Stephanie,
Charlotte, NC
I’m Black and Korean. But to many others I’m Mexican. My skin tone, my hair texture, my facial features apparently aren’t Black enough. They’re not Korean enough either. So in order for people to make sense of my appearance, they tell me I’m Mexican. This has caused so much pain and confusion with my racial identity development. Growing up, I always felt like I had to constantly prove that I am Black…that I am Korean. I had to overcompensate my words and actions to prove I belonged to my identities. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become more comfortable with who I am. I correct people when they assume I am Mexican, but it no longer causes me anger or shame.
