A Conversation with Sarah Lutterodt, Author of "Worlds Apart: A Memoir of Uncertain Belonging"

Introduction

On a recent evening, I had the pleasure of speaking with Sarah Lutterodt about her memoir, Worlds Apart: A Memoir of Uncertain Belonging. Sarah graciously shared her life story, her experiences as a biracial family, and her reflections on culture, racism, and identity.

Sarah’s Background and Life Journey

Sarah began by describing her upbringing on a farm in Southern England, where she grew up in a traditional British Catholic household. Despite not being wealthy, her family came from an upper-class background that felt constrained within its bubble. This upbringing laid the groundwork for her journey of self-discovery and belonging as she navigated the complexities of life across continents.

At the age of 26, Sarah's life took a significant turn when she moved to Congo and later to Ghana at 28, where she ultimately fell in love with the country and met her husband. They had three children amidst the turbulent socio-economic climate of the late 1970s and early 80s, which eventually led them to relocate to Washington DC in 1980.

Challenges of Raising a Biracial Family

Sarah discussed the challenges her biracial children faced in America, particularly during their early years. The eldest was seven, with the middle child aged five and the youngest just one when they arrived. Her daughter, who was just starting school, would come home saying, "They don't like me because I'm brown," highlighting the painful reality of racism they encountered. Sarah explained that the family was new to the country and unprepared for how society viewed them.

While her husband worked at Howard University, an historically Black college, they found some comfort in the mixed faculty community. However, Sarah recalled feeling out of place, being seen as odd due to their backgrounds and experiences from Africa.

Overcoming Discrimination and Building a Business

Sarah went on to describe her career journey. After struggling to find a university job in the US despite her qualifications, she eventually found work with a training company after the Three Mile Island nuclear accident. It was a daunting experience, as she had to establish credibility in a male-dominated industry. Learning to assert herself was crucial; she recalled a turning point when she challenged her boss for not including her in important meetings. This moment gave her the confidence to continue advocating for herself and her work.

In 1997, she founded her own business, but she also faced discrimination as a woman in a primarily male field. Throughout her journey, Sarah learned various strategies to navigate these challenges, including what she called the "Innocence Game," allowing her to build rapport by asking questions rather than asserting authority.

Finding Inspiration in Richard Rohr

Later in life, Sarah discovered the writings of Richard Rohr, a Franciscan friar and author. His teachings about spirituality and humility resonated deeply with her, allowing her to explore her beliefs on a more profound level. His emphasis on embracing humanity amidst the chaos struck a chord, and she attended a retreat at his center in Albuquerque.

The Memoir Writing Process

Writing her memoir became a personal journey of reflection, allowing Sarah to process her life experiences, especially as she revisited her childhood memories. She explained that although she didn't initially set out to write with a specific audience in mind, she found catharsis in recounting her journey and transforming it into a narrative. Working with a coach, she was encouraged to delve deeper into her emotions and experiences as she wrote.

The COVID-19 pandemic provided a unique backdrop for her writing, giving her the motivation to put her story into words. The book encapsulates not only her challenges but also the beauty of her experiences across different cultures.

Reflections on Racism and Change

When discussing the experiences of her children today, Sarah noted that society has become more accepting of mixed-race families compared to the 1980s. However, she remarked on how her husband has been impacted by his experiences with racism and the mixed emotions surrounding identity. Her daughters are actively involved in promoting cultural awareness and equality in their respective fields, turning challenges into opportunities to empower others.

As for Sarah, she has not only cultivated her passion for writing but is also involved in philanthropic efforts in Ghana. She and her husband support small businesses and educational initiatives, highlighting the resilience of communities and the importance of connection across cultures.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Sarah Lutterodt’s memoir is a testament to her journey of identity and belonging, and through her reflections, she sheds light on the importance of understanding and embracing diversity. Her story is an inspiring reminder that connecting across cultures can enrich our lives, foster understanding, and build a more inclusive society.

Keywords

• Sarah Lutterodt
• "Worlds Apart"
• Memoir
• Uncertain belonging
• Biracial family
• Racism
• Identity
• Richard Rohr
• Writing process
• Philanthropy

FAQ

1. What is Sarah Lutterodt's background?
Sarah grew up on a farm in Southern England and later lived in Congo and Ghana before moving to the United States.

2. What challenges did Sarah face as a mother of a biracial family?
Sarah's children experienced racism in school, particularly when they were younger, which was painful for the family.

3. How did Sarah's career evolve over the years?
After facing challenges finding a university job in the U.S., she worked for a training company before starting her own business in 1997.

4. Who is Richard Rohr, and how did he influence Sarah?
Richard Rohr is a Franciscan friar whose teachings on spirituality and love inspired Sarah as she explored her beliefs.

5. What is the focus of Sarah's memoir?
Her memoir, Worlds Apart, reflects on her life's journey, challenges with identity, and experiences across different cultures and countries.