Book Review: How We Show Up: Reclaiming Family Friendship and Community by Mia Birdsong
Julie Johnson, Integrate Community Manager
Mia Birdsong uses story, data and strategy to teach readers how we have the autonomy to build our own sense of family within our own neighborhoods.
Objectives:
Learner’s will:
-Identify ways communiy can be supportive to them in ways that are recriprocal non-hierarchical
-Examine complex power dynamics of relationships within a family and community system through the stories shared in the book
Outcomes:
After reading this blog, learner’s may:
-Add MiaBirdsong’s Book “How We Show Up” to a prioritized reading list
-Run to their local independent bookstore to pick up a copy of the book
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Mia Birdsong is a social worker and author who has written extensively about family, race, and social justice
Mia Birdsong has long been a beacon of social justice and family advocacy, both in her professional career as well as her writing. With more than two decades of experience working with families, Birdsong is an expert on self-determination and adapting to ever-changing societal norms. Most recently, she serves as the co-director of Family Story, dedicated to reframing the outdated idea of the American family, and prior to this was the Vice President of the Family Independence Initiative. Through this work, Birdsong promotes BlPOC family empowerment and leverages data and stories to show how these individuals are capable of improving their own lives independently, despite the oppressive systems of injustices around them. In addition to her professional roles, Birdsong has also made a name for herself through her writings on topics such as race and politics. She has written many books on these topics including essays from literary giants like Edwidge Danticat. Her work has been widely acclaimed for its ability to provide powerful insight into contemporary issues that so often go unnoticed or remain underrepresented within society. Mia Birdsong is an inspirational example of what can be achieved when one speaks their truth without fear or hesitation – something we should all aspire to do in our own lives.
How We Show Up is a collection of essays that explore the author’s personal relationships with family and friends
Mia Birdsong’s How We Show Up is an inspiring and deeply reflective collection of essays that explore the author’s personal relationships with family and friends. The stories shared in this compilation are a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, as so many bravely share their stories of joy, pain, trauma, and love. Through her words, Birdsong allows readers to access a window into how we show up in our lives when faced with all kinds of experiences. Each essay reveals the power of love and community as it transcends cultural boundaries and becomes the backbone for our lives. By bringing together multiple voices from different backgrounds and perspectives, How We Show Up serves as a reminder that no matter how difficult things may be, we can find strength by leaning on those around us. Ultimately, this book serves as a powerful reminder that with love comes healing, hope and transformation – something that is desperately needed right now.
The book is moving, honest, and often funny – it provides readers with a rare glimpse into the complexities of familial relationships
It wonderfully documents the real-life stories of neighbors, friends or chosen family members that come together against the background of a society that seeks to divide. The tales are interwoven with humor, heartbreak, joy and sadness – providing a unique glimpse into the lives of characters from all walks of life. Through their stories we not only gain insight into how individuals interact in difficult times but also how they form tight bonds despite being surrounded by division. Many of the stories within How We Show Up are facing challengies of Xenophobia, Racism, and Homophobia in their lives outside of the communities they have built with care. However, within their communities of chosen family and friends, they experience supportive relationship dynamics where everyone is worthy of connection just by simply existing.
Overall, How We Show Up is an important book that will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled with family dynamics or questioned their place in the world. It offer’s reader’s lived experiences and strategies in how we can co-create a world of equiy just by building discernment around who allow inside the walls of the most intimate part of our lives.
Application:
Receive a copy of the How We Show Up
Make a list of people in your life who you would consider a part of your personal community.
Create reminders within your personal calendar system to check in on each one of them at least once a month