What if the system was never built to protect us—but we rose up and did it anyway?There’s a moment in this episode that stopped me in my tracks. We were talking about navigating systems that weren’t designed with us in mind—school systems, child protection services, medical systems—and someone said: “They just have a title. They’re broken people, too.” That stayed with me.Because what do you do when the help you need comes from people who don’t understand your story?You gather your sisters. You speak the truth. You don’t wait for permission. And that’s exactly what we did in this conversation—six Black women, all of us deeply connected to community, family, and the sacred work of healing.The Women in the RoomThis roundtable was a heart-led, no-holds-barred conversation with women I deeply respect:ChaQuana McEntyre – A fierce mama of ten, former social worker, and truth-teller who speaks from lived experience.Mikilia Carroll – Founder of Aid for Autism, advocate, and the kind of mother every kid deserves in their corner.Porsche Gordin – A therapist and licensed alcohol & drug counselor who brings both clinical wisdom and lived empathy to the table.Jebeh Edmunds – Educator, Liberian American, and founder of Jebeh Cultural Consulting. Her work reshapes how schools honor identity and culture.Tatianna Kirk – My daughter and co-host, always grounding us in grace and purpose.We didn’t hold back. We talked about what we’ve lived, what we’ve seen, and what we’re still fighting for.🧭 What We CoveredThe weight of raising Black children in a system not built for themAutism advocacy, early signs, and why diagnosis isn't defeatThe thin line between discipline and shame—and why we need to stop hiding behind “that’s just how we were raised”What really changes when parents apologize to their kidsWhy reunification after foster care takes more than just paperworkThe unspoken grief of losing time with your childrenAnd the bold truth: prayer matters—but so does therapy, parenting classes, and showing up🗣️ Quotes Worth Sitting With“Your master's degree is a piece of paper. Being a Black woman—that’s what makes me show up the way I do.”“Give your kids the gift of believing in them.”“Voluntary services? Not really voluntary. It’s an offer with strings attached. Know that.”“Don't wait until the system checks you. Check yourself.”“Stop relying on Black resiliency to carry your kids. They're not okay. They're tired, too.”⏱ Chapter Markers03:01 Who we are and why we do this work14:34 Parenting lessons that changed how we show up23:42 Early signs of autism and the power of a mother’s instinct30:59 Cultural silence: why Black families delay diagnosis37:15 Mental health vs. “bad behavior”—how to tell the difference50:32 How shame and culture block us from getting help54:00 What to do when the school system fails your child1:04:00 Reunification and the real work it takes1:09:24 Final encouragement: therapy, prayer, accountability💬 This Week’s ReflectionWhere in your parenting (or your healing) journey are you relying on silence instead of support?What would it look like to ask for help, even if it feels uncomfortable?You don’t have to do it alone. But you do have to start.🙌 Stay Connected + Keep the Conversation GoingWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.divinekonnections.org/⁠Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/divinekonnectionsinc/⁠Follow Deyona on Instagram:⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/divine_konnections_inc/⁠ 💬 Love what you heard?Share this episode with a friend, and leave a 5-star review on Apple or Spotify to help this show reach more hearts and homes.✨ This is more than a podcast—it’s a movement. Thank you for being part of it.

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