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Memorializing Black Girlhood with Kendra James
After a summer hiatus, we’re back! For our first episode back, I had the chance to speak to Kendra James, author and podcast producer at Crooked Media. We discuss Kendra's memoir 'Admissions,' which recounts her experiences as a Black girl at Taft School. Our conversation delves into our shared experiences of Black girlhood, the complexities of writing a memoir, and of course, all of the books that shaped Kendra’s reading experiences as a kid.
00:00 Welcome Back to Unbound
00:32 Introducing Kendra James
01:36 Diving into Kendra's Memoir
03:31 Kendra's Childhood Reading Influences
05:16 Exploring Historical Fiction and Girlhood
15:29 Harry Potter and Fan Fiction Beginnings
25:47 Boarding School Expectations vs. Reality
30:56 Navigating Identity and Social Dynamics at Taft
41:04 Reflecting on Early Career Challenges
41:40 Navigating DEI Work in Independent Schools
43:12 Self-Reflection and Program Issues
44:33 Subtle Racism and Personal Experiences
49:26 Writing a Memoir: Process and Boundaries
52:57 The Journey to Publication
01:03:39 Bookish Lightning Round
01:14:11 Final Thoughts and Future Plans
For a full list of books mentioned, join the Unbound community on Substack
Admissions: A Memoir of Surviving Boarding School by Kendra James
Follow Kendra James on instagram: @kendrajames_
Follow Mbiye Kasonga: @mbiye_K
Produced by Moyo Media.
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