Hello Meltingpot Readers,
I’m going to be introducing a new feature here on the Meltingpot; a Q&A with fascinating people who I think are totally Meltingpot. These are anti-racism activists, diversity divas, multicultural mamas, and other cool folks who deserve some extra shine, AND who I think you, dear readers, would love to know about.
Meet Jen Kinney
My first Q & A is with Jen Kinney. Jen is a writer, podcaster, and anti-racism activist. After living abroad in Shanghai, China with her husband and two children for years, she returned to a country that felt more divided than ever. Since then she has become a passionate advocate for building bridges through brave and difficult conversations, and an advocate for the every day person’s power to create change in the world. She is the host of the Speaking of Racism Podcast and Food For Thought Dinner Parties.
The Anti-Racism Evangelist
I discovered Jen through her Speaking of Racism podcast and was immediately drawn in by the people she was bringing on her show to have these “difficult conversations.” She is always transparent about what she doesn’t know, but she’s also always asking really great questions and getting her guests to break down their expertise so everyone can follow along wherever they are in their journey of anti-racism work.
So, I was thrilled to get a chance to flip the script and ask Jen some questions, and she was kind enough to answer. Here’s what she had to say:
Ms. Meltingpot: Who is Jen Kinney?
Jen Kinney: I am a writer, mother, wife, and activist. I am an evangelist by nature, which means I like to share what I learn with others. I spent the better part of 15 years using my voice to educate people about the realities and horrors of human trafficking and worked in communications for a non-profit anti-trafficking organization in Asia. In 2012, after the killing of Trayvon Martin, and the trial of George Zimmerman, I began digging deeper into the topic of race in the US, and started my journey into personally deconstructing my own internalized racism. In 2017, I attended an event and was challenged to move from passive ally to active co-conspirator and that is when I started using dinner parties to dialogue on the topic and eventually began podcasting on it.
MM: Can you tell us the origin story for the Speaking of Racism podcast?
JK: The Speaking of Racism podcast was the continuation of a solo podcast project I started the year before. I felt like my voice was not the voice to listen to, and through a number of online connections and friendships, I decided to start Speaking of Racism as more of a community podcast. My goal was to bring conversations to people so they could listen, and hopefully, learn a lot from the amazing guests.
MM: What do you think the people who listen to your podcast struggle with the most when it comes to anti-racism work and/or diversity? And how do you approach helping them?
JK:I think people struggle with how to connect with one another.
There is a lot of fear, trepidation, exhaustion, and pain surrounding the topic of racism, and I think people appreciate listening to conversations that are constructive, honoring, and mindful of humanity.
I don’t think of myself as helping anyone, per se, but instead, focus on being me – a 42-year-old white woman who grew up in predominantly white spaces and has a lot to learn. I hope that people will learn from me honestly modeling my own learning process, and my guests sharing their stories, perspectives, and work.
MM: What inspires you to do the work you do? How do you stay inspired?
JK: I am inspired by my friends and the people I have met along this journey. I am inspired by their stories, their passions, and their work. I am inspired by the idea that until all of us are free, none of us are free.
MM: What are you most proud of doing, creating or accomplishing as it relates to your podcast?
JK: I am proud of the community and proud of the relationships and friendships I have built through this work. The fact that so many people listen also blows my mind.
MM: What’s your favorite ice cream flavor ? (Always want to end on a sweet note!)
JK: Salted Carmel
Thank you, Jen! Dear readers, don’t sleep on this.
Check out Speaking of Racism @speakingofracism on IG
The blog: speakingofracism.com,
Speaking of Racism on Facebook
The podcast can be found on all platforms including Apple podcasts.
Is anybody already a fan of the Speaking of Racism podcast? Tell me why in a comment below.
Peace!
