In honor of National Adoption Month, we’re sharing two powerful stories of love, healing, identity, and belonging from Hairitage Talks Podcast in collaboration with our Future Now Initiative partner, Stylez 4 Kidz. In this very special episode, adoptees Kiante Conger and Tony Parsons offer insights into growing up as part of transracial adoptive families. In conversation with the show's co-host, Luke Mitchell, also a transracial adoptee, they explore how their experiences shaped their racial identities and the lasting impact on their lives today.

One of the key topics of discussion is the evolving significance of hair care as a cultural marker. For children adopted into transracial families, learning to care for textured hair can be a powerful part of their identity formation. Kiante and Tony share how they navigated hair care challenges growing up, and how, as adults, they’ve come to appreciate the cultural importance of hair care rituals.

Tune in and listen to their conversation.