Black and White Make Gray

I wrote this story because I did not see a reflection of myself in any
of the books that I read while growing up. For many years, I was the
only biracial child in my class. I often wondered, Where can I find a
story about my experience? I had no characters with whom I could
relate, and nowhere to turn. Every story was either black or white.
Growing up a biracial child, I went through many changes. I could not
turn to my friends or family and say, Me, too! or You feel like that,
too? During this time, my parents were very supportive, but could
they really understand what it felt to be me - biracial? To this day, I
cannot walk in my fathers shoes: a black man. I cannot walk in my
mothers shoes: a white woman. I can; however, walk in a biracial childs
shoes, because that is who I am. Biracial children need to understand
that it is okay to embrace who they are. I know how difficult it is, but
we need to teach our children that they do not have to feel guilty or
ashamed of their cultural identity. I know that children need to see
a reflection of themselves when they read. If my reflection helps one
little child embrace him/herself; then, I am doing my part to help
change America.