Found Family with MaryB. Safrit

From Ethnic Loneliness to Belonging (feat. Prasanta Verma)

June 12, 2024 MaryB. Safrit

Today's episode is the story of a woman who moved beyond ethnic loneliness by embracing her ethnic identity and finding belonging. 

Prasanta Verma (MBA, MPH) (she/her) was born under an Asian sun, raised in the Appalachian foothills in the South, and now resides in the Upper Midwest. Her essays and poetry have been published in Sojourners, Propel Women, (in)courage, Inheritance Magazine, the Indianapolis Review, Barren Magazine, and the Mudroom blog. She served as a speech and debate coach for over ten years. When she's not writing, speaking, or working, she's drinking chai, walking, or reading. Prasanta lives with her family in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

In this episode, you'll hear Prasanta and I discuss:

  • The universal and nuanced experiences of loneliness for BIPOC
  • How to find agency and belonging for ourselves
  • Tips for creating safe commmunity
  • What Indian food teaches us about Indian culture
  • And how white folks can support BIPOC friends experiencing ethnic loneliness. 

Beyond Ethnic Loneliness is available wherever you buy books. Follow Prasanta on IG @prasantaverma and on X @vermaprasanta. Check out more of her work on her website, prasantaverma.com

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