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.