In this week’s podcast, Trina talks with Matthew Arlington, who is currently interning with Parenting for Liberation through his program at California State University Fullerton. Matthew is a father who was formerly incarcerated during the early stages of fatherhood. This episode focuses on the hardships associated with parenting while incarcerated and methods to overcome those barriers. Trina also explores how Matthew has adjusted to parenting after prison and his parenting methods. Lastly, Matthew and Trina reflect on parenting strategies for raising our children with a liberated mind set. 
Key Points
Approximately, 10 million children nationwide have a parent who has been incarcerated
The importance of communicating with your child while incarcerated
“Get on the bus” is a California based program that was developed by the Center of Restorative Justice Works, which transports families to and from prisons for visitations on Mother’s and Father’s Day.
The importance of and open communication with your children after release from prison to build bonds of trust. 
Recognizing the inequality that still exist in society and how to teach our children how to live according to law with a sense of empowerment and love for themselves.
“Friends Outside”, a Los Angeles based organization that provides resources to ex-convicts to help them transition back into society and family life. 
“Project Rebound”, a program located on most CSU campuses that provides assistants to ex-convicts in enrollment and other resources needed when returning to school.

Episode 33: Parenting After Prison with Matthew Arlington

Parenting for Liberation hosted a private screening of Harriet, where over 50 Black parents and children witnessed Harriet’s enduring courage, ingenuity and tenacity to not only free herself but over one thousand enslaved Africans.  The film was an inspiration  for attendees to watch a small but mighty Cynthia Erivo as Harriet, wield her power--spiritual, legal, physical, and political political---against white supremacy for the sake of her own and her people’s liberation. Following the film, Parenting for Liberation hosted a talk back with families, using quotes from the film to guide discussions pushing past fear, black sisterhood, parenting fear Black children, and legacy-building.

Bonus Episode 34: Harriet Screening debrief

Habari Gani?! Our first annual Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration, in partnership with Dior Sunset Foundation, was an amazing community gathering bringing together 150 Black families in Los Angeles. Kwanzaa is a 7-day African-American & Pan-African holiday created to celebrate our culture, heritage, & foster unity, beginning on December 26-January 1.

This episode features a snippet from our keynote presenter, Bro. David Love, sharing about the 7 Principles of Kwanzaa and the 7 Symbols of Kwanzaa. 

There are a multitude of ways to celebrate Kwanzaa such as pouring libations to honor your ancestors, getting together with family with song, dance, African drums, storytelling, and poetry reading. However you celebrate, just remember to practice the 7 principles of Kwanzaa: Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity), & Imani (faith). 
Check out our tools online (www.parentingforliberation.org) and on our social media channels. 

Please share your Kwanzaa celebrations with us using the hashtag #P4LKwanzaa  

"May the light of the kinara fill your home with peace and light your new year with love!"

Episode 35: All About Kwanzaa With David Love

This episode is a podcast within a podcast, Parenting for Liberation founder, Trina Greene Brown, was interviewed by Cindy Wang Brandt of Parenting Forward and Leslie Arreola Hillenbrand of Latinx Parenting to discuss "parenting de-centering whiteness." Trina shared about Parenting for Liberation and the work to bring parents together to look at the ways the systems have oppressed us historically and current ongoing oppression, and how can we heal them.  We also discuss parenting during the COVID-19 pandemic as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color.

Episode 36: Parenting De-Centering Whiteness with Cindy Wang Brandt & Leslie Arreola Hillenbrand

This episode captures guided meditation and collective virtual altar building space for Black parents to reaffirm the ways that we care for ourselves and our babies held by B. Anderson. 

B. Anderson, (they/them), is a somatic music therapy practitioner, plant medicine stewart/herbalist, mediation teacher, mediator, ritual leader and community organizer. B. calls up the traditions, legacies and medicine of their southern Black American, Jamaican Maroon and Choctaw ancestry as their healing arts praxis. B. Anderson is the founder and steward of Song of the Spirit, a community based institute in service of keeping alive the wisdom traditions of the African and Indigenous diaspora.