In this Hairitage Talk episode, I sit down with Isaac Etter—transracial adoptee, dad, and founder of Identity and Parenting Different—to talk honestly about adoption, race, and what it means to parent differently so our kids feel truly seen, heard, and valued.

Isaac shares his story of being adopted as a Black child into a white family and growing up in mostly white spaces, and how that shaped his sense of belonging, identity, and confidence. If you're a foster, adoptive, or kinship parent—or you love a child navigating complex identity and hair stories—this conversation will provide you with language, tools, and hope.

Isaac's Website

Personal site: https://www.isaacetter.com

Identity – Adoptive & Foster Parenting Website: https://www.identitylearning.co

Parenting Different Website / newsletter + resources: https://www.parentingdifferent.com

For 15 years, Styles 4 Kidz has been transforming lives—one child, one family, and one hairstyle at a time. From building confidence through culturally competent hair care to empowering foster, adoptive, and biracial families with the skills and support they need, S4K has been a lifeline for thousands.

As we celebrate 15 years of service, we invite you to join our 15 for 15 Giving Campaign—a call for 500 Champions to commit to just $15 a month. Your monthly gift ensures that Styles 4 Kidz can continue providing high-quality training, trauma-informed support, scholarships, and community programs for another 15 years and beyond. https://secure.givelively.org/donate/...

In honor of National Adoption Month, we share two powerful stories of love, healing, identity, and belonging from adoptees Kiante Conger and Tony Parsons. In this very special episode, Kiante and Tony offer heartfelt insights into growing up as part of transracial adoptive families. Together with the show's co-host, Luke Mitchell, transracial adoptee, they explore how their experiences shaped their racial identities and the lasting impact on their lives today.

Join us as they discuss the evolving importance of hair care and its cultural significance while also addressing key moments in their lives where they sought emotional support and counseling as adoptees. This conversation provides a rare glimpse into the joys and challenges of navigating life in a transracial adoptive community, both during childhood and as adults. Don't miss the opportunity to hear their stories firsthand as they reflect on what it means to find identity and belonging in the embrace of family and culture.

Tamekia Swint speaks with Loyola University's Chicago School of Law, law and social justice professor Anita Weinberg, Jocelyn Fetting, an aspiring intern for the IDCFS Statewide Youth Advisory Board, and Ni'Yuana Baker, intern for the central region of the Illinois Statewide Youth Advisory Board, about the HB 5097 bill. A call to action by the DCFS Statewide Youth Advisory Board to help youth maintain their connection to culture and identity while in foster care through proper hair care.

For more information on the Youth Advisory Board: dcfs.illinois.gov/brighter-futures/independence/ statewide-youth-advisory-board.html

Contact Anita Weinberg at aweinbe@luc.edu to initiate a bill like HB 5097 in your state.