In celebration of National Adoption Month, Little Rock nonprofit F.A.I.T.H. Mommies and Curls is offering a free educational event aimed at families navigating the unique challenges of interracial and foster adoption. The gathering, titled “In Their Own Words,” will take place on Nov. 19 at 5:30 p.m. in the Pankey Community Center.
Panel shares lived experiences
The centerpiece of the event is a panel discussion featuring individuals who were fostered or adopted by families of a different race. Founder LaShanna Bruce explained, “What we are doing this month is from the voices of those children that have been fostered or adopted outside of their race, in their own words.” Panelists will discuss cultural differences, identity formation, and everyday concerns such as hair care and skin care.
Book signing and resources
Following the discussion, Bruce will host a book signing for her newest work, which examines interracial adoption from multiple perspectives, including both parents and children. The book offers practical advice and personal stories that reinforce the event’s focus on education, cultural awareness, and community support.
Who should attend
Bruce emphasized that the event is open to a broad audience: foster parents, adoptive parents, biracial families, Department of Human Services workers, adoption agency staff, and anyone interested in learning how to support children raised outside of their birth culture. “If you are fostering, if you are adopting, if you have a biracial family, if you are in DHS, if you are doing anything in the adoption world, come out and hear the voices of those that have lived experience,” she said.
Community focus
The nonprofit’s mission—Foster, Adopt, Interracial Transformation and Harmony—reflects a commitment to strengthening families through faith‑based values and practical resources. Bruce noted, “It takes everyone. It takes a village. I know that’s cliché, but it takes a village to wrap around and have supportive services for families that may not know, or that know but need more information on how to raise their children outside of their culture.”
Free attendance and refreshments
Admission to the event is free, and light refreshments will be provided. Organizers hope the gathering will foster a supportive network for families navigating cultural differences and help children develop a strong sense of identity.
For more information, contact F.A.I.T.H. Mommies and Curls through their website or social media channels.
Original reporting: KATV Little Rock (local) — read the source article.
