[asher5]

I am the white biological child of a family that includes my biological brother and four transracially adopted sisters. (The girls are African-American, Vietnamese, Russian and Vietnamese, and South African, and they are the incredible joys of my life. I have pictures if anyone wants to see. ) I am also a graduate student at Columbia University and working on my master's project. For my project, I would like to write about adoption by African-American couples or single parents. The perception among many Americans of adoptive parents is of white couples, but I know that is an inadequate representation of the diversity of adoptive families. Celebrities like Angelina Jolie, Meg Ryan and Madonna may bring visibility to adoption, but they don't exactly do much to change this perception. Adoption by African-American parents has been increasing in recent years, but it has also been far more common than most people know for a long time. I understand that there are a variety of social and cultural factors that influence adoption in certain groups of people, and the experience differs for each parent.

For the project, I would like to meet with adoptive parents in the New York area and possibly into CT, NJ, PA and even Boston who are willing to speak with me. I live in the NY area, so it just need to be able to get to you within a couple hours. What I would like most is the ability to spend an extensive amount of time with a few families at any stage in the process, whether waiting for a match, preparing for a child's arrival, raising their children, with grown children, etc. Adoption is an incredibly sensitive and personal experience for each individual, and I want to be respectful of your privacy and the complexity of your decisions. I know that my own parents have often said that some days they wish that people treated them like any other family and not as "different." Publicity and attention occasionally make them uncomfortable. Hopefully, though, the article will convey the sense of beauty and struggle and daily normalcy that come with raising any children. Although I would prefer to use your names, we can also discuss alternative ways of referring to you, such as first name only or middle, etc. if that is a problem.

Essentially, I just want the chance to speak with you about you experiences, whether you adopted internationally or domestically, out of foster care or from an extended family member, within or outside of your race. My only requirement is that at least one parent be African-American or black (Caribbean, African, etc. is also great.). I appreciate your consideration of my request, and I hope you understand my desire to be respectful and supportive. I sincerely want to learn about your experiences and bring awareness to the multifaceted nature of adoption in America. I can be most easily reached via e-mail, which is listed below. I appreciate your help and look forward to hearing from some of you soon.

Sincerely,
Asher Fogle

Email edited out and thread closed. Research Project is complete and replies are no longer needed.

[asher5]

I just looked over my post and realized that I was not really clear that I am a journalism student and the piece is a long-form narrative article, not just necessarily a research project. Sorry if that was confusing, and I hope to speak with some of you soon. Thanks!

[rraiford]

Good luck with your article. I emailed you the other day. I hope you got my information.
Regina

[nickchris]

Best wishes on your project, I do not live in that area, but it is nice to find someone writing such an article.