“Mama, Are we Black or White?” and Other Intergenerational Conversations for Freedom By OiYan Poon

Dr. OiYan Poon, a nationally recognized scholar on race and education, will discuss how answering her daughter’s questions about race inspired her book Asian American Is Not a Color: Conversations About Race, Affirmative Action, and Family. Recognizing that even young children seek to understand complex issues, Dr. Poon emphasizes the importance of nurturing curiosity about race, gender, and oppression.

Amidst nationwide debates and restrictive policies targeting educators and librarians, Dr. Poon reflects on the challenges of parenting and teaching in this current political climate. She advocates for fostering intergenerational conversations about how communities and leaders resist marginalization and advance social justice. Her talk underscores the critical role of education in cultivating knowledge and understanding in a diverse society.