Mixed Chicks Chat

Episode 74: Filmmaker Dawn Wilkinson

We had a great conversation with filmmaker and fellow mixed chick, Dawn Wilkinson, about her films (including a new documentary in the works about biracial actresses), mixed identity in Canada, and becoming a parent.  Dawn taught a really terrific workshop at the 2008 Mixed Roots Film & Literary Festival.  You can learn a lot from her so tune in.   Learn more about her work at www.afterlifefilms.com.

We also promised to remind you guys of the National Novel Writing Month Challenge: it starts Nov. 1 --so get on over to www.nanowrimo.org and sign up.  It's 50,000 words in a month!  You can do it; we want more stories of the Mixed Experience out there!

And finally, it's Halloween and what better way to celebrate than to carve a pumpkin inspired by Barack Obama.  Check out the results at www.yeswecarve.com.

Episode 73: Dr. Jennifer Lisa Vest - Mixedblood Poet

You HAVE to listen to this episode!  Dr. Vest is an inspiring, strong, Mixedblood poet and her poem Mixed Heritage Epic manages to wrap up our experience - the delightful and the depressing - into a beautifully written piece that will leave you shivering.  Her website is:  www.mxdmessages.com and her blog:  http://mxdmessages.blogspot.com/

THE ANSWER TO OUR TRIVIA QUESTION:  This week BillMo saw this license plate: LSGH89.  What do you think it stands for?  Light Skinned Good Hair, perhaps?  Does that just get under your skin or do you want to go out and get the same plates?

More PHOTO OPPS & SUPPORT FOR OBAMA!

This is a really terrific opportunity for EVERYONE!  He's in Silver Lake (just East of Hollywood, near Sunset Junction).  Swing by if you can!

"I am Obama"

...is a photo series that attempts to capture the diversity of those who support Barack Obama and who have been inspired by his simple message of hope and change.....

We had a great turn out this weekend.  Please take a look at the website gallery i posted today:

www.maartendeboerphotography.com/iamobama

I will continue shooting this Wednesday through Saturday, so please pass this on to whomever might want to participate (My goal is to get at least 100 people for the end of the week).  Hell, pass this on to anyone who might be interested in just taking a look.  I'm very excited about this project, i wish i had thought of it months ago!   

Thanks for your support.

Wednesday: 10am to 7:30pm

Thursday: 10am to 7:30pm

Friday: 10am to 7:30pm

Saturday 10am to 9pm

Contact Maarten @ maartendirect@mac.com

Episode 72: Multiracial Americans of Southern California

Today, we talk to the folks from Multiracial Americans of Southern California (MASC).  Founded in 1986, MASC is an advocacy group for multiracial individuals and families.  MASC seeks to broaden self and public understanding of our interracial, multiethnic, and cross cultural society by facilitating interethnic dialogue and providing cultural, educational, and recreational activities. MASC is an affiliate of the Association of Multiethnic Americans (AMEA), which was instrumental in the decision by the Office of Management and Budget to allow those of mixed-race ancestry to check multiple boxes on the 2000 census.

We at Mixed Chicks Chat were excited to work with MASC for the Mixed Roots Film & Literary Festival.  They did a great presentation--a multigenerational dialogue--and the group continues to do important work in the area including the upcoming mixer, Sunday, Oct. 26 at 5pm.  Details appear below--PLEASE NOTE the venue change!

Curly Girls Unite!

One of my (Fanshen's) favorite headshot photographers uses Ouidad to prep her curly clients for a shoot.  They are pricey - but I really liked these products when I used them.  They're opening a salon in Santa Monica! www.ouidad.com

Episode #71: What if Obama doesn't win?

Things can get a little out of hand when the Mixed Chicks are off script (our guest canceled just before the episode), not to mention this passionate election season has left us in a bit of a ranting mood.  Episode 71 covers just some of our & our listener's thoughts on the upcoming elections.  And what about you?  What would you do if Obama didn't win?

Special Screening Crossing the Line: Multiracial Comedians Oct. 26, 2008 in Southern California

Crossing the Line: Multiracial Comedians
Sunday, October 26th
5pm – 9pm
Vinoteque, a Wine Bar
4437 Sepulveda Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90230

Join MASC for a night of wines, gourmet food and socializing as we screen a relevant film that takes an honest look at the changing face of America in a way that can only be achieved through comedy. Laughter and progressive, stimulating thoughts and discussion guaranteed!

$5 suggested donation for non-members, free for members

For more information on the film, visit www.EntertainingDiversity.com/CrossingTheLine

1st Annual Gathering for Adoptees and Foster Care Alums of African Descent:

1st Annual Gathering for Adoptees and Foster Care Alums of African Descent:
Healing Ourselves, Making Connections

November 7-9, 2008

Announcing the 1st annual gathering of adoptees (transracial/international and same race) and foster care alums of African descent in Oakland, California, November 7-9, 2008.

AFAAD (Adopted and Fostered Adults of the African Diaspora) was formed specifically to support adopted and fostered people, to share our common and divergent experiences around race, adoption, joy, loss, family, search and reunion, and self identity and to celebrate our unique creativity, stories and community. AFAAD’s First Annual Gathering, Healing Ourselves, Making Connections is designed with you mind.
The purpose of this historic gathering will be to make connections, network, provide healing space, and to celebrate the diversity of our amazing diaspora of transracial, international, domestic adoptees and foster care alums. AFAAD uses “Black” in the widest diasporic sense, which includes African, African American, Afroasian and Afrolatino, bi-racial and multi heritage peoples. Healing Ourselves, Making Connections is the first of its kind for Black adoptees and foster adults and we know it will make a huge contribution to the conversations about adoption, race, social welfare and African diasporic identity - not to mention just bringing all of us together in one space is going to be amazing! It is time to share our stories with one another, rather than always teaching other people. We will also take some time for the strategic planning for the long-term goals of AFAAD as a social justice and community support organization.

Where:
AFAAD’s 2008 Gathering is being hosted by the City Center Marriott Hotel ideally situated at the center of downtown Oakland, CA, close to all forms of public transportation. Call 510-451-4000 for hotel reservations. Individuals visiting the Bay Area must make their own hotel reservations separately from AFAAD Gathering registration.

Please see the website for more details about the Gathering schedule, call for sessions, hotel and conference registration information and for more information about our mission, community and legislative advocacy work.

Contact Info:
AFAAD – Adopted and Fostered Adults of the African Diaspora
PO Box 24771
Oakland, CA  94607
E-mail: afaadinfo@gmail.com
Website: afaad.wordpress.com
Phone: 510.836.0133

Kids for Obama! If you're in Los Angeles, read on...

Kids For Obama
Los Angeles

We see the future daily in the eyes and actions of our Kids and want them to grow up with wonderment, faith and confidence.  On November 4th we are faced with one of the most important decisions for our childrens future.

For them, this election is
Not about war, but PEACE;
Not about conflict, but COMPROMISE;
Not about stagnation, but CHANGE;
  Not about blame, but COMPASSION;
Not about fear, but HOPE

And most importantly, it is about POSSIBILIITY and BARACK OBAMA!

SAVE THE DATE

Join us and our kids on Saturday Oct18th 2-5 pm on the
800-900 blk of S. Genesee Ave. for our
KIDS FOR OBAMA fundraiser and block party
to include tons of fun
Games, Commerce, Art and Education

We want to educate, inspire and empower our kids through a sense of community and participation so that they understand that they have a voice that can make a difference.

We look forward to seeing you all at the event!
But we also need help in the form of resources and sponsorship.
If you or your company would like to get involved we would love to have you. Often times we realize that help is there when you need it most.

YES WE CAN!

Episode 70: Mixed Chicks on Transracial Adoption

Make sure you check out this wonderful episode about transracial adoption with our guest Carmen, the white mom of a delightful child who happens to be African-American.  Carmen shared the story of the adoption process and some of the challenges and triumphs of having a blended family.  She has a group on Facebook where folks interested in or involved with transracial adoptions can connect.  Keyword search: transracial adoption.  She's based in Los Angeles and would love to hear from you!