David Butcher & Paisha Thomas

Send us Fan Mail "I Am Here": A Conversation on Adoption, Heritage, and Cultural Identity How do we honor stories that some would prefer to erase? What does it take to raise children across racial lines in America? And how can art preserve what history tries to forget? In this episode of The Anna Jinja Show, we explore these profound questions with two guests whose personal and professional missions are deeply intertwined with heritage, justice, and belonging. David Butcher, Executive Director of the Tablertown People of Color Museum, shares his family's journey from slavery to freedom in Ohio, and offers invaluable wisdom as a father of two adopted children navigating questions of race, identity, and belonging.  Paisha Thomas, artist and founder of Land of the Freed nonprofit, uses music and activism to reclaim her ancestors' story—freed people who were violently denied 3,200 acres of land they rightfully inherited in 1846.  In this episode, we discuss: The challenges white parents face raising Black children and how to address them honestly Why cultural immersion is essential, not optional The power of museums and art to preserve what systems try to erase Resources for families, educators, and anyone committed to antiracism work David shares a profound story about his white friend who adopted Black children and couldn't stop crying the first time he attended their biological family's church—the moment he finally felt what his children had been experiencing for years.  Paisha reminds us that so much of American culture originates from Black communities yet gets rebranded and its origins erased. Her song and her nonprofit work are declarations of presence and resistance.  This conversation offers wisdom for adoptive families, educators, museum professionals, and anyone who believes that knowing our full histories—the beautiful and the painful—is essential to creating a more just future.  Guest Links: https://tablertownmuseum.org/     https://www.paishathomasart.com/  Support the show