Operation Amigos

Why Did They Come? Rex Ogle

Rex Ogle, an award-winning author, shares his journey from a troubled childhood to becoming a successful writer. His works reflect his personal experiences and the influence of his family's history. The conversation delves into the importance of understanding one's ancestral background and the power of forgiveness in overcoming past trauma. It also explores the complexities of identity and the impact of societal perceptions. The conversation delves into the impact of childhood experiences, the journey of surviving and thriving, overcoming adversity, finding gratitude, and the challenges of the writing and publishing journey. Chapters * 00:00 Introduction to Rex Ogle * 05:24 The Impact Family Dysfunction * 31:43 The Struggle of Identity * 38:32 Overcoming Adversity and Finding Gratitude * 49:50 Empathy and Understanding

Why Did They Come: Delia Ruiz

Delia Ruiz shares her journey as a first-generation Latina author and the impact of her family's immigration on her identity. She emphasizes the importance of knowing one's family history and the challenges of adapting to a new country. Delia's love for reading is contrasted with the lack of resources in her rural hometown in Mexico, highlighting the impact of access to books on her childhood. The conversation covers themes of access to books and libraries, passion for reading and writing, career paths and opportunities, representation in literature, arranging a panel with Pam Muñoz Ryan, challenges of immigration, impact of immigration journey, personal stories in children's books, life in Mexico vs. life in the US, hopes for the future, and being an amigo to other Chapters * 00:00 Introduction and Reunion * 07:14 Family Histories and Identity * 19:12 Love for Reading and Lack of Resources * 26:06 Representation in Literature * 33:41 Impact of Immigration Journey * 41:30 Hopes for the Future

Why Did They Come: Edward Dennis

The podcast episode explores the journey of Edward and Megan's immigrant ancestors and the challenges they faced in the US. It delves into family connections, the reasons for migration, and the resilience and determination of immigrant families to succeed in a new country. It also emphasizes the importance of knowing and embracing one's ancestry as a source of strength and identity.

A New Beginning

Operation Amigos returns with updates on involvement in the Latinx Kidlit Book Festival, organizing writing conferences, and rebranding the mission to promote unity and dialogue. The podcast introduces a new series called "Why Did They Come," and emphasizes the importance of family history and unexpected friendships. Chapters * 00:00 Return of Operation Amigos * 06:15 Change in Podcast Dynamics * 12:07 Welcome to Operation Amigos

A Letter to the World: from the white mom of 3 biracial kids

In the 1980s and 1990s, Amy Herrin Inette attended junior high and high school in Alabama, where racism and segregation were still very much alive and thriving. She recounts her experiences, including her marriage to a Black man and the challenges they experienced with their three bi-racial children. Amy pleads with other white people to open their hearts to recognizing not just blatant racism, but subtle ignorance that results in harm to our Black brothers and sisters.