Tune-in Tuesday: Episode 78
Episode 78
Kari Gunter-Seymour & Britnie
Here at "The Anna Jinja Show," we believe that belonging isn't just found, it's actively created. It's in the connections we forge, the values we embrace, and the experiences that shape us. And sometimes, the most profound sense of belonging comes through the power of story. In our latest episode, host Anna Jinja welcomes a truly remarkable voice: Kari Gunter-Seymour, the Poet Laureate of Ohio and an Academy of American Poets Laureate Fellowship recipient. A ninth-generation Appalachian and the driving force behind the Women of Appalachia Project, Kari's work illuminates the often-unseen corners of human experience with both strength and profound solace.
This episode delves into the heart of storytelling and collaboration, sparked by a unique workshop that paired participants with artists. While one participant, Britnie, couldn't join us for the recording, her powerful insights and story are central to our conversation. Britnie, who beautifully articulates her dual Filipino and Jamaican heritage, offers a compelling perspective on the theme of "adoption" – not just in the traditional sense, but in how we actively choose the people, values, and even the language that become a part of us.
As Britnie shared, "I pick up my friends' language, and it becomes a part of me... Saying a word brings back memories of people I've known before." Kari shares her initial reaction to Britnie's narrative and the inspiring process of collaborating to create a piece that resonated with Britnie's experience. Even in her absence, Britnie's voice shines through as Kari recounts the elements of her story that were most impactful and how they navigated the creative journey together.
This episode is a testament to the connective power of stories, the beauty of collaboration, and the profound truth that each of us deserves to feel seen, heard, and deeply loved. Britnie's story, woven through Kari's artistry, reminds us that our chosen connections and adopted influences profoundly shape who we are.