Brené with Tarana Burke and Jason Reynolds on "You Are Your Best Thing"
Apr 28, 2021
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Tarana Burke, the founder of the #MeToo movement, and Jason Reynolds, an award-winning author, dive into the powerful anthology 'You Are Your Best Thing.' They discuss the importance of storytelling in highlighting the Black lived experience of vulnerability and shame resilience. The conversation touches on intergenerational trauma and its effects on marginalized communities, alongside personal narratives that illuminate complex emotions tied to loss and legacy. Their reflections emphasize compassion, the significance of familial bonds, and the journey toward self-forgiveness.
The anthology 'You Are Your Best Thing' emphasizes the unique challenges of vulnerability and shame resilience within the Black lived experience.
Brené and Tarana advocate for prioritizing lived experiences over academic credentials to enrich narratives and foster genuine inclusivity in anti-racist work.
Deep dives
The Genesis of the Anthology
The conversation between Brené Brown and Tarana Burke highlights the inception of their anthology, which centers on the Black experience of vulnerability and shame resilience. Tarana approached Brené with the idea after realizing the need for a project that reflects the unique challenges faced by Black individuals, particularly in light of societal issues stemming from racism. They recognized that while vulnerability is a universal concept, it manifests differently for Black people navigating systemic inequalities. This collaboration emerged not only from a professional relationship but also from a deep friendship, emphasizing the importance of shared lived experiences in shaping the work.
The Importance of Representation
The anthology, titled 'You Are Your Best Thing,' features contributions from 20 Black writers who share their narratives around love, life, and humanity. Brené expressed the need to authentically represent Black voices within her work, acknowledging past criticisms that her research did not always resonate with Black audiences. The conversation emphasized that lived experiences should take precedence over academic credentials in co-creating meaningful narratives. Both Brené and Tarana highlighted the significance of prioritizing Black humanity within anti-racist work to foster genuine inclusivity and understanding.
Co-Creation as Empowerment
Brené and Tarana discussed the concept of co-creation as essential for empowering marginalized voices, stressing that collaboration allows for a richer understanding of vulnerability within the Black experience. They agreed that lived experiences provide valuable insights that can enhance academic research and should be treated as equal partners in the storytelling process. The decision to work together was informed by a mutual recognition of their respective strengths, with Tarana bringing insight into Black narratives and Brené offering a framework around vulnerability. This cooperative model aims to showcase the breadth of Black humanity and resilience against societal shame.
Navigating the Complexities of Trauma
The dialogue explored the pervasive impact of intergenerational trauma on Black communities and how vulnerability is often seen as unsafe. They reflected on how systemic racism exacerbates experiences of shame and complicates expressions of vulnerability, making it vital to create safe spaces for these discussions. Brené noted that while vulnerability is a key component of resilience, societal structures frequently hinder its expression for Black individuals. Their goal is to articulate these experiences through the anthology, allowing for an exploration of collective trauma and resilience that resonates within and beyond the Black community.
This week’s episode features two audio essays from You Are Your Best Thing, an anthology on the Black lived experience of vulnerability and shame resilience, led by my friend Tarana Burke, an organizer, writer, activist, and the founder of the ‘me too.’ Movement. It starts with an introduction from Tarana and me, followed by an essay from Jason Reynolds, award-winning and #1 New York Times bestselling author. All of the essays in the book are urgent, compelling, heartbreaking, and heart-affirming. I’m proud and grateful to share this work with you.