Every year, Embracing the Legacy, our signature celebration, shines a spotlight on people who share the values and commitment to social justice embodied by the late Senator Robert F. Kennedy Sr. This year, we’re excited to recognize Susan Harris O'Connor. Susan is a distinguished activist, author, and performance artist who is influencing how we think about adoption, particularly for children of color and it’s a pleasure to honor her with the Embracing the Legacy Award.

Susan Harris O’Connor, MSW, LICSW, is a pioneering advocate and national leader in transracial adoption. Her groundbreaking work and personal narratives have made her a vital voice in shaping the discourse around adoption, especially for children of color. Susan has received numerous accolades, including the 2019 Outstanding Contributions to the Field of Social Work Award from Boston University and the 2018 Distinguished Professional Achievement Alumni Award from Worcester State University.

Adopted in the 1960s, Susan’s experiences as a transracial adoptee have deeply informed her understanding of the unique challenges faced by children of color adopted by white families. She is also the co-editor of Black Anthology: Adult Adoptees Claim Their Space, a groundbreaking collection potentially the first of its kind written entirely by Black adoptees.

Her journey into advocacy began with her autobiographical work, The Harris Narratives: An Introspective Study of a Transracial Adoptee. Since its release in 1996, these narratives have been performed over 100 times, including keynote addresses at prestigious venues such as Harvard Medical School, Smith College, and Yale Law. Susan's insights have reached influential organizations, including the Judicial Branch and the Office of the Child Advocate of Connecticut, Massachusetts General Hospital, the NAACP, Starbucks Coffee, and the Korean American Adoptive Family Network (KAAN). Her work continues to inspire and educate, making a lasting impact in the field of adoption.

Susan Harris O’Connor’s contributions reach far beyond the stage. Her writings provide deep insights into the complexities of transracial adoption, drawing from her lived experiences in the foster care system. As a powerful advocate, Susan addresses the challenges faced by transracial adoptees, particularly within systems often plagued by institutional racism. Her work promotes inclusive and equitable care for adoptive families.

Susan has also developed a racial identity model that serves as a valuable resource for child welfare professionals and adoptive parents. This model offers a comprehensive roadmap for understanding racial identity development among transracially adopted youth, and it has empowered adult adoptees to explore their identities. For over twenty-five years, her framework, encompassing five key areas of racial identity, has provided essential guidance in the field.

As a beacon of hope in transracial adoption, Susan Harris O’Connor illuminates the experiences of Black transracial adoptees. Her advocacy and educational efforts not only raise awareness but also pave the way for more equitable practices in child welfare, inspiring meaningful change within the adoption community and beyond.

Celebrate Susan with us at Embracing the Legacy on November 21 as we honor the life-changing work of our organization, and the remarkable contributions Susan makes to our communities every day. This is an event you definitely don’t want to miss! Join us and be part of something truly special!