Back to School, Back to Truth: Conversations on Race, Adoption & Journalism with Ahna Fleming and Libby Hobbs

This August, as we embrace the "Back to School" season of Continued Learning & Growth, I welcome two incredible young journalists, Ahna Fleeming and Libby Hobbs, for a conversation rooted in truth-telling, identity, and resilience. After a painful racial slur was used toward me during a public process in my own town, I was searching for connection and healing. Around the same time, I read Ahna's powerful New York Times article about a similar experience of being targeted by the very same word. When I reached out to her, she introduced me to her friend Libby, whose journey as a transracially adopted person born in China resonated deeply with both of our experiences. Together, we explore: How family, race, and adoption shape identity Navigating racial harassment and finding our voices The role of journalism in truth-telling and social change The urgency of honest conversations in today's climate This episode is a reminder that our hardest moments can also be invitations to keep learning, keep growing, and keep finding ways to belong.   Show Notes & Links Referenced Articles: Ahna Fleeming's New York Times piece: "The Generations of Pain I Felt in One Racist Moment" Steve Ahlquist's reporting on my experience: "A Racial Slur Exposes the Deep Divisions in Westerly" Connect with our Guests: Ahna Fleeming Instagram: @ahnafleming LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ahna-fleming Libby Hobbs Instagram: @libbyxhobbs LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/elizabethxhobbs Follow & Connect with April: Website: www.juneinapril.com Social: @juneinapril (all platforms) YouTube: @AprilDinwoodie