Raising Joyful and Resilient Black Children

What is Black
  • 4.9 (25)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

As a parent raising Black children, do you ever wish there was a trusted space that understood the unique challenges and joys of raising Black children and that affirmed Black children? Well, we’re here for you.We’re Dr. Valerie Adams-Bass and Dr. Sheretta Butler-Barnes, developmental psychologists, moms and professors.In each episode, we’ll speak with experts and parents to explore what it means to raise healthy and thriving Black children, bridge conversations from parenting to child wellbeing and social justice, and provide resources and tools for parents connected to research that matters to us/our community. Our goal is to empower you as a parent with love, joy, and knowledge and letyou know that we see you.

  1. JUN 11

    BEBASHI: A Beacon of Hope for Community Wellness

    In this episode of Raising Joyful and Resilient Black Children, Dr. Valerie Adams-Bass speaks with Ore Bailey from BEBASHI-Black Educating Blacks About Sexual Health Issues, an organization dedicated to educating the Black community about sexual health. They discuss the history of Babashi, its expansion of services beyond HIV prevention, and the importance of engaging with Black families and youth. The conversation highlights the unique challenges faced by adolescents in understanding sexual health, the barriers within the Black community, and the resources available for LGBTQ youth. The episode emphasizes the need for education and support for parents to facilitate conversations about sexual health with their children. In this conversation, Ore Bailey and Valerie Adams-Bass discuss the alarming rise of HIV cases among adolescents, emphasizing the importance of open conversations about sexual health. They explore the role of parents and caregivers in educating young people, the resources available for sexual health education, and the positive impact of Babashi's programs in the community. The discussion also covers the significance of consent, integrated care for long-term health outcomes, and the importance of nutrition in maintaining health. They highlight the sobering statistics regarding HIV in the Black community and encourage listeners to seek out community resources for education. Finally, they provide advice for parents on how to approach discussions about sexual health with their children in a comfortable and engaging manner. Learn more about Bebashi: https://www.bebashi.org/ Instagram: @philly.bebashi Resources: HIV in Children and TeensFor Teens: How to Make Healthy Decisions About SexThis episode is brought to you by What is Black Follow us on Instagram/Facebook: @joyfulreslientblackchildren

    42 min

  2. JUN 4

    Desiree Tucker on Cultivating Community, Culture, and Health

    In this episode of Raising Joyful and Resilient Black Children, co-hosts Dr. Sharita Butler-Barnes and Dr. Valerie Adams-Bass sit down with Desiree Tucker, a dynamic community leader and founder of Women Solve, to explore the power of culturally affirming wellness practices. Together, they delve into Desiree’s work with Get Fit Frederick, an initiative aimed at reducing health disparities by centering Black women and families in wellness programming. Desiree shares strategies for building inclusive, joyful spaces that promote movement, mindfulness, and nutrition, especially for Black children. The conversation unpacks: How cultural traditions can support holistic healthThe importance of designing wellness programs with community inputChallenges and successes in engaging Black familiesWhy joyful connection and open dialogue are essential for long-term well-beingStay connected with Desiree Tucker Website: https://womensolve.org/ Instagram: @womensolve This episode is brought to you by What is Black Follow us: @joyfulresilientblackchildren on Instagram/Facebook

    33 min

  3. MAY 7

    Empowering Black Fathers Through Community and Storytelling

    In this episode of Raising Joyful and Resilient Black Children, hosts Drs. Valerie Adams-Bass and Sheretta Butler-Barnes welcome Brad Edwards, Director of Community Engagement & Program Strategy at Dear Fathers, a national media platform dedicated to Black fatherhood. They explore how Brad and the Dear Fathers team empower Black fathers through storytelling, community support, and culturally informed programming. Brad shares his journey into fatherhood and discusses impactful initiatives like Dads to Doulas and Fearless Fathers 101, which support Black dads in navigating fatherhood, improving mental health outcomes, and reducing infant mortality rates. Tune in to hear how intentional community engagement, vulnerability, and joy are reshaping narratives around Black fatherhood—and learn practical tools for supporting and celebrating the dads in our lives. Stay Connected with Brad Edwards Website: https://dearfathers.com Instagram: @brad.m.edwards, @dear.fathers This episode is brought to you by What is Black Follow us: @joyfulresilientblackchildren on Instagram & Facebook

    32 min

  4. APR 23

    Carceral Apartheid with Dr. Brittany Friedman

    In this episode, Dr. Brittany Friedman—sociologist and author of the book Carceral Apartheid: How Lies and White Supremacists Run Our Prisons—joins hosts Dr. Valerie Adams-Bass and Dr. Sheretta Butler-Barnes to discuss how mass incarceration impacts Black children and families. Known for exposing how institutions hide harmful truths, Dr. Friedman unpacks the deep connections between state violence, misinformation, and systemic control. The conversation explores storytelling as a tool for resistance, truth-telling, and healing, while offering tangible ways communities can support affected families. Stay connected with Dr. Brittany Friedman Website: https://www.brittanyfriedman.com/ Instagram: @curlyprofessor This episode is brought to you by What is Black Website: whatisblack.co Instagram/Facebook: @joyfulresilientblackchildren

    40 min

  5. APR 7

    Rooted in Wellness with Tasha Manigo-Bizzell

    In this powerful and heartfelt conversation, hosts Dr. Valerie Adams-Bass and Dr. Sheretta Butler-Barnes are joined by licensed dietitian nutritionist Tasha Manigo-Bizzell to explore Black families' cultural and nutritional needs. Together, they unpack the role of food in cultural heritage, the misconceptions about soul food, and the importance of using real, whole ingredients in everyday meals. Tasha offers practical strategies for nourishing the body and soul — from preparing meals with children to reframing physical activity as joyful movement. This episode celebrates the deep connections between food, family, and health while providing tools to help listeners build culturally rooted wellness practices. Stay Connected with Tasha:   Website: https://www.musewellness.com/   Instagram: @musewellness This episode is brought to you by What is Black Website: whatisblack.co Instagram/Facebook: @joyfulresilientblackchildren

    1h 4m

  6. MAR 24

    Library Dads: Bonding Through Books

    In this powerful episode, Dr. Valerie Adams-Bass and Dr. Sheretta Butler-Barnes are joined by Khari Arnold, founder of Library Dads, a growing fatherhood and literacy movement rooted in community, connection, and cultural pride. From Saturday "library linkups" in Atlanta to dad-only events and community field trips, Khari shares how Library Dads is changing the narrative around Black fatherhood—one book, one hug, and one library visit at a time.  What You’ll Learn: The three pillars of Library Dads: Bonding, Books, and Brotherhood—and why bonding comes first.How literacy becomes a foundation for emotional connection, academic success, and joy.Why community-building among Black fathers is crucial to healing and empowerment.Tips for dads who feel unsure or anxious about reading with their children—and how to start.Creative, low-cost (or free 99) ways to engage kids beyond screens.Stay Connected: Follow Library Dads: Instagram & TikTok: @thelibrarydadsWebsite: www.librarydads.orgBrought to you by What is Black Website: whatisblack.co Instagram & Facebook: @joyfulresilientblackchildren

    40 min
  7. Season 2 Finale: Celebrating Growth and Resilience in Raising Joyful Black Children

    03/25/2024

    Season 2 Finale: Celebrating Growth and Resilience in Raising Joyful Black Children

    In this episode of the Raising Joyful and Resilient Black Children Podcast, hosts Dr. Valerie Adams-Bass and Dr. Sheretta Butler-Barnes celebrate the culmination of Season Two by reflecting on the season's highlights and memorable conversations. They express gratitude to the Parenting Joy Circle co-hosts for enriching discussions and delving into key topics covered throughout the season, including insights from guests such as Carole Boston Weatherford, Dr. Alvin Thomas, Desiree Tucker, Kristin Henning, Takari Tatam, and Michelle Browder. From exploring family heritage to addressing systemic issues like juvenile justice and advocating for mental wellness, this season's discussions have empowered listeners with valuable insights and strategies for raising joyful and resilient Black children.

    47 min
  8. Building Resilience: Supporting Black Youth in the Face of Microaggressions

    03/11/2024

    Building Resilience: Supporting Black Youth in the Face of Microaggressions

    Welcome to today's episode, where we're delving into a topic that hits close to home for many of us the experiences of Black children in our educational systems. Hosts Dr. Valerie Adams-Bass (Valerie) and Dr. Sheretta Butler-Barnes (Sheretta) are joined by a special guest, Desiree Tucker, a valued member of their parent joy circle who brought this important topic. As parents, caregivers, and educators, it's crucial to understand the challenges Black children face in schools, including the often subtle but impactful microaggressions they encounter. In this episode, they explore: Defining microaggressions and understanding how they differ from more overt forms of racism or discrimination.Examining the everyday reality for Black children in schools and how microaggressions affect their academics and overall well-being.Sharing personal experiences and stories to shed light on how Black children encounter these subtle forms of prejudice in educational settings.Discussing steps educators and school administrators can take to address and minimize the effects of microaggressions on Black students.Exploring ways to challenge and dismantle harmful societal attitudes and stereotypes to create safer spaces for Black children in schools.Providing guidance for parents and caregivers on how to support their Black children facing microaggressions at school and advocate effectively within the education system.Generating solutions for schools to create more inclusive and supportive environments where Black students can thrive academically and socially despite facing microaggressions.Join us as we navigate this crucial conversation, offering insights, personal experiences, and actionable strategies to create a more equitable educational experience for Black children.

    42 min
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4.9
out of 5
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About

As a parent raising Black children, do you ever wish there was a trusted space that understood the unique challenges and joys of raising Black children and that affirmed Black children? Well, we’re here for you.We’re Dr. Valerie Adams-Bass and Dr. Sheretta Butler-Barnes, developmental psychologists, moms and professors.In each episode, we’ll speak with experts and parents to explore what it means to raise healthy and thriving Black children, bridge conversations from parenting to child wellbeing and social justice, and provide resources and tools for parents connected to research that matters to us/our community. Our goal is to empower you as a parent with love, joy, and knowledge and letyou know that we see you.

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