Reaching Out with Alexandra Almaz

Nikelola Balogun, who is not only an artist of many talents, but also a world traveler, teacher, and one who likes to go against the grain. Similar to a pearl that goes against the grain, she is working to get to that place where she'll become iridescent.

LaNisa Williams, of Barista Life LA and Hustlers Cup is an incredible young woman. She learned what was needed and made her own path to follow her passion for coffee, brewing, and passing on her knowledge to others. You can find more info on her at: www.baristalifela.com, [http://www.baristalifela.com,]#baristalifela, #hustlerscup, and #blackinbrew.

In this episode I talk about the movie "Luce" in relation to transracial adoptions.  Mainly, I discuss the ideas of race, class, family, identity, and the assumptions that people make of others on those aspects. While the movie played out the ideas mentioned above, I felt that it did not really go deeply into any area. But, maybe that is what the director, Julius Onah, had wanted; to have a jumping point to start having these conversations about those very ideas and/or issues. So, let's start the conversations!

In Part 1, I talk about international adoptions. Specifically, adoptions of African children/youth that have taken place over the years. Adoptees from Eritrea, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Burundi, South Africa, Morocco, among others. And delve into the issues of Trans-racial adoptions particularly in the US. The subject is not really known nor talked about by the parents or adoptees. You can go to www.npr.og [http://www.npr.og]to read more on the ban on foreign adoptions.

Gemini Soul is an artist that is truly dedicated to his art. He's also dedicated to sharing his artistic abilities with young adults and younger generations so that they know their history and culture.