Hail to the Chief

For those who were dragged here across the rough sea, chained to the bottom of rotting ships.

For the mothers and the fathers whose humanity was worked away in the boiling Southern sun.

For the ones called nigger, whose lips were too dirty for the water fountain, and who hung on the end of ropes.

For Martin and Rosa, and the countless others, who said enough! Who asked "Do I not bleed red just like you"?

For Richard and Mildred Loving, who crossed the line and the law, for whom love was not even a question of color.

For the skinny kid with the funny name, a blended heritage that brings forth the Dream.

For my country 'tis of thee, Hail to the wisest and most thoughtful of Commanders-in-Chief.

Biracial Adoptees

Connor Cruise and I have something in common. The 13-year old son of Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, is a biracial adoptee. It's refreshing to see someone in the public eye (he has a moment in the new Will Smith film "Seven Pounds") who became family through the same circumstance as myself. It is a beautiful reminder that family is not formed only through bloodlines or racial homogeneity, but through the ultimate power of love.

Lessons on a Country Road

The biracial prism from which I view the world came starkly into focus during a holiday shopping trip with friends. On the drive to the mall, we had to pass through an area well-known as being racially unfriendly. As my friends continously stated how uncomfortable they were in this neck of the woods, I inwardly scoffed, thinking their fears were exaggerated, but as I listened to their stories of past unpleasant experiences with local residents, I realized I was mostly removed from this type of trouble. I can't relate to having a gun pulled on me during a swimming outing, having people move aside when I walk up to pay for a purchase or being concerned about who I can safely ask for directions. My tales have consisted of those who've wondered why I "talked white", taunted me on the playground with the wounding "oreo" epithet, commented on my"exotic" looks, and curiously perused my facial features as if I were from another planet. As frustrating as these encounters have been, they could in no way compare to the stings that my friends, and some of my relatives, have had to deal with. I've been naively immune to such things, and going on this shopping trip has been yet another learning experince in this ongoing school of life.

Tragic Mulatto: Cadillac Records Edition

During a recent viewing of "Cadillac Records" I learned that the legendary Etta James considers herself biracial, citing a claim from her mother that her father was the well-known white pool player Minnesota Fats. Perhaps I'm reading a bit much into this, but the pride I initially felt was tempered by what seemed like the film's emphasis on the racial background of the purported father who denied her, thus implying that not only was this a key reason for Etta's later substance abuse, but also that being mulatto causes such strong emotional turmoil. First of all, this portrayal dismissed the other painful life circumstances that may have led her to self-destructive habits, and secondly, the-age old stereotype that mulattos are eternally conflicted belittles the experience of the many joyful mixed-race families and diminishes the legacy we've created within the larger fabric of society.

The "Good Hair" Blues

My hair is a major issue with me. Over the years, I’ve spent countless hours and dollars I don’t actually have trying to shape the thick, tangled mass on my head into the “good hair” that is a fabled characteristic of having mixed blood. Many perms, flat irons and hair gels later, I’ve come to appreciate the solidarity this brings with monoracial women of color who may at times perceive mulatto women as immune to their particular struggles. In the end, my hair is good no matter what state it’s in because it’s mine and it represents who I am and my place in the world. That’s something I can be proud of.

The American Dream

It is a beautiful thing we have a mulatto President, for we now have a leader, who, by his very existence, represents the epitome of the American Dream of racial harmony. In addition, having a black First Lady and children represents the culmination of the unimaginable struggle of those who’ve fought for centuries to have a real voice in the United States. Finally, I am thrilled to have someone in charge who will use common sense, utilize consensus and proper judgement, and will govern the entire country, not just those segments he finds politically expedient. Thank God for this moment, it’s about time.