357th Floor: Love, Race, and the Reality in Between
Manage episode 478349497 series 3654117
What happens when a Black man and a Filipino woman fall in love and build a life together for nearly two decades? Kory and Gen pull back the curtain on their interracial relationship, revealing the beautiful and challenging reality they've navigated since meeting at an unexpected place.
Their story transcends typical discussions about race by delving into the personal experiences that shaped their worldviews before they met. Kory shares how growing up Black meant dealing with overt racism where "people either treated you very well or very bad," while Gen describes navigating the unique challenges of being Filipino-American, often facing "invisibility and stereotypes" in spaces that failed to acknowledge Asian identities.
Family acceptance didn't come instantly. These growing pains eventually transformed into genuine love and acceptance across family lines.
Perhaps most revealing are their candid discussions about navigating public spaces as an interracial couple. Rather than becoming bitter, they've protected their peace and developed empathy.
Their relationship stands on a foundation of shared values and mutual cultural immersion. As Kory says, "You marry someone, you marry into the culture and the history." The journey has taught them patience, forgiveness, and the wisdom to choose their battles. Their powerful message for listeners? In the fight against racism, "the more love you pour on this fire, the quicker it's going to go out."
Connect with us and join a conversation that brings understanding, not assumptions. Look up, and let's elevate!
Chapters
1. 357th Floor: Love, Race, and the Reality in Between (00:00:00)
2. Welcome to Take the Elevator (00:00:15)
3. Upcoming Events and Children's Book (00:00:51)
4. Introducing Our Interracial Relationship (00:02:55)
5. How We Met at a Club (00:04:54)
6. The Beauty in Our Differences (00:09:11)
7. Experiencing Racism as Black and Filipino (00:11:32)
8. Family Acceptance and Challenges (00:18:40)
9. Navigating Public Perception Together (00:25:23)
10. What Our Relationship Has Taught Us (00:27:28)
11. Love as the Solution to Racism (00:31:15)
358 episodes