Beth Blumklotz Grew Up Biracial In A “Liberal” Town

In the immediate aftermath of George Floyd’s murder, protests against police brutality sprung up in cities across the country, and there has been a reckoning about the continued inequality that exists in our society. Beth Blumklotz grew up African-American and white, raised in a white adoptive household. She observed the duality of how people are treated due to the color of their skin, even in a supposedly liberal city like Portland, Oregon. Sarah speaks with Beth about raising a black son, the discrimination she endured as a young person, and how systemic racism is not black people’s problem to solve.

Beth Blumklotz is a life coach who specializes in relationships, adoption, and advocacy & labor organizing. Beth helps individuals become allies and get from wherever they are to where they want to be, with grace and fearlessness.

Grief Gratitude & Greatness is hosted by Sarah Shaoul and is a production of Recursive Delete Audio/Visual in Portland, Oregon.

This episode was produced & edited by Jack Saturn, with additional production by Sarah. The music was by Samantha Jensen.

This episode is sponsored by Lori Mason Design. When someone close to us dies, having a reminder of them that you can see everyday and keep close to you can be a great comfort. Lori crafts memorial quilts for the deceased, transforming their garments — their favorite Hawaiian shirts, their judge's robes, uniforms and other personal fabrics — into a piece of art that reflects their lives. Visit http://LoriMasonDesign.com/ to check out examples of how she honors each individual's unique life with her art.

Grief Gratitude & Greatness is the recipient of a 2020 grant from the Regional Arts & Culture Council.

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