Natalie #mixedmonday
This weeks #mixedmonday is @natalievevans, co-founder of @everydayracism_.
Hey, I'm Natalie, I'm 34 years old, and I live in Margate, Kent. I am an author, writer, speaker, and anti-racist educator, and I co-founded @everydayracism_ back in 2020 with my sister Naomi. Together, we wrote "The Mixed-Race Experience," which was released last year, and the paperback edition is out this month!
How would you describe your ethnicity?
I usually describe myself as Black, Mixed-race or both, although this depends on how I'm feeling at the time and the context I'm in. I understand that not everyone appreciates the term "Mixed Race" because I recognise that race is a social construct. However, my mum used this term while I was growing up after I had been called 'coloured' or 'half-cast' and other racist names. I found it to be an empowering term, which is why I like to use it. Maybe over time, I'll adopt a different term, but for now, it's what I feel comfortable with. My parents are White British and Black Jamaican.
Has your mixed-ness influenced your career in any way?
Absolutely, I grew up in a white majority town, so I was never seen as 'mixed,' just Black. There weren't many mixed or Black people in my school, so I faced a lot of bullying because of the colour of my skin. As I got older, I had to navigate predominantly white workspaces, which was challenging. I encountered numerous micro-aggressions and ignorant comments. I remember one place I worked at said to me, 'It's great you work here because now we can get more funding since we can tick that we work with marginalised communities!' Now, I work in anti-racism, and I believe my mixed background is a significant factor in why I'm in this field. I'm also very aware that having lighter skin makes me more acceptable in this industry, so I always ensure I'm not taking up space where I shouldn't be.
If you could describe your mixed identity in one word, what would it be?
Valid! I chose the first word that came to my mind. I think I picked this because I've spent so much of my life justifying who I am or answering silly questions or statements like 'which side do you most identify with' or 'you're not Black enough.' Now I know that who I am is valid, and just because I don't fit into a nice, neat little box for others to understand doesn't make me 'confused or unusual.' It's their problem!
What is the best thing about being of mixed heritage?
Being mixed has made me more compassionate towards others who may see themselves as 'different' or who don't fit into the binaries that society sets up for us. Being mixed is truly beautiful, and I also love getting to know my Jamaican culture more.
