November is National Native American Heritage Month and it’s the month we Americans celebrate Thanksgiving. On episode 56 of the podcast, we’re going talk about both of these so-called holidays and how and what we should be doing to celebrate. Clearly Thanksgiving 2020 is going to look a lot different than years past. You may be alone or far away from extended family for the first time. Some people may not have the funds to pay for an extravagant Turkey dinner this year. Some people may be mourning the loss of loved ones to Covid-19 this holiday season. Overall, I think it’s safe to say that Thanksgiving is not going to be “normal” for anyone, so what better time than to rethink the reason and purpose of this All-American holiday.
Back in 2018, for our very first episode in fact, I was joined by Dr. Crystal Fleming, a sociologist based at Stony Brook University and the author of How to Be Less Stupid about Race. Dr. Fleming and I talked about the inherent problems in celebrating a holiday that both downplays the real contributions of Native American people to that first Harvest celebration, and erases the legacy of brutal atrocities committed against Native people by European colonizers. It’s an important conversation that we're replaying because there are so many truth bombs people should hear, especially before celebrating Thanksgiving this year.
Stay in TouchI’d love to hear how you’re going to honor the Thanksgiving holiday Meltingpot community.
Please feel free to tell me your plans by leaving me a comment on IG @LoriLTharps or in the comments on the My American Meltingpot blog.
And if you’d like to keep up with Dr. Crystal Fleming, check out her website at Crystalflemming.com or follow her on Twitter at alwaystheself. I’ll add the links to the show notes.
This is the end of Season 5. I'll be back in your ears in early 2021. Until then, check out the My American Meltingpot Facebook page for new and colorful content!
From Self-Published to New York Times Bestseller: Sadeqa Johnson Shares Her Story of Success
The Paradox of Jessie Redmon Fauset: The Harlem Renaissance's Most Prolific Novelist that You Don't Know
Being a Writer is Hard Work:A Masterclass in Creative Writing with Phillip B. Williams
How Do You Make a Living as a Writer in Hard Times? Ask Langston Hughes!
How to Bring History's Hidden Figures to Life on the Page with New York Times Bestselling Author, Ilyon Woo
Art, Activism, and Audre Lorde: How to Use Your Words to Change the World
Writing Romance, Race, and Ricki Wilde with New York Times Best-Selling Author, Tia Williams
A Short But Important Announcement about the Podcast!
How to Make a Living Writing YA Fiction: A Conversation with Ibi Zoboi
It’s All About The Sanctuary: A Membership Community for BIPOC Women Writers
Greenlight Your Own Projects: Self-Publishing Without Apology with Dr. Tamara Pizzoli
Writing Retreats are Not Bougie: Why Writing Retreats Should be a Part of Your Regular Writing Practice
How to Have a 40-Year Literary Career with Award-Winning Author and Literary Activist Marita Golden
Find Your Passion and Your Purpose as a Writer with Maya Angelou
New York Times Best-Selling Author, Denene Millner Shares Her Story and Her Strategies for a Prolific Literary Career
The Sisterhood and Why Writers Need a Writing Community
Best of Author Series with Kaitlyn Greenidge: Real Talk about What it Takes to Be a Writer
Best of Author Series with Dr. Yaba Blay: Why Self Publishing is a Revolutionary Act
”Best of ...Author Series:” Lauren Francis-Sharma + Book of the Little Axe
Get Your Writing Life on Track with the NBA
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Lit Society: Books and Drama
Ex Libris
Write The Book: Conversations on Craft
Anne of Avonlea
The Count of Monte Cristo
Fresh Air
Myths and Legends