English | Jamaican/Antiguan
In today's society we all talk about race more and rightly so. I don't think children should be brought up to not see race or colour, instead our races, religions and cultures should all be spoken about, highlighted, and celebrated. I know that as a mixed-race person I am more ‘palatable’ in certain spaces which is wrong and I am aware of the privileges that my mixed heritage affords me. I've seen first hand the systemic racism that Black people face. I think that institutions could be doing a lot more to improve this. We do see that mixed-race people are more favoured on reality television and in fashion. I do still feel that the mixed-race experience isn't explored as much as it could be, however there are authors, therapists & celebrities out there who are using their platform to talk about what it means to be mixed-race.
I think that there is work to be done and conversations to be had about greater representation of mixed-race people within organisations and institutions. I find that some colleagues haven't always recognised that I am mixed-race or known how to broach topics of race. I feel as though a lot of companies are trying to hit diversity quotas. It's all well and good hiring people from diverse backgrounds but you have to ensure that the environment is a safeplace for them. Are they going to encounter everyday racism and microaggressions from the current workforce or have the company invested in solid diversity, equity and inclusion training and carried out lived experience research in order to help prevent this within their business?
My advice is to embrace being mixed-race, even if you're in an environment where you feel like it's either Black or White or Black and White. There are shades to it, and we need to continue our stories. I'd also encourage you to speak to your elders. Trace your family history if you can to find out more about how you came to be here. There are some incredible stories waiting to be told. Don't feel like you're a passing trend or fashion statement.
Sign up to Patreon or Subscribe to our website to read more stories