Diversity Rules Magazine

4 Diversity Rules Magazine January 2017 Gina I. Humber is a national speaker on diversity and educa- tion, a NYC teacher and an ac- complished author. She gradu- ated from City College of New York, where she earned her mas- ter's degree in Special Education and a minor in African Ameri- can History. Gina has self published It's All Good- A children's book that helps buildGood self acceptance and esteem in children who look different or feel different in a world that minimizes people to categories and biases. While at the same time gives a true child's perspective on diversity and opens up children to discuss and cel- ebrate their differences. Gina has been a radio guest on the Maggie Linton Show on Sirius xm, and on the Manny Faces radio show here in NYC. She is also a highly sought after guest speaker on numerous other media platforms. Her expertise and frankness on race and education has catapulted her to creating Diversity Is A Verb LLC. is company works with schools and youths org, empowering them with books, educational material and speakers geared to improving academics, social behavior and self acceptance. Gina is married to Reginald Frierson, they have 5 chil- dren. ey reside in Connecticut at their home, and in Pelham Manor NY. Find out more about Gina at: www.ginahumber.com JRK: Can you tell us a bit about your background, where you are from and all that good introductory "stuff?" GH: (Laughing) Well… to make a long story short, I was young and had five children, struggled going to college but eventually acquired my Masters in Edu- cation. I have always enjoyed education but not so much the educators, I am very much like a square peg trying to fit in a round hole. And I taught with that in mind, keeping the mindset that we are all different in our perspectives and our learning, and gained much success in teaching that way. I am an African Ameri- can woman who comes from a middle class entrepre- neurial family who believe you work hard, believe in your cause, your mission, your dream, and the world will open up to you. However, big or small your per- ception of the world is. JRK: You recently wrote a children's book entitled, "It's All Good." What prompted you to write the book? GH: Several reasons prompted such a book… both personal. Ten years ago, my daughter Bryana #4, struggled with her looks, and ultimately her identity in this world. And if you can't find your identity, you become lost, and she at six years old felt lost. She couldn't see herself in me or in sisters who were lighter in complexion than her, and I as her mother couldn't find children's books that addressed melanin and what that conversation looks like between a parent and their child. My second reason...my students...How many books can you count on one hand has images of chil- dren with a disability? Or children with a disability as the main character throughout the book? I actually can't...and as a special education teacher I understood the importance of being visible in the world we live in, and what the voice of someone who is seen sounds like. And I know what not being visible in a world It's All Good An Interview With Gina Humber by Jim Koury, Editor/Publisher

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