British | Ghanaian

I identify as a mixed-race British woman, of English, Ghanaian, and Welsh heritage. My Grandmother is English, and my Grandpa came to Britain from what used to be the Gold Coast. My Grandad on my Dad’s side is English, and my Nana is Welsh. My Dad was brought up in the Midlands and strongly identifies as Welsh. They met as students at University and married shortly after graduating. My grandfather came to Britain from what was the Gold Coast, a British colony - he always saw himself as a British citizen. He did however pass on some Ghanaian traditions - particularly our day names. It was really important that we all had our Ghanaian day names as part of our legal names. My Grandpa would sometimes call me by my middle name, Adzowa. I’ve always loved my name as it’s a wonderful reminder of my roots, and where my family is from. I believe there are most definitely stereotypes towards and about mixed-race people. I find that I’m often asked where I’m ‘really’ from, or else the ruder ‘What are you?’. I’ve also found that some people treat me completely differently upon ‘finding out’. All of these, however motivated, are still unintentionally hurtful. I’ve had this attitude from people of all ethnicities and backgrounds, including other mixed-race people. I think one of the things I find most difficult is that people tend to read me as white - or else don’t believe that I’m mixed-race or of part African descent - and this clashes with my strong identity as a mixed-race person. People have also asked me if I’m adopted after meeting Mum. I find this laughable, because aside from my blue eyes, straight hair, and slightly lighter skin tone, she and I look very alike! Prejudice is not easily uprooted, and I fear we will see more of it in the future as we potentially head towards Brexit and isolationism. But an increasing number of families and young people in the UK are mixed-race, we’re beginning to see more and more representation of mixed heritage people in the media and popular culture. I hope one day this will bring increased understanding.

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