Finally, I always speak on and for people of mixed heritage.
It is one thing to “not be racist “and to “not be color blind” but rather color brave in identifying all the different types of skin colors there are on human skin, but there are also those who are multiracial and multi-skinned. A certain study shows that about 40% of Americans do not know how to properly address multiracial/multiethnic folks and usually end up hurting or infringing on their feelings and their fundamental human rights.
To the offenders, the key is to always remember that people are people and should be treated equally irrespective of the color shade of their skin. This is important in understanding that people of color or multiracial folx, are NOT to be treated differently or differently just because they look a certain way and sound differently when they talk.
Attaching their success or failure to their skin color, intruding on their privacy to satiate your curiosity by stroking their hair, and all other intentional and/or unintentional practices that are done against multiracial folks should be identified and curbed by possibly nipping them in the bud through sensitization and exemplary practices.
This section is from the memoir And Then She Persisted by Kenisha Coon (Finishing Line Press), and can be found at https://www.finishinglinepress.com/product/and-then-she-persisted-by-kenisha-coon-ms/
And Then She Persisted is a memoir that delves into the author’s journey of overcoming #generational #trauma, #abuse, and #neglect, while also confronting #racism and advocating for change. Through a combination of personal reflections, therapy, spiritual exploration, and education, the author navigates the complexities of their identity as a #biracial #woman raised in a white household. The #memoir emphasizes the importance of #relationships and support in #healing, while also providing insights and guidance for those on their own journey towards #anti-racism. Ultimately, it is a testament to resilience, allyship, and the power of persistence in confronting systemic challenges and embracing one’s true purpose.
Kenisha Coon, MS, (she/her) has lived experience of trauma and resilience in the child welfare system. She has her Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree in Psychology. She has a Post-Masters teaching certificate in Psychology and a DEI in the workplace certification. She has 13 years of experience in the sector of child welfare and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Work. She is a leader of Antiracism and DEI work throughout the country, such as facilitating conversations, training, creating strategic plans, and consulting. She is a graduate of the Minority Professional Leadership Development Program and has collaborated with AdoptUSKids, National Adoption Association, and Families Rising to bring racial awareness and equitable training and education to the child welfare scene. In her personal life, Kenisha runs a DEI consulting business, Kenisha Coon Consulting as well as a calligraphy business, Lettering by Kenisha. Kenisha volunteers in several communities where the main focus is on expanding and educating of Race Equity and DEI learning to those who may not have had the space to be courageous. By day you will Kenisha working to dismantle the disparities of black and brown youth in the child welfare system and teaching others lessons toward becoming antiracist in everything that they do. By night, she is lettering, doodling, and creating to make folks happy and to nurture her own mental health. She is a consultant, a speaker, an ally, an activist, a writer, a mom, and a wife. Her latest project is as the author of And Then She Persisted. The story of overcoming generational trauma, abuse, and neglect. It is the story of standing up against racism. It's a story of advocacy, passion, allyship, and surrendering to stepping into one's purpose. Kenisha is exploring publishing right now.
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