Inception of TABBW

For the past 27 years I've faced curious faces, wrinkled foreheads, head tilts and questions like "What are you?"

I'm sure the various people I've encountered in my life could answer that question many different ways; however, the only answer that will satisfy the 2857895729872 people who've asked that is the answer "black and white". They stand in curiosity wondering my ethnicity. Does it really matter?!!....clearly to them it does.

I know what you're thinking, "not another platform to talk about race. Enough with the white cop black kid drama. Enough with the black power speeches. Enough with the white supremacy BS." Believe me, I sigh and roll my eyes, even toss my hands in the air, sometimes SMH at the countless racially charged conversations on TV. Then I stopped to think, well I'm feeling a certain way when people ask "what I am" and throw names at me like "mutt" "half breed" "oreo". That's when I'm brought back down to earth and realize, I can relate. While I don't identify or agree with some of what is being said, because I look at both perspectives, I know that they too have a journey and many of their opinions are based on personal or family experiences.

I identify as biracial. I don't consider myself black or white, even though all important documents think it necessary to force me to choose and if I check both boxes "black" and "white" I get pushed into the African American category (to be discussed...).

My thoughts started out as a cathartic way to humor myself, laugh at the ignorance and work through some identity issues, but I surprised myself with revelations about my feelings and thought if only one person could benefit it would all be worth it.

The Art of Being Black and White is a collection of my life experiences and self-realizations that just when I forget that I look different than most, someone will always find a way to remind me.

While sticks and stones may indeed break your bones, words can also hurt you.