Black Irish, mother’s grandfather from Barbados.
Dan Hubbs, Queensbury, NY. Mixed race ancestry was a family mystery. When visiting Irish relatives in Ireland, all of whom were fair skinned, I knew...
They practically jumped off the sidewalk.
Nancy Bachana, Katonah, NY As a white girl in the 70s and 80s South, older Black men stepped out of my way on downtown sidewalks....
Pale freckled redhead burned by words
Marie Farrell, Brooklyn, NY. I grew up in San Diego, California where the sun shines all the time. I was the kid that never tanned,...
Not THAT kind of Black Girl.
Lateefah Torrence, Brooklyn, NY. At the corner bodega, I’m one of those Black Girls who the Middle Eastern owner must watch from his elevated podium...
You’re Jewish? You don’t look Jewish.
Jek, Hudson Valley, NY These days, that comment might be a good thing. But I don’t try to hide who I am. This year, for...
I’m Jewish – not a white oppressor
Leeba Weisberg, Spring Valley, NY In the wake of the October 7th Hamas attacks, I see rising antisemitism. But Jewish people aren’t getting the same...
Russian? You’re improving the race Amiga!
Mayra Velez Buffalo, NY Picture of us, a Belarussian and Puerto Rican, soon-to-be-married, couple. When we started dating, every time I said he is belarussian...
What’s Good? I’m a Nuyorican, baby!
Christina Labrador, Copiague, NY “Are you Indian?” The man behind the 7-11 counter asks me. “Are you Egyptian?” The parking attendant asks. “You look Israeli.”...
Amazing Grace. No more family secret.
Daryl Bruce Denning, Corning, NY Raised “white”. At 52, December 2001, I learned of my ancestors of color. I do not know the origin of...
Learn, accept, teach to love differences
Nick Fidurko, Elmira, NY We now as adults in the next generation of teachers have the job to educate and show others, along with our...
What I’m not, I’ll never be
Kai Figueroa, Corning, NY Throughout time, you adapt to the society you live in. Though, it is up to you as a person to choose...
I’m not wrong, I’m just different
Kylee Arnold, Pine City, NY These 6 words fit the way I was raised. I grew up being taught that everyone is different. No one...
Look the same when we’re dead.
Kiersten Alling, Corning, NY Sociology class from Corning Community College
Pain is hard, friends are complicated
Jaclyn Flint, Elmira, NY I’ve been through a lot of pain, friends are complicated. You hang out with people for so many years, don’t know...
Being me is unique and beautiful!
Sam Coope, New Hyde Park, NY Growing up, I was always the tomboy type. I loved to play sports and be active. I am someone...
