British | African-American
I identify as mixed-race or British/ African-American. My Mum was born in the UK to British parents and Dad was born in the USA to an African-American Father and a British Mother. I’ve consistently been surrounded by and engaged in British culture but for as long as I’ve recognized myself to be part African-American, I’ve been proud to be so. And I was frequently reminded of that pride through African-American presence in the media, through learning many parts of our history such as the civil rights movement as well as stories and experiences from within the family. Growing up at times I might have felt it would be easier, nicer, more comfortable or fitting to have blacker features. Racial tensions between White and Black at times were provocative. I found I was trying to find my own stance on things, with little guidance, whilst being aware it’s likely that people won’t see me as the way I see myself. I think being mixed-race has had an effect on the things I like, the music I enjoy, the food I eat and languages I’ve learnt. For a while I’ve often gravitated to people, places and experiences that help me connect with my Black side, I guess as it’s something I’ve always felt inside me, often more so than around me. And from these experiences, as well as those from British influence, I’ve picked up a lot of my knowledge, a lot of what I’ve learnt and a lot of what I enjoy. As I’m interested in culture, including one’s that aren’t my own, I think being mixed-race has given me more confidence to dive into, explore, adopt and be a part of whatever interests me. People may not have always identified with me the same way I identified with them, and they might not have always accepted me as one of them, and I do identify with people who don’t necessarily look like me. However, the vast majority of people have treated me appropriately as an individual and have been kind. This is what’s been an integral part of the foundation for my own confidence and drive in working out and trying to become the person I want to be.
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