7.13: The Importance of Black and Asian Solidarity

First Name Basis Podcast

To say I’m obsessed with New York Times bestselling author Joanna Ho’s novel “The Silence That Binds Us” is an understatement.

Yes, it’s a book technically written for young adults, but it’s also one adults need to read — because not only is it a beautiful story of grief, but it is also an impactful story about anti-racism.

I had the privilege of interviewing Joanna recently and talking to her about “The Silence That Binds Us” and specifically the lessons it teaches about Black and Asian solidarity. And just as much as “The Silence That Binds Us” is a book you don’t want to miss, this interview is one you’ll want to tune into as well!

In this episode, Joanna and I discuss:

• Her process in writing “The Silence That Binds Us.”
• What Black and Asian solidarity looks like.
• The power of stories in anti-racism work.
• What we can do about book banning in our communities.

Joanna Ho is the New York Times bestselling and award-winning author “Eyes that Kiss in the Corners” and “Eyes that Speak to the Stars.” She has extensive experience as an educator (she’s previously worked as an English teacher, a dean, the designer of an alternative-to-prison program, a creator of educator professional development, and a high school vice principal) and is passionate about anti-bias and anti-racism work. Joanna lives in the Bay Area where she enjoys chocolate chip cookies, being outside and having dance parties with her two kiddos.

Join us for a Policy Party

You know what anti-racism looks like in your home, now let’s take it into our communities! Join us for a Policy Party on Tuesday, Nov. 15, at 8 p.m. ET, where Lindsay Dusard will talk to us about refugee allyship!

At each Policy Party, we hang out over Zoom with experts from community-based organizations who will help us understand the issues and policies relevant to their area of expertise. Each party focuses on a different subject — anything from immigration to environmental justice and more! You’ll leave each party with specific actionable steps you can take to make your community more compassionate, inclusive and anti-racist.

My friend Lindsay will join us to discuss how we can be better allies to members of the refugee community. She has worked in refugee resettlement for over eight years and is currently a Ph.D. student at the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education, where her work focuses on understanding factors related to refugee and immigrant students’ sense of belonging, wel-lbeing and success in the U.S. school system.

First Name Basis Patreon members will receive free admission, or you can purchase a one-time Policy Party ticket at firstnamebasis.org/policyparty. If you can’t attend the Policy Party, replays are also available with admission.

Articles, Studies & Podcasts Referenced In The Episode

Joanna Ho’s website

Joanna Ho’s Instagram account @joannahowrites

Learn more about “The Silence That Binds Us”

Pre-order Joanna’s upcoming children’s book “One Day”

Pen America, which has reports about book bans in America and ideas about what you can do to help stop the bans

We Need Diverse Books, which advocates for diversity and representation in children’s literature.

Joanna Ho’s books

Song Credit: “Sleeper” by Steve Adams” and “Dive Down” by VYEN