From Adoptees to Advocates: Changing the Narrative on Family and Identity
Celebrating African American Adoptees Who Are Shaping Black History
This Black History Month, we’re shining a spotlight on four African American adoptees—each one a testament to the power of advocacy and unshakable resilience. At Identity, we believe these stories have the power to redefine how we view family, belonging, and our shared history. Over the next four weeks, you’ll meet trailblazers who are challenging us all to embrace every facet of our identities. From bestselling authors to pioneering educators, each is making waves—and now you’ll find out how and why.
Stay tuned for their stories! Each week, a new email will land in your inbox, spotlighting one of these inspiring figures. We can’t wait for you to discover how their passion and insight might spark change in your own community.
Here’s a glimpse of who you’ll meet:
Rhonda M. Roorda
Adopted by a white family as a Black child, Rhonda went on to co-author several seminal books on transracial adoption. Her work combines personal experience with research-based insights, guiding families toward greater empathy and understanding.Keegan-Michael Key
Keegan-Michael Key, born on March 22, 1971, in Southfield, Michigan, is a renowned actor and comedian best known for co-creating and starring in the sketch comedy series "Key & Peele." Adopted at birth by social workers Michael Key and Patricia Walsh, a biracial couple from Detroit, Key was the son of an African-American father and a white mother. At 25, he reunited with his biological mother, deepening his understanding of his heritage.Angela Tucker
A widely recognized advocate for adoptee rights, Angela’s transparent storytelling around race and identity sparks vital discussions. She founded the Adoptee Mentoring Society and continues to champion adoptee voices through her film, Closure, workshops, and her book “You Should Be Grateful.”Alec Ingold
A professional NFL fullback adopted at birth, Alec founded the Alec Ingold Foundation to empower children in foster care and adoption. Through scholarships, mentorships, and community programs, he’s helping the next generation reach their fullest potential—mirroring the unwavering support he received growing up.
Our mission is to foster genuine, open-hearted dialogue—breaking down barriers and shining a light on the resilience, joy, and complexity that shape every individual’s story. By spotlighting these four incredible adoptees, we hope to empower you to reflect on your own perspectives, challenge cultural norms, and help build communities where every voice is heard. Whether you’re an adoptee, adoptive parent, ally, or simply eager to learn more, we promise these stories will leave you with insights that resonate far beyond Black History Month.
At Identity, we believe that every person’s unique story can spark transformative conversations around race, family, and adoption. In the coming weeks, we’ll dive deeper into each of our four advocates' experiences to uncover the impact they’re making on how we view and talk about adoption. We can’t wait for you to join us on this inspiring journey—stay tuned!
