Deidra Riggs: Holding Space for Hopelessness (& an anti-racist holiday)

We started off 2021 interviewing Deidra Riggs, and that’s how we’re ending the year, too! On January 6th, 2021 we launched our first podcast of the year, interviewing Deidra about how 2021 would be “The Year of Dismantling: Eliminating Systems that Marginalize and Oppress.” She is back this week to share what she has been working on and learning this year.

Full disclosure, I had originally asked Deidra to come on and talk about how we can have “an anti-racist holiday,” but our conversation morphed into SO.MUCH.MORE than that. Deidra shared about the power of anchoring yourself in your own story and culture, how to hold space for hopelessness, and how hopelessness is the real thing that pushes us towards change, and rooting our anti-racism work in love rather than shame.

I learn so much every time I talk to Deidra, and I’m so excited to share this conversation with you! Be sure to listen all the way to the end to hear her talk about a BOOK SLAM she is doing on December 6th. It’s $15 to participate and we at the Lady Preacher Podcast are sponsoring FIVE people to participate. All you have to do is reach out (send us an email or DM) and we’ll pay the fee on your behalf. First come, first served. You won’t want to miss it.

Following this episode with Deidra, we’ll be taking a short break through December. Thanks for being on the journey with us for 2021 - we’ll see you next year!

Love, your Lady Preacher Podcast team: Pastor Kelsey Beebe & Bri Daniel (our AMAZING sound editor!)

LINKS FOR THINGS MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST:

• Advent Devotional
• Deidra Riggs Website, Instagram, & Patreon
• Book for the Book Slam

Be sure to connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, or on our website!!

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In Deidra’s own words:

I’m Deidra (pronounced “Dee-dra”), your JEDI (Justice Equity Diversity and Inclusion) Coach. I identify as black, cishet, and my pronouns are she/her. I’ve been married to Harry for 30+ years. We have two adult children, Jordan and Alex, and one son-in-law, Benson. We also have two dogs, Santana and Sasha. Harry is an ordained minister in the American Baptist Church. I don’t go to church. I am a Christian. I think.

In this space, we value curiosity. We apologize when we do wrong. We do not make space for bullying or othering. All opinions are welcome.

I mess up. I sometimes get defensive. I apologize. I am always learning, always growing.

I’ve written two books for traditional publishers. You can read more about those here. My most recent project is the ebook, “30 Days to Being Actively Anti-Racist on Social Media.” You can learn more and purchase the ebook when you click here.

I am a Qualified Administrator of the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) and I work with individuals, faith communities, organizations, companies, and groups to help identify opportunities for growth in your anti-racist and intercultural journey. Connect with me to schedule an assessment and to begin working on a plan to expand your capacity for cultural competency.

I live in Bloomfield, Connecticut. I love disco, design, and diversity.