Daouk, Ashley, Besa : Mixed Family Archives 2
Mixed Family Archives is an ongoing social media series where mixed identifying people of color comment on their family dynamics and how it has impacted their identity. We think that exploring the beauty and challenges of our community members families is important because it is something many of us have never shared or talked about before. And of course, that is what Mixed life is about; exploring, learning, creating, and sharing your mixed voices. To create these posts we asked our community members to send in the following:
A photo of any of your family members. For example, your parents or a really dope Aunt (old photos are encouraged).
Write a short description or story about how your family has shaped, influenced, or impacted your mixed identity in any way.
SALWA DAOUK
When I was younger, I didn’t know I was mixed. I had grown up learning about “dad’s language” or “mom’s culture”. I accepted both sides of my heritage without questioning it. They never told me I was different than any other kid and they taught me to be proud of my roots. Watching both sides of my extensive family navigate their relationship to one another has been interesting as well. They learn about one another through food, language, and culture. Seeing everyone get along despite all the differences and barriers gives me hope for the world. Our world is one family, and we could all open our minds to accept one another wholeheartedly (me, arab and latina, with my Mexican grandparents) - Salwa Daouk @salwa.daouk
NATASHA ASHLEY
Growing up I didn’t care about my ethnicity until the kids at school kept pointing it out. One day, I was staring at my mom and dad and then realized they did look completely different. That day I learn my mom was Filipino and my dad Black. My parents didn’t teach me color. As I got older I wasn’t black enough. I’ve been told that many times, or why I talk like a white person(whatever that it). I was just me! Currently a mother to three Afro-Latinos and Filipino children. People are always concern on their ethnicity. It shouldn’t matter. We’re all the same race which is Human. When are we all going to love one another for the person within besides what we look like?!- @_tashaflyy
MAIA BESA
My mother is Mexican and my dad is Filipino and Spanish. I come from a very diverse family. When I was younger I thought it was ABNORMAL for a family to be all one ethnicity. I don’t think I have a single cousin who is one of anything. I was originally going to talk about all the prejudices so discrimination my family has faced but I think for once I just want to admire them. Love goes beyond ethnicity and race as it should. I feel so lucky that I get to share so many cultures. - @maiaisbigbitch