University of Missouri

I identify as mixed because my mom is white and my dad is black. And I was raised by my white side of the family and met my black side in college. I now have a good relationship with them. So, I have always identified as mixed. But I also recognize that other people label me as black. Being the only person of color in my family, I’ve always kind of thought of myself as unique. I didn’t really see it as a bad thing. I saw it as a good thing – a positive thing. I was different in a good way. And I really appreciate Black History Month because I like celebrating the wonderful things that people who look like me have done in the past and having the opportunity for people who look like me to be recognized for the things that they are still doing today.