I am Black, French, and Native American.

I identify as Black, but sometimes I find it hard to identify with Black Culture. This is because Black Culture in America is so new. I think of it like this: what flag can I hang in my room? My Hawaiian friends can put up a Hawaiian flag in their room. My Japanese friends can put a Japanese flag in their room. These flags reflect ethnic, racial, and cultural origins. What flag can I hang in my room? African American Culture is being written as we speak.

And, this is something else that I have definitely contemplated: what can I call myself? I don’t like to identify myself as African American because I have no affiliation with Africa. There is a huge disconnect. As slaves were brought over to America religion, language, and culture shifted. There’s a huge difference between Black Culture in America and African cultures. Black Culture is so intertwined with beliefs that were forced upon them that sometimes it doesn’t feel authentic.

I grew up with a single, mixed mother. People tell me that I don’t “talk Black.” But, what does it even mean to be Black? Does it mean growing up without a father? If so, then I guess I am Black. Sometimes, I struggle with the blanket statement that is used to cover the complicated nature of what being “Black” actually is. Black skin makes people feel like that’s all that you are.

Ultimately, I would define myself as me. I would never reduce myself to any one category.

Stone Alexander Nicholas Hart

Patric Verrone

The Portraits

Shunella Lumas