DISCLAIMER: Dr. Megan-Brette Hamilton produced this podcast in her own personal capacity. The views expressed are her own and do not necessarily represent the views of any organization with which she is affiliated.
In this episode of HBC Podcast by MB, I speak with my next door neighbor/friend Pinki Shah. Her parents immigrated from India in the late 60s - early 70s, landed in Baltimore, MD, and ended up living right next door to my family in Silver Spring, MD. We spoke about growing up with immigrant parents, rejecting her Indian identity at age 5, finding herself at age 24, and how double identities have played (still play) such a strong role in her life. This awesome and engaging conversation led me to highlight the importance of the grandparents in our lives and how they continue, be it implicitly or explicitly cultural traditions. I also highlight how important it is to have critical conversations with our young children to help them learn how to acceptance our differences at an early age.
Pinki Shah
Pinki Shah is a progressive Middle School Humanities teacher living in Silver Spring, MD. She has been teaching for fifteen years, and has presented her curriculum at various conferences, including the Progressive Education Network Conference. She has created and led many new initiatives around social justice and diversity. Most recently, she rewrote her school’s sixth grade Humanities curriculum, challenging her students to think how movements around the world have inspired them to be agents of change. Prior to teaching, she worked for various nonprofits on women’s rights and child labor. She holds a masters in International Education Development Policy from Teachers College, Columbia University.
Music for this episode is Like Honey by Dr. Delight provided by soundstripe.com.
Cover artwork and design by Katrina Langland and Eloise Stewart.
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Here are some interesting resources to check out that highlight the importance of language and grandparents and having critical conversations with children:
Saving America's Endangered Languages
Carrying On: Learning to Speak my Family's Language
Talking Race with Young Children
Finally, a A Parents Guide to Having Critical Conversations About Diversity, Racism, and Equality With Your Children
DON'T FORGET TO...
Join the HoneyBee Connection Facebook page for more information and news about language, culture, and communication.
Download free resources about language and culture or the eBook on classroom communication strategies on my website.
...when you work with people... Language matters. Culture counts.
Thank you for listening!
~MB