My Racial Identity

In the same way that we now recognize a variety of sexual identities, I have a racial identity that differs from the skin I was born in: I identify as a black woman. I have been this way since I was a little girl. I remember how comfortable I was when my father would take me to visit black families: Their behavior... their interactions... just made sense to me. I fit right into the black Florida ghetto back in the 90's. The neighborhood recognized and respected me as one of their own. I have endowed a scholarship in return for everything my people did for me way back in the day*. Going to Africa felt like coming home... and they knew it. To be sure, I was immediately gifted with a father, a family, a village, a country, a tribe, a culture, and a husband. One of our griots wrote me into African history. You will have a hard time convincing me I am not of African descent.

*easternflorida.academicworks.com/donors/forever-in-my-heart-scholarship