Italian/Spanish | Congolese
Being raised in Paris, I’ve faced racism or perhaps Xenophobia. My motto against racism has always been to ignore the ignorant although I realize now that not calling out an individual does not solve anything nor educate. I hate the standards of beauty that society throws at us. Growing up, it felt like having straight hair was more professional, or looked prettier. I embrace my curls now, but I feel that people should educate themselves on Afro hair and stop wanting to touch it, or comparing it to animals, I am tired of these daily microaggressions, this is insulting at times, and often makes me feel uncomfortable. It is also reminding me that I am different, or some would say, not accepted.
At times, I feel that I’ve never really belonged; and until today, I don't always feel accepted by the White community that assumes I belong to the Black community, and the latter considers me White therefore it can be disheartening at times to have to prove yourself to feel validated. I hate stereotypes and the unconscious bias around it: I am neither black nor white, I am both, so why ask me to choose? Yet, my cultural background positively influences everything I do, from being creative, to how I connect to people, and this double heritage makes me adaptable, I am a chameleon! I feel that it makes me realize I don’t think out of the box but rather, there is no box, and it usually brings more perspective into my life.
I have never been prouder of my caramel skin, and my African curves, although my hair can be a challenge, I would never change it for the world. It represents my roots, my heritage, my history, and that is powerful! Being mixed race is the future! I don’t forget I was raised to be accountable for my mistakes and not because of the color of my skin. I think it helped take responsibility for my action, and made me create my own luck and build my own success in life.
Of course, racism is real, and I’ve encountered it sadly on occasions, but I think the world is going in the right direction: we speak about it, and I am glad to see more representation of different backgrounds in the media such as Black beauty e.g., in the cover of British Vogue or through diversity recruitment as a key priority for many organizations that now understand the importance of building a diverse workforce to offer the best solutions to their clients and increase productivity through the most diverse perspective, insights and ideas.