English | Vincentian/Grenadian

My Mum is from England and Dad was born in England, but his parents are from St. Vincent and Grenada. They both went to the same school and lived close to each other. However, my Dad had very strict parents so didn't have much of a social life, and my Mum was much cooler than my Dad, so he had to be really persistent in winning her over. They started dating not long after they left school.

On my Mum’s side both my Aunty and Uncle had Black partners and subsequently mixed-race children. My Aunty was the eldest and my Grandad really struggled to come to terms with the fact that my Aunty was dating a Black man, back then racism was more prominent. By the time my Mum started dating my Dad my Grandad already had a mixed-race grandchild so came to terms with the world changing. My Dad never shared much about how his family found it.

I have felt closer to my White British heritage, and I assume this comes from being raised by my single White Mother surrounded mainly by White people, except for my mixed-race cousins. Despite having a good relationship with my Dad, he always lived in a different town which meant I spent time with him intermittently. His family lived in Grenada from when I was born so they had little influence on my life and my Dad grew up in a time in Britain where it would be easier to ‘fit in’ so adopted more British cultural aspects.

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 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 remember a time where I was attending a rock gig with my friends, whom were all White, and one made a comment that they were shocked that I knew the band. I knew immediately this was because I was mixed-race. I remember sometimes having these experiences as a teenager but this happening as an adult in this climate was more shocking and stuck with me. Even though I know my friend was unaware of how that comment would be perceived it highlighted to me that I was the only non-White person in my group of friends.

All throughout my childhood and until recently I straightened my hair to try and fit in more with the people around me and avoid questions being asked about my background. I've only ever felt the urge to hide my Black heritage as opposed to my White which is a reflection of the people around me how I wanted to 'blend' in.

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. It’s being talked about lots more on TV and through music, and artists like Loyle Carner have really highlighted this issue which has made me start to reflect more on my upbringing and influences. Seeing people who look like me, with hair like mine, on TV has really helped me to feel comfortable with 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.

Half-cast, coloured, light-skinned. 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 mixed.