Black Adoptees Identities

Black Adoptees Identities - Episode 37 - Taya Reed

In this episode Christelle Pellecuer is in conversation with Taya Reed, a therapist and the host of the Podcast "I found Her". 

Taya shared the background to her adoption and how she lived her early years in the same race family.

 

She talked about the search for her birth parents and the reunion and building a bond with them.

 

She also discussed how she started the podcast "I Found Her" with her birth mother.

 

https://soundhousetherapy.com

@ifoundherpodcast

Black Adoptees Identities - Episode 36 - Sequoijior Bateman-Wilkes

In this episode, Christelle Pellecuer is in conversation with Sequoijior Bateman-Wilkes. 

 

Sequoijior talked about his adoption and how it has affected his childhood and his teenagehood when he spent time in juvenile hall and joined a gang to find a sense of belonging, a sense of family and trying to find himself.

 

He shared his reunion with his biological family and how writing, poetry and music saved his life.

 

He also talked about his current relationships with adoptive mother and birth family  as well as changing his name back to his birth family name. 

 

Content warning: mention of molestation from 19min30 to 20min25; talk of abuse from 20min40 to 21min40 and discussion of prostitution, rape and incest 33min00 to 35min00

 

@my_name_is_sequoijior

 

 

Black Adoptees Identities - Episode 35 - Ronnie and Aaron

Christelle Pellecuer is in conversation with two biological brothers, adopted separately, one knowing he was adopted while growing up and the other didn't. This is their incredible story of finding each other and building a close bond.

 

Ronnie shared the moment he found out he was adopted, when he made contact with his brother and when he confronted his adoptive family.

 

Aaron shared about how he lived his own adoption and the identity issues he faced trying to understand who he was.

 

They both talked about their relationship with birth family.

 

They shared how Firepit Conversations started and how these conversations have helped them in their journey.

 

Instagram : @firepitconversations

Tiktok: @firepit_conversations

Black Adoptees Identities - Episode 34 - Monique Funches

Christelle Pellecuer is in conversation with Monique Funches.

 

Monique discussed her time in foster care before her adoption. She talked about the abuses she encountered during her adoption and the difficulties she faced in early adult life and the consequences into her adult life.

 

Monique also shared her time in the military and in corporate America, her reconnection with her birth family and her current relationship with adoptive parents.

 

@theadopteejournal

 

Content warning: this episode contains discussion about physical abuse, neglect, molestation and suicidal ideation.

Black Adoptees Identities - Episode 33 - Khayla Monique

Christelle Pellecuer is in conversation with Khayla Monique, aka the adoptee Unshatterd.

 

Khayla shared about her adoption background and about her experience of finding out at 9 years old that she was adopted. She talked about her experience of identity formation and being a teen mum.

 

They discussed Khayla's reunion with her biological family.

 

Kayla also shared her hopes for her non-profit organisation called Unshatterd Hearts and Dreams. 

 

@ms_khaylaa

Black Adoptees Identities - Episode 32 - Caroline Sumlin

Christelle Pellecuer is in conversation with Caroline Sumlin, author of We'll all be free.

Caroline discussed the complexity around the concept of identity and how as a dual heritage woman raised by black adoptive parents she identifies herself as a black woman and does not connect with her Hispanic side of her heritage. 

Caroline also talked about the background to her adoption and how she experienced her adoption and what helped her in her journey.

 

Finally, they discussed Caroline's work around white supremacy.

 

@carolinejsumlin

Black Adoptees identities - Episode 31 - Uwera Franckaerts

In this episode, Christelle Pellecuer is in conversation with Uwera Franckaerts, a transracial adoptee based in Belgium.

Uwera discussed the circumstances around her adoption from Rwanda to Belgium. She also talked about reconnecting with her birth family and discovering that her birth family never agreed to her adoption.

 

They also explored how reunion is extra difficult when you can't communicate with your birth family as you no longer speak the same language or share the same culture and how family perceptions and expectations can be difficult to navigate.

 

Uwera also shared how she navigated identity issues growing up in a white environment.

 

They also discussed issues around international adoption and Uwera's hopes around the adoption system.

 

Black Adoptees identities - Episode 30 - Tarcia Smith

Christelle Pellecuer is in conversation with Tarcia Smith, the host of the Adoption Journey Podcast. 

 

Tarcia shared about her adoption journey in a same race family, her journey to search for her birth family and the reunion with her maternal family.

 

They also discussed Tarcia's work with the Adoption Journey Podcast and building a community with other adoptees.

 

Social media: @theadoptionjourneypodcast