English | Vincentian/Grenadian

I don’t remember ever noticing that I was Mixed-race as all of my cousins also were mixed. The topic of ethnicity and race being given more attention in recent times has made me begin to question what this means for me. I'm now more aware that most of my time is spent around predominantly White people, including my partner, and I sometimes wonder how this has and will continue to influence me and how I see myself. I am proud of my Mixed heritage, but it can be difficult to stay close to both cultures especially when you're mostly surrounded by only one and I’ve only recently become aware this is something that most other ethnic groups don't have to think about.

I don’t have a role model, but I really look up to people who are spreading awareness and starting the conversation about being Mixed-race. Seeing people who look like me, with hair like mine, on TV has really helped me to feel comfortable with my true self and embrace my heritage. I’m really lucky to have a great relationship with both my parents but I appreciate how difficult it may be for someone to find their identity and where they fit within their heritage and race if part of their culture is missing from their upbringing.

I was recently told by a Mixed-race person that I shouldn't use the term Mixed-race and instead should use Mixed-heritage which made me feel guilty like I should be more offended by the term Mixed-race. I think everyone will feel comfortable with different terminology and that's ok. I don't think we should be told what appropriate terminology is and what we should and shouldn't be offended by.

There is a lack of representation of mixed-race people in my organisation. Working in research I’m aware of the movement towards improving inequalities but this is always focused on Black and Asian ethnic groups and Mixed is never mentioned. It’s really important to talk about this and recognise the vast range of heritages that contribute to mixing.

Tenee Attoh21 June 2023Comment