*Note from Ayanna - In one part of the episode, I mistakenly said the wrong name for an event that occurred. I said that Jackie Robinson after a game had scratched at his skin, wanting it to be white because of the way he was treated. It was not Jackie Robinson but another baseball player (not named) who was coached by the same person who had brought on Jackie Robinson. I apologize for that misinformation but the statement and significance still hold true. Here is writing describing the events which took place and the person who had done this. - http://digital.lib.lehigh.edu/trial/reels/films/list/0_83_8_7347 *

On this episode, I sat down with Maya Echols to discuss what dating is like in today's society as black women and also the fetishization of mixed-race children. Throughout the episode, Maya and I had a range of conversations, sometimes moving away from the main topics at hand, such as talking about the differences in how society views things such as hairstyles, clothing, and accessories on black women as ratchet and ghetto but on women of other races as aesthetically pleasing. We talked about the comments made by black men towards black women at young ages and now, how black women are portrayed in T.V. shows and movies and how it plays a role in how people in society view black women, and much much more.

This is a very honest conversation and one, similar to how normal conversations go, brings in experiences, observances, and stories from a range of topics to tie them into what is at the center of the conversation! I hope you enjoy it!

If you want to follow Maya and look at the work she is doing and the educational information she is providing, you can follow her on:

1. Instagram - @mayaechols

2. TikTok - @mayaechols

3. YouTube - @mayaechols

and you can also follow her clothing brand, made for tall women:

1. Instagram - @shop45six

As always, make sure you are following The Melanin Sound Wave on Instagram (@themelaninsoundwave) and on all podcasting platforms so you know when episodes come out and can further educate yourselves! Enjoy listening!

*To all the black girls who are listening to this episode, remember that those who are saying negative things about your skin, your hair, how you look is only a reflection of themselves and their insecurities and nothing to do with who you are. You are beautiful, you are deserving of love and care, and while it may not seem like it now and is hard to understand, you are more than worthy and deserving of everything you want. Don't want to change and wish to be someone else because you think it will be easier or you will get more attention. You will get the attention and love you deserve, so for now, focus on yourself, building yourself, and loving yourself. We are all here to cheer you on!*