Episode 15 - Annie Talks Black History Month with Monikalynn Lehua Hawkins | Growing Up Bi-Racial

For this Celebration Awareness series, we recognize the entire month of February as BLACK HISTORY MONTH and we celebrate those who have paved the way and pioneered for African-Americans who follow in their footsteps. On this episode #15 of Annie Talks, I had the privilege of speaking with Monikalynn Lehua Hawkins on what Black History Month means to her. I met Monika toward the end of 2017. To me, she is referred to as "Kumu Hula" which is "master teacher in the art of Hula," the word "Kumu" meaning "source" in Hawaiian. Monika is a strong, empowered biracial woman, born to an African-American father and a Hawaiian mother. She shares what Black History Month means to her, but also shares what it means to be Hawaiian. She talks about her experiences growing up in a biracial household, the stereotypes and stigmas she and her family faced on both sides of the spectrum while identifying with the best of both worlds culturally. So here now, is my conversation with Monikalynn Lehua Hawkins Don't forget: 1) I'd really love to hear from you all, so tell me where you're listening from! Leave a comment in the comment section. Also, let me know what topics you'd like to hear about and we may just feature them in a future podcast with a shout out to you for suggesting it! 2) If you haven't already checked out my YouTube channel, be sure to visit www.YouTube.com/c/AnnieRivera. You can check out the video with Monikalynn Lehua Hawkins on BLACK HISTORY MONTH and other interesting videos on fitness, product reviews, tutorials, my CELEBRATION AWARENESS series, and other Annie Talks episodes. 3) And last but not least, if you haven't already SUBSCRIBED to my podcast, be sure to hit SUBSCRIBE to be notified of new episodes. Thank you all again for stopping by and keep listening to ANNIE TALKS. For more information on Hālau Hula Ka Lehua Ma'ukele, visit https://www.facebook.com/halau.kalehuamaukele MUSIC Annie Talks theme song by Music by Keahi "Ocean Beach" by Dan Leibowitz “Realism" by Text Me Records / Grandbankss “Luly” by Text Me Records / Grandbankss “Urban Lullaby” by Jimmy Fontanez/Doug Maxwell “No Slope” by Freedom Trail Studio “Raw Deal” by Gunnar Olsen “Cali Buzz” by Yung Logos Kahiko (chant): E Hoi Kealoha Hula: Pua Ahihi