The Mixed World: Issue 3

Mixed Athlete to Watch

Naomi Osaka

Naomi Osaka is a professional tennis player who represents Japan. Osaka is currently ranked No. 1 by the Women’s Tennis Association and is the first Asian player to hold top ranking in singles. Osaka recently played against Coco Gauff and beat Gauff at the third round of the US Open but what she did afterwards was even more remarkable. Usually in tennis, the winner addresses the crowd in a live interview while the opponent leaves and then faces reporters at a post-match press conference. Breaking tradition, Osaka invited Gauff to join her for the on-court interview. Naomi Osaka showed true sportsmanship and sisterhood off the court which is so needed today and in society. Naomi Osaka is just focused on being herself. She is an honest and amazing champion who helps in representing a more multicultural and globalized future. 

Mixed Race Wedding Denied

Owners of an event hall in Mississippi have apologized for refusing to host an interracial marriage. A video was captured of a woman at the venue saying that,“We don’t do gay weddings or mixed race, because of our Christian race, I mean our Christian belief. I don’t want to argue my faith, we just don’t participate.” After the video was released the owner apologized privately to the couple and the apology was accepted. The event hall said in a statement that the owners had previously thought that interracial marriage went against the Bible but after talking with their pastor and others they realized they were wrong. In the end they apologized for the pain and inconvenience they cause and invited the couple to use their facility. While this incident was somewhat resolved it shows how ignorance towards interracial couples and people is still prevalent.

New Zealand Power of Inclusion Summit

New Zealand will be hosting The Power of Inclusion Summit on October 3-4 in Auckland. The Summit will feature case studies, panels and keynotes addressing issues related to inclusion and representation. The aim is to generate action to create a more inclusive industry in film and television and in general the world. Some of the announced keynote speakers include mixed activist Yara Shahidi along with other diverse speakers including Steven Canals (creator, executive producer, writer and director of Pose, and Niki Caro (director of Disney’s upcoming live-action film Mulan.) With this Summit, representation will be sought after in many communities including women, women and men of color, mixed race families and people and the LGBTQ+ community. 

What To Read Now

Check out this amazing photoshoot by mixedrace artist Linx Selby now on mixedlife.net! Click below to read and see more.