Indian | Jamaican / Cuban
Photo credit: subject
I identify as Indo-Jamaican, rooted in a rich tapestry of Indian, Black, and Cuban ancestry, and deeply shaped by a Jamaican upbringing.
My parents didn’t share stories of cultural differences or difficult integration during their relationship. Both were born and raised in Jamaica, where multiculturalism is a lived experience rather than an exception. My father is fully Indian, and my mother is Indian, Black, and Cuban, but blending cultures felt natural and uncomplicated for them. What I took away from their experience is that identity doesn’t have to be negotiated when respect and shared values are already present. Their relationship showed me that culture can coexist seamlessly, and that unity doesn’t require erasing difference it simply requires acceptance.
I feel closest to my Jamaican culture because I was born in Jamaica at Spanish Town Hospital and spent my early childhood there. I attended school in Jamaica until I was eleven, and those formative years deeply shaped my identity, values, and sense of belonging. At the same time, my other cultures were always present in everyday life. My father would cook Indian food from time to time, reinforcing the idea that I didn’t have to choose one culture over another. For me, balance has never meant equal parts at all times; it has meant embracing the best of both worlds and allowing each culture to show up naturally in my life.
Growing up, my experience as a mixed-race child was at times worrisome, especially after moving to the United States. In school, children could be unkind and dismissive of my identity. I was often told that I couldn’t claim to be Jamaican, that I was "just Indian," despite my lived experience and cultural upbringing. My accent was mocked, and I constantly felt the need to explain or defend who I was.
As an adult, my relationship with my identity has shifted in a powerful way. I no longer feel the need to justify my background to anyone. I have fully embraced all of my roots and understand that my identity is not up for debate. In today’s society, I move with more confidence, clarity, and pride—grounded in the knowledge that being mixed-race is not something to question, but something to honor.
One personal challenge I encountered happened during my school years in the United States. I remember walking down a school hallway when a group of girls began snickering and speaking under their breath about me, assuming I wouldn’t understand what they were saying. They didn’t realize that I did understand, and I turned around and addressed them directly.
Their shock revealed how often people make assumptions based on appearance or accent. That moment stayed with me. It reinforced how important kindness and awareness are, and how harmful it can be to underestimate or dismiss someone’s identity. The experience taught me that respect should come first, not after being confronted, and that self-respect sometimes means walking away rather than seeking acceptance.
Throughout my life, I’ve been labeled with terms that were neither kind nor respectful. I’ve been called words like "mutt" and "coolie," which are deeply degrading and rooted in ignorance. Those labels reduce people to stereotypes and strip away their humanity. Hearing terms like that was hurtful, but it also reinforced the importance of naming myself rather than allowing others to define me.
To the next generation, my words of wisdom would be this: you do not owe anyone an explanation for who you are. Your identity is not something to prove, justify, or dilute to make others comfortable. You are allowed to belong to all of your cultures fully, without choosing just one. Take pride in your roots, even when others question them. Let your lived experience define you, not outside opinions. Being mixed-race is not confusion; it is depth, strength, and possibility.
My role model is my grandmother. She is one of the kindest and most selfless people I know, and her influence has shaped the person I am today. She constantly encouraged me to believe in my potential and strive for a better life. Her strength, love, and unwavering belief in me continue to inspire me every day.
If I could preserve three aspects of my culture in a "time box" for the future, I’d choose:
Jamaican Unity: The spirit of "Out of Many, One People."
Indian Culinary Traditions: The flavors and heritage passed down through food.
Warmth of Family Gatherings: The foundation of harmony and love.
Today, I am happily married and a proud mom. In 2023, my husband and I bought our first home, and I feel truly blessed. These milestones remind me of the journey I’ve taken and the life I’m building, all while staying connected to the music, language, and family values that keep me grounded in the richness of my heritage.