My Life In Black And White A Book Of Experiences

"What are you?"
"Excuse me?"
"You know, like where are you from?"
"Nebraska."
"No, I mean like, what ARE you?"

I've been asked this question more times than I can count. And I always know what the person is trying to ask, but I have to admit I kind of like to see them struggle. It shouldn't be so hard to ask, "Hey, what race are you?" But it is. Especially when the person doesn't fit nicely into one box. This is the plight of every ethnically ambiguous-looking person on earth.

Growing up in the Midwest, I never knew I wasn't black until a 12-year-old white boy told me so. Do you have any idea how discombobulating that is? (I love that word.) Anyway - it's confusing. I'd spent the first 11 years of my life thinking I was black. Suddenly, I didn't know what I was. And neither did anybody else.

So, my journey from black to ethnic ambiguity began. There were a few challenges along the way, like the time a white supremacist accepted me, but not my brother or father. That was a really strange encounter. Or, when a drunk white guy asked if he could use a plastic fork to comb my beautiful curls. (Everyone knows you don't mess with a black woman's hair.)

But one of the best things about being biracial is the superpower that comes with it. Yeah, you read that right. I can blend into almost every ethnic group on the planet. Can you do that? With this power comes great responsibility (Thank you, Uncle Ben.) Being biracial is about accepting who I am and demonstrating a willingness to accept who everyone else it, too.

Just to be clear, because I don't want you to be disappointed, this book isn't for everyone. You'll need a thick skin, open mind, and a sense of humor to digest it. After all, that's what's gotten me this far.

Who is it for? I'm glad you asked (and you're still reading this blurb.)

• If you like reading about other people's challenges and how they overcame them, then you're going to love this book.
• If you know a biracial kid who's struggling with who they are, then give them this book. (And tell them to get in touch with me. I'm happy to chat with them.)
• If you're curious about what it takes to make it in a black and white world when you're not one or the other, this is the book for you.