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.