In this episode of the Adoption Roadmap podcast, Rebecca Gruenspan interviews Tarcia Smith, a wellness coach, certified extreme hip-hop instructor, and host of the Adoption Journey podcast. Tarcia shares her journey as a Black adoptee raised by a Black family in a predominantly white community. She discusses the challenges of navigating her identity, her curiosity about her birth family, and the emotional complexities of her reunion with both her biological mother and father. Tarcia emphasizes the importance of transparency in adoption, learning to navigate both worlds as a Black adoptee, and the nuances of adoption within the Black community. Through her podcast and wellness coaching, Tarcia reflects on how her adoption experience shaped her worldview and professional approach. This candid and powerful conversation delves into themes of identity, family dynamics, and the healing power of embracing one's story.
Important Links
The Adoption Journey Podcast with Tarcia Smith
Jay Rosenzweig and Team at The Birth Parent Finder
Yes, We Adopt - Online Source of Hope and Inspiration for Adoption in the Black Community
In Search of A Salve by Dr. Katherine Garland
Black Adoptee Meetup October 11th and 12th
Surrounded by Love by Allison Olson
Learning About my Friend's Adoption by Allison Olson
Brianna's Brave Day at School by Francine Apy
Chapters
02:21 Tarsha's Adoption Journey
03:47 Discovering Identity and Adoption
08:58 Navigating Closed Adoptions
12:36 Curiosity About Birth Family
19:15 Growing Up in a Predominantly White Community
23:39 The Nuances of Black Adoption
27:00 Community Perceptions of Adoption
31:11 Challenges in Formal Adoption
38:25 The Importance of Sharing Stories
42:23 Reunion with Birth Family
50:31 Finding My Birth Father
01:01:22 Grief and Connection
01:07:42 Lessons from the Podcast
01:12:27 Influence on Professional Life
01:14:58 Obedience and Purpose
01:19:27 Advice for Black Families and Adoptees
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