Episode 121: Love without borders: Realities of interracial relationships

We’re diving deep into the realities of interracial relationships — the highs, the hurdles, and the healing that can come from love across cultural lines. Meet Dassin and Stephanie Blackwell who are quite reflective on their relationship and the privileges they have and the challenges they have faced as an interracial couple. With genuineness and awareness, they share their obstacles they have navigated within their family system and greater society. Join us as we talk about the beauty of blending different worlds; navigating identity, assumptions, and unconscious bias; what makes these relationships not just possible, but powerful. Whether you're in an interracial relationship, curious about the dynamics, or just open to hearing honest perspectives, you will learn and be inspired to embrace diversity. Dr. Dassin Blackwell, a lifelong educator, coach, and athletics administrator with over 20 years of experience working across NCAA Divisions I, II, and III. Currently, I serve as the Assistant Director of Athletics Compliance and Director of Sprint Football Operations at St. Thomas Aquinas College, where I lead academic support, NCAA eligibility, and holistic development for more than 450 student-athletes. My foundation in athletics began on the field as a student-athlete at Towson University. That moment not only defined my playing career, but also deepened my belief in the transformative power of sport. As a coach for 20 years, I had the privilege of being part of two conference championship teams and coached for a national championship, helping student-athletes achieve success at the highest levels both on and off the field. Throughout my career, I’ve held leadership roles at institutions including Georgetown, Towson, Pace, Hofstra, Frostburg State, Iona University. My work has included everything from managing NCAA compliance and GSR reporting to implementing department-wide systems like SPRY and mentoring first-generation student-athletes. I earned my Ph.D. in Educational Management from Hampton University, and my passion lies in bridging the worlds of athletics and education. Stephanie Blackwell is a dedicated and compassionate Licensed Master Social Worker with a commitment to fostering positive change. Stephanie received her Master’s in Social Work from Fordham University in 2024, along with receiving a Specialized Certificate in Crisis and Resilience and her CASAC-T Certification. She received her Bachelor’s in Social Work at Molloy University in 2023. In 2022, she was awarded BSW Student of the Year by the New York State Social Work Education Association. Stephanie currently serves on the NYSSWEA Board as Vice President. She also serves on the Molloy University Alumni Association Board. Stephanie is the Lead Clinician at Lincoln Hall, where she supports adolescent boys who have crossed U.S. Borders unaccompanied, searching for a better life in the U.S.