We had the good fortune of connecting with Amanda Justice and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amanda, how does your business help the community?
My business is focused on creating a positive impact and safe space for adoptees. I am an African American woman who was adopted into an Italian American/Irish American home at 3 days old.

Growing up I lacked racial mirrors. I felt so alone and misunderstood. It took years for me to develop self confidence and to not be ashamed of my adoption. My parents did the best they could but I faced many challenges growing up in a white home.

Kids would tease and make fun of me, and it made it hard for me to accept myself. My business educates white adoptive parents who are going to or already adopted a child of color and empowers other adoptees to speak their truth and share their stories. I will continue to educate, advocate and empower so other young girls like me can have the confidence and experiences I didn’t have growing up.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I have an online platform that provides education, training and community for Adoptees and white adoptive parents who are adopting children of another race, more specifically black children. I am an adult transracial adoptee which means I am of one race and I was adopted into another race. There is a huge need for awareness and education on adoption not just transracial adoption. Most adoptees do not have access to birth family, birth records. Some of us don’t even know our exact birthdates. It’s important for the prospective and current adoptive parents to seek out resources that will be useful for them especially when adopting a child outside of their race.

Growing up in the 90’s my parents did not have the internet or be able to connect to people all over. It’s important that adoptees are heard and placed at the forefront in the adoption community. There are so many issues surrounding adoption and the system needs a lot of work. I want to be able to encourage change within the system and advocate for those who aren’t able to advocate for themselves.

I provide trainings to adoption agencies who are ethical, meaning they aren’t just looking for a paycheck but great families for children. I also provide coaching for white adoptive parents who need guidance and support on raising their children of color.
Adoption is going to happen whether we like it or not, I would rather be providing education and resources to white adoptive parents because if they know better, they can do better. They will not be able to support their child of color 100% but that is where me and my services come into play.

Starting this business was not easy and some days it’s harder than others. This kind of work can be emotionally draining and triggering but I am so passionate about creating change that it’s worth the emotional labor, I make sure to protect my peace at all times and create boundaries for others so I do not get overwhelmed and burnt out.

I am proud of the woman I am becoming and I look forward to making a positive impact in the lives of others.
If I am able to share my own lived experiences these younger transracial adoptees may not have to struggled as much as i did.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
NEW YORK DUH!!

I was raised about an hour away from NYC on Long Island but ever chance I got I would be in the city.

We would definitely make this a weekend trip Friday- Sunday. When we first arrive we will relax go out for some drinks at a rooftop lounge in midtown Manhattan. We would just pick one and see how it was, if we don’t like it go to another. Just go with the flow there’s always something to do in NY lol!

Saturday we would sleep in for a little order some room service and then get ready to see an afternoon Broadway Show. I’ve seen so many already but if I had to see one again, It would be Aladdin or Lion King. ( love them both). After the show we can grab a bite to eat a Carmine’s Italian Restaurant In Times Square. There food is amazing and their portion sizes are worth the price. After dinner we can go for an evening stroll, do some shopping and then turn it down so we can head out to brunch on Sunday.

Sunday we can catch the champagne brunch at Beauty & Essex. This is one of my favorite brunch spots in NYC. Food is so good, Vibe is great they have a DJ and music is always on point. If you have never been, you must go. They also have one in L..A that I went to, same experience.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
In 2019, I was going through a very difficult time. I finally decided to speak with a professional and started working with a therapist. I didn’t have such a great past when it came to therapy but I figured I would give it one last shot. My therapist helped my in so many ways and gave me the confidence to be my true self. She completely changed my life and I believe if it wasn’t for her I wouldn’t have been able to start sharing my story.

About a year later I began to talk about my adoption on Youtube which led me to Instagram. I started to connect with other adoptees and realized that I wasn’t the only one who experienced rejection, abandonment and guilt related to adoption. it really helped to feel a part of something when you felt alone for so long.

I connected with success coach, India Miles who gave me the motivation, respect and support to monetize my story. I honesty new it was possible needed some direction. India was able to see where my pain was coming from and assist me in making it purposeful.

Website: www.blackgirlwhitefamily.com

Instagram: @blackgirlwhitefamily

Facebook: Amanda Justice

Youtube: Black Girl White Family

Other: Email : Info@blackgirlwhitefamily.com

Image Credits
Dwayne Hazelwood Breanna Shaw, Bybrea.com Ashley Salango

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.