Ep. 173: Perspectives From An American Librarian Abroad

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EQ: How can school libraries effectively promote diverse representation, particularly of Black voices and histories, fostering greater social awareness and inclusivity?

In today’s episode we are joined by teacher-librarian Osa Oyegun, the whole school librarian (PS-12) at the American International School of Abuja, Nigeria. We discuss the power of representation in literature, the attack on books and libraries in the US, and ways to grow partnerships between the library and the community. Not to mention, we all throw a few book recommendations your way! Check out her curated list of Anti-Bias and Anti-Racist Resources.
Do Your Fudging Homework:

Ep. 170: Ep. 170: Fostering Sisterhood Cross Culturally w/ Kimberlee Yolanda Williams

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EQ: How can white women and women of color actively work towards a sisterhood that furthers a more inclusive and equitable society?

In this episode of IWL, Kimberlee Yolanda Williams, co-founder Engaging Across Differences, unpacks her recent book "Dear White Women, Please Come Home:  hand me your bias and I’ll show you are connection”. The book explores the concept of being seen and centered, the idealization of sisterhood, microaggressions, and the search for genuine connections. Looking ahead, Kimberlee shares her hopes for changes in conversations around race, sisterhood, and equity. She envisions positive change and recommends resources for deeper exploration of the topics. The discussion wraps up with a mention of Kimberlee's new book project and information about Engaging Across Differences' offerings.

Related Sources:

Do Your Fudging Homework:

  • Hope: In the new year, recommit to learning and unlearning…to being part of the greater sisterhood.

  • Kimberlee: Look out for those moments happening around you and develop a toolkit for what to say–to interrupt the moment that is happening in front of you. Become part of my second book project! Send a message to women of color. 

Ep. 167: Changing the Reading Landscape w/ Author Lily Chu

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EQ: How has the commitment to authenticity and intersectionality by  authors of color changed the writing landscape?

In this episode of IWL, we are joined by Lily Chu the author of The Stand-In (2022), The Comeback (2023), and The Takedown (2023). We chat about her identity as a writer, the role of representation in romance/chick lit and her zombie apocalypse team.  Pick up a copy of one of her books asap!

Champagne & Real Pain:

🥂Writers who use their platform to say something meaningful; My students Breast Cancer Awareness Event

🥂 Readers who pick up new books & expand their horizons

🥂College students who speak up about injustice and remind us to stay vigilant

Do Your Fudging Homework:

Hope: Of course–read The Stand In!

Lily: Read banned books!

Ep. 121: Identity is Not a Plotline--On Cozy Mysteries & Representation

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EQ:  How has the commitment to authenticity and intersectionality by  authors of color changed the writing landscape?

We’re so excited to announce our new author series! Joining us today is  Mia Manansala, author of Arsenic and Adobo (Tita Rosie’s Kitchen Mysteries series).

  • Find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @MPMtheWriter  

  • Check out her website: www.miapmanansala.com 

In this episode we learn all about the cozy mystery, a subgenre of crime! As you might predict, it is often described as “hallmark movies with dead bodies in them.” Mia shares her writing journey shouting out key mentors such as Kellye Garrett and Lori Rader Day. We discuss how the publishing scene is a business rather than an art, thus is slow to change. However, the consistent effort by the “everyday” reader (and any allies who want to see more representation)  is helping put pressure on the industry to expand the stories and authors they support.  We really appreciate Mia’s openness with us about her triumphs and challenges as a newly published author transforming a genre! 

Other Writers to Check Out:

Do Your Fudging Homework:

  • Hope: Check out Mia’s books–library or purchase!

  • Megan: Read the work and post about it!

  • Mia: Check out Crime Writers of Color