Being Brown in a Black & White World

Race is a social construct and is not real. Yet, we place so much emphasis on it. From filling out forms at the doctor's office to completing the census and more, we ask people to check off the box that indicates their racial identity. Though there is an "other" box, it does little to accurately describe those who are biracial. They often have to pick a side not only on such forms but in life as well.

Join Rev. Dr. TLC as she and her guest, Annemarie Shrouder, discuss the complexities and challenges of growing up as a biracial woman of color.

They will discuss Annemarie's book "Being Brown in a Black and White World: Conversations for Leaders on Race, Racism, and Belonging." She is a leader in the world of diversity and inclusions and will share her personal and professional experience in this arena.

Tune in for this important conversation at TalkRadio.nyc or watch the Facebook Livestream by Clicking Here.

Show Notes

Segment 1

The first segment opens with Rev Dr Terrlyn introducing today's show and guest. Today's show we welcome Annemarie Shrouder as her and Rev Dr Terrlyn discuss the complexities and challenge of growing up as a biracial woman of color. Annemarie Shrouder is a leader in the world of diversity and inclusions and will share her personal and professional experience in this arena. Today Rev Dr Terrlyn and Annemarie Shrouder will discuss Annemarie’s book “Being Brown in a Black and White World: Conversations for Leaders on Race, Racism, and Belonging”. Annemarie says that often the work she does can get overwhelming and stressful so finding things that keep her grounded is crucial to her line of work. Annemarie says that staying outdoors and her family are key elements in keeping grounded.

Segment 2

The second segment starts with the commercial break ending and the show starting. In this segment Annemarie discusses the invisible place of either or and in some opinions not being black enough. Annemarie says that growing with a black father and white mother she felt out of place and that she didn't belong. This feeling of not belonging led to a mixed view of herself and how the world views her as a biracial woman. She explains that often she felt like she needed to be more white or more black, but was confused on what that even meant. Annemarie contributes this confusion, at no fault to, her mother who she would spend the most time with growing up. She explains having a white mother while existing as half black was difficult in her early life trying to traverse the black and white world we live in.

Segment 3

The third segment starts with the show coming back up from break. Rev Dr Terrlyn then picks the conversation back up with Annemarie discussing being biracial and how one embodies race. Annemarie continues the conversation discussing her experiences growing up in a predominately white culture and how that shaped how she saw herself. Annemarie says that as a child she wanted to be more prominent in her black culture, but having spent more time with her white mother growing up molded another perspective.

Segment 4

The final segment starts with the show coming back from break and Annemarie sharing how her experience influences the work she does. Annemarie says the war between either or, black or white, this or that, she experiences in her body, life, and very existence. This war between choosing one or the other has taught her that now more than ever we need to come together. Annemarie says that a main contributor to understanding race even in her adult life is her daughter.