Freedom Flight: The bold exit of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry

 

It all began with a cutesy Instagram picture, which led to an introduction between the man who'd seen the photo and the woman in it. A first date followed, for which he was quite late, and although  perturbed by such tardiness, ended up going so very well that there was immediately a second.  From that electric second date onward, the enamored couple were so inseparable that they agreed to never spend more than two weeks apart from each other, with the man flying from his cushy environs in London, England and the woman taking time from her entrepreneurship, activism, and prime acting gig on the very popular legal soap Suits, filming in Toronto, Canada. 

After many months of this back and forth, the couple, who'd enjoyed a peaceful, private courtship, went public with their romance. Then the storm clouds gathered. The woman became beleaguered with vitriolic messages from her beloved's fellow countrymen, and the British press gleefully and eagerly led the charge, writing articles peppered with hateful messaging, with one publication stating that the woman, who is biracial and originates from Los Angeles, California, as "Straight out of Compton". The concerned and angered man released a bold and public message decrying the racist missives, and months later became engaged to his sweetheart. Months after that, the man and the woman became husband and wife in a wedding attended by the powerful and famous from both sides of the ocean and joyfully witnessed by millions more on TV.  

Following this dream event, the bride and groom settled into their life working in the groom's family business, with the bride later giving birth to their first child, a son. Not too long after this blessed event, the antagonism piled on, particularly from the corridors of power, causing such deep fear and distress in the couple, now parents to a young one, that they felt forced to flee for their safety. 

After this flight, the couple, Harry and Megan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, began their next chapter, welcoming a daughter. After continued onslaught, they intensified their defenses, including an interview with Oprah Winfrey in which they revealed the appalling detail that a member of the Royal family had speculated on the complexion of their yet-unborn son and generally caused a deeply uncomfortable environment for the Duchess.

The Duke and Duchess released a Netflix documentary to speak out in defense of themselves and to ward off against the deeply antagonistic perceptions held by some sectors of the public. Although it's been an on ongoing battle, Harry and Meghan have been pillars of strength and most importantly, opened up much-needed conversations about racism and the long shadow of colonialism and the Monarchy's central role in it. At this pivotal moment of the upcoming coronation of King Charles, which will usher in the next generation of the embattled  House of Windsor, it is certainly worth heeding the saga of the Sussexes and pondering the toll this archaic institution takes on those within it and those in the world at large. 

 

Cheers to 2023!

 

Hello, Happy New Year my lovely readers! It has been quite a while since I've posted here, but after the turmoil of the global pandemic that I imagine has left all of us somewhat rattled, I'm back with renewed vigor and a stronger sense of purpose and identity than ever before, ready to once again put forth my voice in honor of my beloved biracial community1 

Very Important Biracial: Kane Brown

Back in the more peaceful days of this year, I took a New Year's trip to Nashville with my friend to go see one of our favorite bands Old Crow Medicine Show. While there, I absorbed as much country music history as I could possibly handle, as it's amongst my favorite musical genres. Upon my visit to the Grand Ole Opry, the Mecca of country music, I looked at the wall of 200+ inductees and was stricken with a twinge of lament that currently legendary Charley Pride (inducted 1993) and former Hootie & the Blowfish lead Darius Rucker, inducted in 2012 after his transition into country, are the only two Black country musicians that are now instated into the ranks of this hallowed and historic institution, and overall, there are but a handful of people of color that have been widely successful in this particular musical category, including a young man raised in Georgia and Tennessee named Kane Brown. 

Kane Brown was born in 1993 to a white mother and a Black father. Raised by his mother Tabitha first in Northwest Georgia, then later in Chattanooga, TN, Kane Brown's path to becoming a country musician began when in 2013, after auditioning for the X Factor and not finding it the right fit, he began posting country covers on social media. His cover of George Strait's Check Yes or No went viral and led to a teaser for his original song Used to Love You Sober. In 2014 Brown released a six-song EP, then his single Used to Love You Sober, followed by several singles and a second EP.

In 2016, Brown opened for Florida-Georgia Line, after which he signed his first contract, debuted more singles from his new label and embarked on his first headlining tour. His self-titled album featuring songs from this tour debuted at #10 on Billboard 200 and a 2018 deluxe edition made Kane the first artist to have a single on all of the country charts.

Mr. Brown followed up this incredible achievement with his second album entitled Experiment and has subsequently recorded a number of collaborations with a variety of artists, such as John Legend and Camila Cabelo.

When not wowing crowds in concert and making chart history, Kane Brown lives in Nashville with his wife Katelyn and infant daughter Kingsley.

Yay Us!: 2019 in Review

Happy Holidays my lovely readers! It's been such a wonderful year for our community. In May, Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, an utterly remarkable role model for independent, accomplished women, especially in the biracial community, celebrated one year of wedded bliss with her beloved husband Prince Harry. Around the same time as this anniversary, the adorable chubby-cheeked Archie Mountbatten-Windsor, the first mixed-race baby born to the British Royal family in modern history, came into the world.

In September, Mixed-ish, the newest addition to the Black-ish universe, premiered on our T.V screens and has, in its own uniquely delightful way, represented the lives of those of us living within  multiracial families in America.

This month, Comedian Alex Barnett's invaluable Multiracial Family Man podcast, which gave voice to so many in the multiracial community, signed off for the final time, leaving a beautiful legacy for those of us who continually strive to hear our stories heard.  

Next, in this season of joy, the bubbly tune All I Want for Christmas is You, by one of the country's most talented chanteuses Mariah Carey, has, 25 years after its debut, finally hit # 1.

Lastly, a modicum of recognition may have been presented, when during the 2019 December Presidential Debates, the multiracial community was distinctly mentioned as being amongst the diverse communities of color in America.

'Tis been a shining year for us and may there be many more great new horizons for us in the year going forward. Happy New Year to all, see you in 2020!

T.V. Review: Mixed-ish

I was quite giddy when it was announced Mixed-ish, the newest offering in the Black-ish universe, would focus on Rainbow Johnson's childhood growing up in an interracial family. Having now  viewed the series premiere, here are my lil' ol' thoughts. Starring Tika Sumpter and Mark-Paul Gosselaar, of Saved by the Bell fame as the family heads, the premiere begins as the Johnson family's peaceful existence is disrupted after the cult in which they were living was raided by the government and the family was then thrust into an unfamiliar world. Although some of the humor falls a bit short, there's much to appreciate here. There are a number of delightfully familiar '80s moments and the show does nicely at pinpointing the particular brand of identity tug-of-war quite recognizable to those of us in the mixed-race community. With the talents of Ms. Sumpter and Mr. Gosselaar, and the adorableness of the Johnson children, this show has much promise and I'm looking forward to seeing where it goes on the journey of telling a biracial story. 

Very Important Biracial: Grace Wales-Bonner

Last month, when proud parents the Duke and Duchess of Sussex walked the halls of Windsor to introduce their son Archie to the world, the enchanted new mother was bedecked in a stylish belted dress by designer Grace Wales-Bonner. In choosing Ms. Wales-Bonner's design for such an illustrious occasion, Ms. Markle has yet again paid tribute to her heritage, as Grace Wales-Bonner is also of mixed-race background. Born in London to an English mother and a Jamaican father, The 28-year old Ms.Wales-Bonner stands in the forefront of avant-garde menswear design and has been widely acclaimed in British fashion circles for her unique interpretation on current chic styles. With this latest assist from the always smartly attired Ms. Markle, surely this young creative's future is bright as the afternoon sun. 

Introducing the Magnificent Archie!

Well, dear readers the moment has finally arrived, one long-awaited for since 2018's Royal wedding, one of the last monumental moments in mixed-race history. One Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor has come into the world! This little bundle of joy was born to his delighted parents Prince Harry and Meghan Markle the Duke and Duchess of Sussex on Monday May 6 at 7 lbs 3 oz. and has already captivated much of the world's attention. The adorable Archie, wrapped in love and pride by his great-grandparents Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip and his maternal grandmother Doria Ragland, has made history as both the first mixed-race child and first American descendant born into the British Royal family in modern times. It is truly magnificent to have this dear little tot as a representative of our little mixed community and it will be exciting to take this journey with the Duke and Duchess as they witness his beautiful life path.   

Walking Dead: The Beautiful Romance of Rick & Michonne

During the Walking Dead's two-month mid-season hiatus, I always relish seeing articles regarding the show, so it warmed my heart to see one recounting the romance of two central characters, Rick and Michonne. As I've written on this blog previously, I adore this twosome, because, as a biracial person, it's been fantastic to watch a mixed-race couple embark upon a journey to become a highly endearing twosome. From what was a contentious first meeting to the moment a devastated Michonne watches her beloved meet what she believes to be his demise, Rick and Michonne developed a friendship which blossomed into a truly deep and joyful bond as they came to trust one another. After forming a family with Rick and his children, the late Carl and Carl's younger sister Judith, Michonne now carries on the Grimes legacy without the man she opened her heart to, leading her community while raising a pre-teen Judith and young son Rick Jr (RJ) that Rick left behind, thus further cementing her greatness and the lovely love that began one fine day years ago. 

Ms. Markle's Sparkle

Earlier this week Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, made a surprise non-official appearance at the British Fashion Awards. Her Royal Highness was at the event to honor Givenchy's Clare Waight Keller who designed the very elegant wedding gown she wore to marry her literal Prince Charming. Ms. Markle looked ethereal as she strutted onto the stage, lovingly cradling her growing baby bump as she gleefully presented Ms. Waight Keller gleefully presented an award to Ms. Waight Keller for Womenswear Designer of the Year. The Duchess' beautiful spirit shone through and she continues to grace us as she goes about her Royal duties and the work of bringing about crucial change in this volatile world.

Very Important Biracial: Pete Wentz

As a  person who writes an entire blog dedicated to the Black/White biracial experience and a fan of pop-rock, it thrilled me to no end to recently discover that Pete Wentz, bassist and back-up vocalist for band Fall Out Boy, is a member of my community. Pete Wentz III, was born in Wilmette, IL to Dale Wentz, a high school admissions counselor of Afro-Jamaican ancestry and attorney Pete Wentz II of German and English heritage.

Pete began his musical career in Chicago hardcore band Arma Angelus, honing his musical skills in that outfit before helping to form his current band Fall Out Boy in 2001. While Fall Out Boy was on hiatus from 2009-2013, he formed a ska-inspired group called the Black Cards, which later disbanded.

Mr. Wentz has also been involved in writing, having penned a book based on his childhood entitled The Boy with the Thorn in His Side, a comic book series called Fall Out Toy Works and another book entitled Gray.

The ever-talented Pete has also dabbled in acting, making appearances on TV with his band on shows such as One Tree Hill,  as well as appearances of his own that have included The Jimmy Kimmel Show. He's also created works of his own through his production company Bartskull Films.

 Amongst Mr. Wentz' charitable efforts is his support of the Jed Foundation's Half of Us, which seeks to lower the rate of teen suicide.

 While Pete Wentz works to improve the future of our youth, he and his bandmates in Fall Out Boy continue to put forth great music and rock venues worldwide.

A Royal Wedding, A Biracial Bride and Bold Blackness

After breathless weeks of annoying my family and friends about it, the day finally arrived for me to  sit down with a friend in front of her TV and watch the wedding of Prince Harry and his true love Meghan Markle. It was, of course, quite enjoyable to witness the handsome groom strut down the walk with his brother Prince William, who served as his best man alongside him, as he attempted to hide his nerves,  and to see the angelic bride get out of her car as she strolled up the steps of St. George's Chapel and began gliding down the aisle, first solo then escorted down the remaining part of the aisle with her father-in-law Prince Charles. It was beautiful to witness the barely restrained adoration of Prince Harry as Meghan reached the altar.

With the exterior of the chapel arrayed with gorgeous flowers, this enamored couple stared lovingly at each other in the presence of their nearest and dearest, including one woman in pastel green with her locs flowing from beneath an elegant hat. This resplendent brown-skinned woman, Meghan Markle's mother Doria Ragland, social worker and part-time yoga teacher, a lover of Al Green, free-spirited wearer of a nose ring, was front and center, beaming with awe and pride, and with the whole world watching, representing a legacy of black American women who've endured and risen with ultimate grace.

As Ms. Ragland, along with 600 others, bore witness, Bishop Michael Curry, the first black person to serve as Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church in the U.S, commenced to bring forth black church into St. George's. Invoking the spirits of those who suffered through the grave inhumanity of slavery, he spoke of how these men and women utilized the negro spiritual There is a Healing Balm in Gilead to express their love of the healing power of God, and how this belief can bring about world-changing love, as evidenced by the bride and groom's strong love for each other and passion for improving the world around them. 

With the rafters of this 14th-century house of worship properly shaken, the healing power of music floated through the ornate chapel as South London's all-black Kingdom Choir sang their heavenly rendition of the Ben E. King classic Stand by Me.

After the couple had exchanged vows, they went off to sign the marriage register while those in the church were treated to a cello solo by 19 year-old Britain's Got Talent finalist Sheku Kanneh-Mason. Finally to top off this day of grand romance and demonstration of black American culture, the newly minted Duke and Duchess of Sussex exited the ceremony to the sounds of the Kingdom Choir singing Etta James' This Little Light of Mine, as they greeted the jubilant crowds and made their way to the carriage that would whisk them through the streets of Windsor.

 As a romantic, I was so delighted to see how obviously in love with each other this couple were, but I was overjoyed that the Duchess of Sussex defied the common perception that biracials are running away from their black heritage as she and her new husband left their wedding to both live out their own love story and heed Bishop Curry's message to make the world at large a more loving place. 

Very Important Biracial: Meghan Markle

As anyone who knows me, or has even been within a few feet of me since last November, I'm quite ecstatic about the upcoming nuptials of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Being a fan of the British Royal family, and particularly of Prince Harry, as well as a biracial American woman, this historic event makes me giddy. I'm so happy Prince Harry has found true love after such a turbulent and often controversial youth and am over the moon to have someone so very accomplished with my background represented within such a revered and important institution.

Ms. Markle stole His Royal Highness' heart by displaying the same indomitable and compassionate spirit that she has throughout her entire 36 years of life. Rachel Meghan Markle was born in 1981 in Los Angeles, CA to Doria Ragland and Thomas Markle, who divorced when she was 6 years old. She was deeply inspired by both her makeup artist mother (who later went on to get a Master's degree in Social Work)  and lighting director father to understand she could accomplish anything and developed a spirit of outspokenness and a sense of global responsibility. These values led her to such actions as speaking out against sexism in advertising at age 11 and to an internship at the US Embassy in Argentina, after obtaining degrees in both theatre and international studies from Northwestern University 

On her path down life, Ms. Markle ended up following her father into the entertainment business, utilizing her theatre degree to become an actress. Beginning her career as a Deal or No Deal suitcase model, she eventually landed a key role as paralegal Rachel Zane on the USA legal drama Suits. 

Living in Toronto, where Suits films, Meghan had achieved a lovely little life with a good acting career, a gig modeling for Canadian clothing retailer Reitman's and, furthering her mission to serve humanity, being an ambassador for World Vision and working with UN Women. All was well with the exception of someone to share it with. After a short failed marriage and a subsequent relationship, she was set up by a friend in the summer of 2016 with a certain red-head, and within months of meeting she and Prince Harry were enchanted with each other. Last fall, these two lovebirds got engaged and, as Ms. Markle trades the amber waves of grain for the lush green of the British Isles and Prince Harry adjusts to saying Band-Aid instead of plaster, this couple will set off on a brave and beautiful new journey together. 

Very Important Biracial: Logic

Montgomery County, MD has always been foremost amongst my happy places. It's been a blessing growing up here, in one of the country's most diverse and generally liberal areas, and in these volatile times, I've tried to regain that sense of comfort and joy, which led to me revisiting the music of a hip-hop artist that goes by the stage name Logic.

Even though I'm not a rap fan, I was inspired to hear the tunes of a black/white biracial rapper who was also from Montgomery County and could possibly speak a bit to that experience in general and particularly from an area where our population is seemingly sparse. Upon my first listening,  I was quite impressed with a style, that although influenced by elders of modern hip-hop such as Kendrick Lamar, had its own unique twist and some lyrics to which I could relate, while also speaking to the wider human existence.

Although the life of Sir Robert Bryson Hall II, born in Gaithersburg, MD to a white mother and black father, was puncuated by a great appreciation for music, it was also marked by his mother's severe addiction issues and racism towards her own mixed-race son, which fostered deep issues of identity and other trauma. This in turn has been reflected in Logic's artistry, primarily regarding his background and having grown up in such rough circumstances. Beginning with his self-titled mixtape debut in 2009, to two gold and one platinum-certified studio albums, up to his most current work, his seventh mixtape, Mr. Hall is taking lemons and turning them into deftly poetic lemonade. 

Loving: 50 Years Later

As June 2017 comes to a close, let us take time to honor the momentous U.S. Supreme Court decision passed down 50 years ago this month and revel in the legacy of Loving vs. Virginia all these decades later. In the time that ensued since the victorious resolution of their case, the Loving family settled down to the peaceful life they'd sought, until Richard's untimely death in 1975, after which Mildred kept the flame of their historic romance burning until her final days. Their last surviving child, Peggy, lives her life just as quietly as did her parents, and this is a testament to the idea of a very low-key couple and family who were reluctant warriors, but who, with this quiet determination, paved the way for families across America to take for granted their existence and has brought forth a new generation of biracials that has proudly taken up the responsibility of continuing Richard and Mildred's hard-won fight by utilizing modern media to speak up about their experiences and lives in the biracial sphere. So 50 years on there's much to celebrate and here's to 50 and beyond!

Biracial in Trumpville

 

Hello again my lovely readers. It's been many a day, but the election of Donald Trump to the highest and most sacred office in the land has turned my spirit nearly to mush and manifested in an inability to transmit my thoughts to blog.  In his short time in office, this destructive force of a person has, among many things, fostered a still-mysterious association to an autocratic Eastern European leader forged yet another (currently suspended) attempt to ban Muslims from the country, and tried to sell us a cruel healthcare bill.  Amongst this smorgasbord of national security concerns and discrimination, my thoughts and concerns have focused in particular on the ever-present faultline of racial relations that has currently exploded in an earthquake of division, especially regarding the biracial space in which I live. When I began this blog in 2008, in the dawn of the Obama era of hope and change, I was quite inspired by having a leader in the White House who, even though his path of identity diverged from my own, lived his life with one white parent and I endeavored to give a glimpse into what's it like existing in this particular truth.

 It was and still is my thought that discussing how two historically opposing backgrounds operate together in reality would allow some insight that, although people such as myself don't represent the saving grace of race relations in America or exist in "the best of both worlds", that it might be understood that to be half-black half-white is to have a kaleidoscopic vantage point of both the complexity of embodying two sides of a very fraught American story, and the beauty of feeling the warm embrace and sense of home each culture offers, bringing a unique sense of one's place in the American fabric.

In Trumpville, those such as myself and others in my particular community would be, quite literally, illegal. The beautiful coming together of two communities who've been at odds since this country's very founding would've failed at the steps of the US Supreme Court on a June day 50 years ago. In an environment where the bodies and  souls of black and brown folk are under constant threat, all of us, including those of us who dance in between, must continue to stand, shout out our right to exist as who we are and keep up the good fight so that the diversity that this country has always struggled with but strived towards will truly lead to a more perfect Union.

Very Important Biracial: Ruth Negga

 

 

 

 

 

 

With this weekend's NY and LA release of Loving, let us get to know a bit about Ruth Negga, the actress portraying Mildred Loving. Ms. Negga was born in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Abba to an Ethiopian father and Irish mother. Raised in Limerick Ireland since early childhood, she began her career in theatre, her screen debut coming in the lead role of Irish film Capital Letters. Recognizing her talent, director Neil Jordan reworked the Breakfast on Pluto script to include her. In addition to a burgeoning film career, Ruth worked steadily on BBC, including her role as Welsh singer Dame Shirley Bassey. As well as continuing to work on stage, Ruth has done voice work and in 2013 appeared in 12 Years a Slave and took on the role as Tulip O'Hare in the popular AMC series Preacher. With her latest feature film role in in Loving  and the talent she's displayed thus far, Ms. Negga will surely shine for many years to come.

 

 

Very Important Biracial: Ruth Negga

With this weekend's NY and LA release of Loving, let us get to know a bit about Ruth Negga, the actress portraying Mildred Loving. Ms. Negga was born in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Abba to an Ethiopian father and Irish mother. Raised in Limerick Ireland since early childhood, she began her career in theatre, her screen debut coming in the lead role of Irish film Capital Letters. Recognizing her talent, director Neil Jordan reworked the Breakfast on Pluto script to include her. In addition to a burgeoning film career, Ruth worked steadily on BBC, including her role as Welsh singer Dame Shirley Bassey. As well as continuing to work on stage, Ruth has done voice work and in 2013 appeared in 12 Years a Slave and took on the role as Tulip O'Hare in the popular AMC series Preacher. With her latest feature film role in in Loving  and the talent she's displayed thus far, Ms. Negga will surely shine for many years to come.

Very Important Biracial: Tim Howard

After having played a combined 13 years with both Manchester United and Everton Football Clubs, goalkeeper Tim Howard returned to MLS,  joining his Colorado Rapids teammates on the field as he conducted 2 saves in the process of a 0-0 draw against the Portland Timbers. In his nearly 400 appearances with two of England's most fabled clubs, he won the hearts and adoration of the English fanbase with his talent and humility, once even refusing to celebrate what he felt was an unearned goal. Throughout his illustrious career he has gained worldwide respect, even garnering a temporary Wikipedia entry as Secretary of Defense during the last men's World Cup. Mr. Howard, the son of a Hungarian mother and black American father, his re-entry to the playing fields of the US has been met with great excitement and the New Jersey native, whose last stateside team is now known as the New York Red Bulls, will surely earn more accolades for his fine character and remarkable skills.

Sing Street: Young, Gifted and Black in Dublin

I love Ireland, everything Irish and being a child of the '80s. So it was with great excitement that I recently went to see a movie that satisfied these interests. Sing Street is set in 1985 Dublin and focuses on a teenager discovering his place in the world and finding first love in the process. In these pursuits, he forms a band with his schoolmates, one of whom is a kid named Ngig, who is black. Although aspects of Ngig's journey would likely diverge in one of the most geographically and culturally isolated places on Earth, where running into a person of color is rare, in other regards, there isn't much difference, as he goes about playing his keyboards in his friends' burgeoning band and traveling down the same emotional road, as has many a teenager throughout the history of modern humanity. Along with the nostalgic music, it made the heart and spirit of this biracial girl leap with joy to know that at least in this darling film,  there is goodness and harmony in this complicated world.

Old Navy, We Salute You!

Well, dear readers, Old Navy, best know for its well-priced fairly cool clothes, has done society proud and put an interracial family in one of their recent ads. Despite protestations from people with archaic mindsets who are apparently against being stylish, saving money, and love and happiness, there's been mostly a positive response, including interracial families rallying on Twitter with their own portraits under the hashtag #LoveWins. Indeed it has and I extend a hearty kudos and an enthusiastic round of applause to Old Navy for joining the burgeoning list of companies showing representation to families such as mine who are an integral part of this beautifully diverse nation.