Women Inspiring Women- Education Was the Path to Freedom with Guest Author and Anthropologist, Dr. Faith Mitchell

Should Have Listened to My Mother Podcast

Once Faith and I had a confirmed our record date and time, Dr. Mitchell wrote saying "coincidentally this is Juneteenth. What interesting alignment and a good opportunity to honor the ancestors who paved the way for so many of us today." And I couldn't have agreed more.

Ophelia, My guest's mother and one of twelve children, was born in Chester County, Pennsylvania. Faith shares stories of her mother and how enthusiastic and encouraging she was. She wanted Faith to experience anything and anywhere, including a love for a robust education, traveling with her mom and dad and Faith loved spending time with her grandmother and mother and listening to stories about the family from past generations.

Faith also loved spending time outdoors in nature exploring. When she was a young girl she lived in rural Michigan mainly because her mother insisted her daughter go to an excellent school. They found a farmer who was desperate to sell his home and though it was an all white, restricted community, he sold it to the Mitchell's.

Her mom used to say, "Faith, make something of yourself," and because the country was still segregated her mom used to speak to her and say "Black people have to progress and education is the way to progress." Another reflection Faith shared with me is another favorite saying of her mom's which is "the parent opens the door and the child walks through."

There's so much more to this conversation. I hope you enjoy the listen. Faith is fascinating. She's passionate about this country and the journey of her forefathers and all that they fought for in order to become the best that they could be.

My guest was sure to point out that "Ophelia was smart, inquisitive and open to learning anything and everything.She studied to be a teacher."

"Both women are ancestors who have been inspirations to me because of their sense of agency--which comes across in the photos--and their courage against the odds.

Captured in the photo of Faith and her mother Ophelia - "it captures my mother and me in 1963 in the Painted Desert and reflects the fact that my parents valued exploration even in the pre-Civil Rights period when most Black people didn't have an opportunity to travel--and it could be dangerous to do so. My mother tried to open doors for me whenever she could and that's the terminology she used," Faith recalled.

The word grio translates to one who is an oral historian and storyteller originally from West Africa.

INSTAGRAM:@emmas_postcard_album and @hoodoo_medicine

LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faith-mitchell-0646b313

OTHER: YouTube - https://youtu.be/YeEWX6beGAQ.

WEBSITE: https://www.drfaithmitchell.com/

Emma's Postcard Album, Black Lives in the Early Twentieth Century is now available from the University Press of Mississippi, hashtag#Amazon, and hashtag#barnesandnoble!

"Should Have Listened To My Mother" is an ongoing conversation about mothers/female role models and the roles they play in our lives. Jackie's guests were open and honest and answer the question, are you who you are today because of, or in spite of, your mother and so much more. You'll be amazed at what the responses are.

Gina Kunadian wrote this 5 Star review on Apple Podcast:

SHLTMM TESTIMONIAL GINA KUNADIAN JUNE 18, 2024

“A Heartfelt and Insightful Exploration of Maternal Love”

Jackie Tantillo’s “Should Have Listened To My Mother” Podcast is a treasure and it’s clear why it’s a 2023 People’s Choice Podcast Award Nominee. This show delves into the profound impact mother and maternal role models have on our lives through personal stories and reflections.

Each episode offers a chance to learn how different individuals have been shaped by their mothers’ actions and words. Jackie skillfully guides these conversations, revealing why guests with similar backgrounds have forged different paths.

This podcast is a collection of timeless stories that highlight the powerful role of maternal figures in our society. Whether your mother influenced you positively or you thrived despite challenges, this show resonates deeply.

I highly recommend “Should Have Listened To My Mother” Podcast for its insightful, heartfelt and enriching content.

Gina Kunadian

"Should Have Listened To My Mother" would not be possible without the generosity, sincerity and insight from my guests. In 2018/2019, in getting ready to launch my podcast, so many were willing to give their time and share their personal stories of their relationship with their mother, for better or worse and what they learned from that maternal relationship. My guests and I

Some of my guests include Nationally and Internationally recognized authors, Journalists, Columbia University Professors, Health Practitioners, Scientists, Artists, Attorneys, Baritone Singer, Pulitzer Prize Winning Journalist, Activists, Freighter Sea Captain, Film Production Manager, Professor of Writing Montclair State University, Attorney and family advocate @CUNY Law; NYC First Responder/NYC Firefighter, Child and Adult Special Needs Activist, Property Manager, Chefs, Self Help Advocates, therapists and so many more talented and insightful women and men.

Jackie has worked in the broadcasting industry for over four decades. She has interviewed many fascinating people including musicians, celebrities, authors, activists, entrepreneurs, politicians and more.

A big thank you goes to Ricky Soto, NYC based Graphic Designer, who created the logo for "Should Have Listened To My Mother".

Check out our website for more background information: https://www.jackietantillo.com/

Or more demos of what's to come at https://soundcloud.com/jackie-tantillo

Link to website and show notes: https://shltmm.simplecast.com/

Or Find SHLTMM Website here: https://shltmm.simplecast.com/

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