Black mothers. In this podcast I share a webinar I gave years ago on September 14, 2020, titled, Cultural Inclusion and Representation in Formal and Informal Settings. This presentation provided a sneak peek into some of the auxiliary products I created to accompany my funded project looking at the lived experiences and narratives of African American Gullah/Geechee in the STEM curricula. This podcast shares the last part of the webinar after Dr. Dawn Dow's presentation on "The Deadly Challenges of Raising African American Boys: Black Mothers Navigating the Controlling Image of the 'Thug.' " In this episode you get a glimpse into the questions asked as well as a panel discussion we had as Black mothers. I encourage you to check out Dr. Dawn Dow's work and her book on Mothering While Black on her website: https://www.dawndow.com/book-mothering-while-black These conversations among others were important for informing the direction of my work. AI show notes: This interview explores the persistent racial biases in education and policing, the impact of curriculum on Black children's identity, and strategies for fostering positive racial perceptions. Experts discuss implicit bias, curriculum reform, and community-based approaches to support Black youth. This webinar shares some of my beginning thoughts about this work, which I am sharing out more widely now, as I begin to embark on the next stages of this work. YouTube Channel for Classroom: https://www.youtube.com/@visibilityinstem Curricula Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://visibilityinstem.com/⁠⁠⁠ About the Host: Dr. Catherine L. Quinlan, ED.D. I am a researcher, professor, and curriculum design expert. I currently hold the Brenda B. Brodie Endowed Chair for Teacher Education in the School of Education at North Carolina Central University. Learn more about me and my research on my websites and YouTube channels. For more information visit my websites: Personal Website of Dr.Catherine L. Quinlan: ⁠⁠⁠https://drcatherinequinlan.com⁠⁠⁠ Visibility In STEMEducation Consultant/Services: ⁠⁠⁠https://visibilityinstem.com/⁠⁠⁠ TEDx Talk: The ClarityWe Need For Belonging: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3xAD3I3x-M&feature=youtu.be⁠⁠⁠ Recent Academic Book: Black Representation in the Science Curriculum: Implications for Identity, Culture, Belonging, and Curriculum Development. ⁠⁠⁠https://www.routledge.com/9781032757193⁠⁠⁠ Keystone Passage,Chapter Series Book: ⁠⁠⁠https://keystonepassage.com⁠⁠⁠ Check out the podcast:Learning, for Truth and Love: Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6IlAjleK06X35gdoGqylGH⁠⁠⁠ YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@drcatherinequinlan⁠⁠⁠ Podcasts ⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/learning-for-truth-and-love/id1785560564⁠⁠⁠ Music: ⁠⁠⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/649118d6-1db7-4273-aa01-bfd495703f71/learning-for-truth-and-love⁠⁠⁠ iHeart Radio: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-learning-for-truth-and-lov-248725998/⁠⁠⁠

    21 min

  3. MAR 2

    Unlocking Student Agency Through African Heritage in Science Curriculum (Part 1 of September 14, 2020 webinar on Cultural Inclusion and Representation)

    In this podcast I share a webinar I gave years ago on September 14, 2020, titled, Cultural Inclusion and Representation in Formal and Informal Settings. This presentation provided a sneak peek into some of the auxiliary products I created to accompany my funded project looking at the lived experiences and narratives of African American Gullah/Geechee in the STEM curricula. For purposes of this podcast only the first part is shared in this episode. You'll find some of this work in my recent academic book on Black Representation in the Science Curriculum: Implications for Identity, Culture, Belonging, and Curriculum Development. AI show notes: Dr. Catherine Quinlan shares her NSF-funded research on culturally inclusive STEM curriculum for African Americans, emphasizing the importance of narratives, representation, and hands-on activities like African rock art analysis to foster identity and agency in students. This webinar shares some of my beginning thoughts about this work, which I am sharing out more widely now, as I begin to embark on the next stages of this work. YouTube Channel for Classroom: https://www.youtube.com/@visibilityinstem Curricula Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://visibilityinstem.com/⁠⁠⁠ About the Host: Dr. Catherine L. Quinlan, ED.D. I am a researcher, professor, and curriculum design expert. I currently hold the Brenda B. Brodie Endowed Chair for Teacher Education in the School of Education at North Carolina Central University. Learn more about me and my research on my websites and YouTube channels. For more information visit my websites: Personal Website of Dr.Catherine L. Quinlan: ⁠⁠⁠https://drcatherinequinlan.com⁠⁠⁠ Visibility In STEMEducation Consultant/Services: ⁠⁠⁠https://visibilityinstem.com/⁠⁠⁠ TEDx Talk: The ClarityWe Need For Belonging: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3xAD3I3x-M&feature=youtu.be⁠⁠⁠ Recent Academic Book: Black Representation in the Science Curriculum: Implications for Identity, Culture, Belonging, and Curriculum Development. ⁠⁠⁠https://www.routledge.com/9781032757193⁠⁠⁠ Keystone Passage,Chapter Series Book: ⁠⁠⁠https://keystonepassage.com⁠⁠⁠ Check out the podcast:Learning, for Truth and Love: Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6IlAjleK06X35gdoGqylGH⁠⁠⁠ YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@drcatherinequinlan⁠⁠⁠ Podcasts ⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/learning-for-truth-and-love/id1785560564⁠⁠⁠ Music: ⁠⁠⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/649118d6-1db7-4273-aa01-bfd495703f71/learning-for-truth-and-love⁠⁠⁠ iHeart Radio: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-learning-for-truth-and-lov-248725998/⁠⁠⁠

    33 min

  4. FEB 18

    Food Adaptations and the Making of Sugar

    This video clip is a small part of the work I've done to include the lived experiences and narratives of Black people and Black heritage in the science curricula. You can download a free public report I created to showcase some of this work from this link: https://qubeshub.org/publications/3849/1 Classroom link can be found on this YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@visibilityinstem About the Host: Dr. Catherine L. Quinlan, ED.D. I am a researcher, professor, and curriculum design expert. I currently hold the Brenda B. Brodie Endowed Chair for Teacher Education in the School of Education at North Carolina Central University. Learn more about me and my research on my websites and YouTube channels. For more information visit my websites: Personal Website of Dr.Catherine L. Quinlan: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drcatherinequinlan.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visibility In STEMEducation Consultant/Services: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://visibilityinstem.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TEDx Talk: The ClarityWe Need For Belonging: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3xAD3I3x-M&feature=youtu.be⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Recent Academic Book: Black Representation in the Science Curriculum: Implications for Identity, Culture, Belonging, and Curriculum Development. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.routledge.com/9781032757193⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Keystone Passage,Chapter Series Book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://keystonepassage.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Check out the podcast:Learning, for Truth and Love: Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6IlAjleK06X35gdoGqylGH⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@drcatherinequinlan⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   Podcasts ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/learning-for-truth-and-love/id1785560564⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/649118d6-1db7-4273-aa01-bfd495703f71/learning-for-truth-and-love⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   iHeart Radio: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-learning-for-truth-and-lov-248725998/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    4 min

  5. FEB 16

    Oysters Beds and Tabby Sustainability Practices

    This video clip is a small part of the work I've done to include the lived experiences and narratives of Black people and Black heritage in the science curricula. You can download a free public report I created to showcase some of this work from this link: https://qubeshub.org/publications/3849/1 Classroom link can be found on this YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@visibilityinstem The conversation explores the cultural significance of oysters and seashells in Gullah culture, highlighting their historical use as currency and their role in sustainable practices. Catherine Quinlan discusses the construction technique of tabby, made from oyster shells, and reflects on the ecological wisdom of the Gullah people, emphasizing their respect for nature and sustainable living. About the Host: Dr. Catherine L. Quinlan, ED.D. I am a researcher, professor, and curriculum design expert. I currently hold the Brenda B. Brodie Endowed Chair for Teacher Education in the School of Education at North Carolina Central University. Learn more about me and my research on my websites and YouTube channels. For more information visit my websites: Personal Website of Dr.Catherine L. Quinlan: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drcatherinequinlan.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visibility In STEMEducation Consultant/Services: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://visibilityinstem.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ TEDx Talk: The ClarityWe Need For Belonging: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3xAD3I3x-M&feature=youtu.be⁠⁠⁠⁠ Recent Academic Book: Black Representation in the Science Curriculum: Implications for Identity, Culture, Belonging, and Curriculum Development. ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.routledge.com/9781032757193⁠⁠⁠⁠ Keystone Passage,Chapter Series Book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://keystonepassage.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ Check out the podcast:Learning, for Truth and Love: Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6IlAjleK06X35gdoGqylGH⁠⁠⁠⁠   YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@drcatherinequinlan⁠⁠⁠⁠   Podcasts ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/learning-for-truth-and-love/id1785560564⁠⁠⁠⁠   Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/649118d6-1db7-4273-aa01-bfd495703f71/learning-for-truth-and-love⁠⁠⁠⁠   iHeart Radio: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-learning-for-truth-and-lov-248725998/⁠⁠⁠⁠

    9 min

  6. FEB 13

    Visibility In STEM - Native Practices and Plants that Heal

    This video clip is a small part of the work I've done to include the lived experiences and narratives of Black people and Black heritage in the science curricula. You can download a free public report I created to showcase some of this work from this link: https://qubeshub.org/publications/3849/1 Classroom link can be found on this YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@visibilityinstem AI Summary of video clip for this podcast: This conversation explores the rich tradition of herbal medicine and the knowledge passed down through generations. Catherine Quinlan shares insights into how ancestral practices have shaped modern understanding of medicinal plants, emphasizing the importance of community and indigenous knowledge in healing. The discussion highlights specific plants, their uses, and the intersection of traditional and modern medicine. About the Host: Dr. Catherine L. Quinlan, ED.D. I am a researcher, professor, and curriculum design expert. I currently hold the Brenda B. Brodie Endowed Chair for Teacher Education in the School of Education at North Carolina Central University. Learn more about me and my research on my websites and YouTube channels. For more information visit my websites: Personal Website of Dr.Catherine L. Quinlan: ⁠⁠⁠https://drcatherinequinlan.com⁠⁠⁠ Visibility In STEMEducation Consultant/Services: ⁠⁠⁠https://visibilityinstem.com/⁠⁠⁠ TEDx Talk: The ClarityWe Need For Belonging: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3xAD3I3x-M&feature=youtu.be⁠⁠⁠ Recent Academic Book: Black Representation in the Science Curriculum: Implications for Identity, Culture, Belonging, and Curriculum Development. ⁠⁠⁠https://www.routledge.com/9781032757193⁠⁠⁠ Keystone Passage,Chapter Series Book: ⁠⁠⁠https://keystonepassage.com⁠⁠⁠ Check out the podcast:Learning, for Truth and Love: Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6IlAjleK06X35gdoGqylGH⁠⁠⁠   YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@drcatherinequinlan⁠⁠⁠   Podcasts ⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/learning-for-truth-and-love/id1785560564⁠⁠⁠   Music: ⁠⁠⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/649118d6-1db7-4273-aa01-bfd495703f71/learning-for-truth-and-love⁠⁠⁠   iHeart Radio: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-learning-for-truth-and-lov-248725998/⁠⁠⁠

    9 min

  7. FEB 9

    Exploring Identity and Belonging Challenges in STEM Education

    In this podcast I share a talk I gave years ago on July 14, 2022 titled, Getting to Know Yourself and Understand Others. In some ways this talk shares some of the meanings and observations I have been wrestling with for some time and which have influenced my approach to curriculum development and to talking about issues related to equity and diversity. Parts of this talk appear in one chapter of my book which was released in August 2024. I thought it was important to highlight this talk given what we're all experiencing right now. It is important to note that my candidness does not mean I am against anyone or the field, but I do believe that this level of candor without rhetoric has overshadowed that which could lead to real change in our society. Does the field reflect society or does society reflect the field? See poll question AI Summary Dr. Catherine Quinlan discusses the importance of understanding identity in education, particularly in STEM fields. She emphasizes the challenges of belonging for people of color and the impact of identity on students' self-efficacy and persistence in science. Through personal anecdotes and historical context, she highlights the need for educators to connect with their students and foster an inclusive environment. The conversation also touches on the significance of peer mentoring and the role of discourse identity in shaping educational experiences. Takeaways Many issues we face today are complex and require integrated approaches.Belonging is particularly challenging for people of color in STEM.Identity in science education is problematic for underrepresented groups.Using identity to connect with students can enhance their sense of belonging.Peer mentoring is crucial for student success and comfort in academic settings.Historical perceptions of identity influence current educational experiences.Discourse identity plays a significant role in how students are recognized and validated.Connection with students can improve overall educational outcomes.Understanding one's own identity can help in connecting with others.Educators should actively seek to connect with students from diverse backgrounds. About the Host: Dr. Catherine L. Quinlan, ED.D. I am a researcher, professor, and curriculum design expert. I currently hold the Brenda B. Brodie Endowed Chair for Teacher Education in the School of Education at North Carolina Central University. Learn more about me and my research on my websites and YouTube channels. For more information visit my websites: Personal Website of Dr.Catherine L. Quinlan: ⁠⁠https://drcatherinequinlan.com⁠⁠ Visibility In STEMEducation Consultant/Services: ⁠⁠https://visibilityinstem.com/⁠⁠ TEDx Talk: The ClarityWe Need For Belonging: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3xAD3I3x-M&feature=youtu.be⁠⁠ Recent Academic Book: Black Representation in the Science Curriculum: Implications for Identity, Culture, Belonging, and Curriculum Development. ⁠⁠https://www.routledge.com/9781032757193⁠⁠ Keystone Passage,Chapter Series Book: ⁠⁠https://keystonepassage.com⁠⁠ Check out the podcast:Learning, for Truth and Love: Spotify: ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6IlAjleK06X35gdoGqylGH⁠⁠   YouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@drcatherinequinlan⁠⁠   Podcasts ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/learning-for-truth-and-love/id1785560564⁠⁠   Music: ⁠⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/649118d6-1db7-4273-aa01-bfd495703f71/learning-for-truth-and-love⁠⁠   iHeart Radio: ⁠⁠https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-learning-for-truth-and-lov-248725998/⁠⁠

    22 min

  8. JAN 19

    The Invisible Backpack of Shame: AI Rendition of My TEDx Talk "The Clarity We Need for Belonging"

    My TEDx Talk titled, The Clarity We Need For Belonging, was published by TED.com over 3 years ago. This interpretation of my monologue into dialogue form reminds me of the first time my son came home and said they used AI in class to look up something. I was quite disappointed that the task to use AI did not do more than look up something. It’s like using the internet search engine. What a missed opportunity! My Original TEDx Talk: https://youtu.be/o3xAD3I3x-M?si=5oSV4PKUVk8b__nw https://www.ted.com/talks/catherine_quinlan_the_clarity_we_need_for_belonging Can you spot the difference? Listen to this 16-minute AI rendition and dramatization using dialogue and compare it with my original 8-minute TEDx Talk monologue. How might you interpret this similarly or differently? Can you identify differences? Which do you prefer? Which resonates with you the most? Which is more vulnerable or shaming to me? How? Why? Overall, despite a few errors, some caused by my omission of a few details and others by limitations to AI, this rendition brings the TEDx Talk home providing a different perspective. Write your reactions and interpretations in the comments. AI Summary: In this TEDx Talk, researcher Catherine Quinlan explores the profound connection between identity, shame, and the sense of belonging. Drawing from her personal life as a mother and her professional work in science education, she illustrates how societal narratives often marginalize Black accomplishments through isolation and shaming. She argues that children internalize these cultural scripts early on, which can lead to a rejection of their own heritage or the devaluing of others. By examining the historical exclusion of figures like Ed Dwight, she highlights how systemic shaming forces individuals to distance themselves from their successes. Ultimately, Quinlan calls for a collective self-reflection to identify and break these cycles of shame. She asserts that true social inclusion is only possible when we achieve clarity regarding how we shame ourselves and those around us. Further thoughts: My recent discovery of this AI tool showed me that as an instructor I need to further re-think which assignments I emphasize in my courses. I am grateful, and in light of current concerns lucky, that I have mainly focused on having students not only apply but also create, execute, and demonstrate what they learn - for example using tasks that requires multimedia artefacts for electronic portfolios. About the Host: Dr. Catherine L. Quinlan, ED.D. I am a researcher, professor, and curriculum design expert. I currently hold the Brenda B. Brodie Endowed Chair for Teacher Education in the School of Education at North Carolina Central University. Learn more about me and my research on my websites and YouTube channels. For more information visit my websites: Personal Website of Dr.Catherine L. Quinlan: ⁠https://drcatherinequinlan.com⁠ Visibility In STEMEducation Consultant/Services: ⁠https://visibilityinstem.com/⁠ TEDx Talk: The ClarityWe Need For Belonging: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3xAD3I3x-M&feature=youtu.be⁠ Recent Academic Book: Black Representation in the Science Curriculum: Implications for Identity, Culture, Belonging, and Curriculum Development. ⁠https://www.routledge.com/9781032757193⁠ Keystone Passage,Chapter Series Book: ⁠https://keystonepassage.com⁠ Check out the podcast:Learning, for Truth and Love: Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6IlAjleK06X35gdoGqylGH⁠   YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@drcatherinequinlan⁠   Podcasts ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/learning-for-truth-and-love/id1785560564⁠   Music: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/649118d6-1db7-4273-aa01-bfd495703f71/learning-for-truth-and-love⁠   iHeart Radio: ⁠https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-learning-for-truth-and-lov-248725998/⁠

    16 min
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Black Representation in the Curriculum explores how representation shapes learning, identity, and opportunity in schools and society. Hosted by Dr. Catherine Quinlan, curriculum design expert and endowed chair professor in science education, the podcast connects research with real-life experiences to look at teaching, culture, equity, and belonging. Through open conversations with families, educators, school leaders, scholars, and other members of society we highlight real stories and lived experiences to help create learning spaces where Black students are seen, supported, and deeply valued.

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