Identity Unboxed

On this special episode of Identity Unboxed, we sat with Dr. Ed Taylor, Professor at the University of Washington College of Education and Dean and Vice Provost, at UW Undergraduate Academic Affairs, as he discussed his new memoir, ‘The Power of the River’. Ed takes readers on a journey from Lompoc, California, through a childhood marked with loss but grounded in the love and support of family and community, to a singular moment that changed everything for a boy set up by the system to be a cog in the machine.

In our bonus episode of Identity Unboxed, ‘Occupying Opposing Worlds — Blackness, Identity, and Class,’ Tiana sat on the other side of the interview table as Brad interviewed her about her personal journey, as told through various narratives she has written over the past few years. This episode is a compilation of Tiana narrating short stories: “Don’t Touch My Hair”, "Lineage," and “The Little Black Cowgirl."“Amidst the Pews” - This piece explores her relationship with religion as a young Black girl embedded in the Evangelical Lutheran church amidst the pews of a nearly exclusively white congregation. “Don’t Touch My Hair” - This piece captures the beauty of Blackness and the struggle in the journey of truly feeling that Black is beautiful through the connection to Black hair as an extension of her identity. “Lineage” -  This piece explores the significance of Black ancestral legacies and their influence in the pursuit of liberation and social justice.“The Little Black Cowgirl” - This piece explores her experience immersed in the world of equestrianism as a young Black girl and delves into the role of Black culture in shaping this space throughout history since its inception. By unearthing my culture, she shares her journey in finding her identity and footing in a space that has precluded Black contributions. From Tiana: Thank you to our listeners who encouraged us to create this episode, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to share about nourishing mental health, finding confidence and community, and embracing vulnerability as strength. I am appreciative of Brad for holding this space where I was empowered to share my most unapologetic self. I hope that this conversation reaches someone and helps them in some way. 🤎