My Cultures, My Identity

Multicultural United Nations

At just five years old, the picture above resembled a mini-United Nations. One filled with so much color and proof that MLK’s Dream was alive and well. Learning and playing with kids from different ethnic backgrounds laid the foundation for how I would approach life…with an open mind and to appreciate the importance of diversity.

By the time I reached my teenage years, figuring out my identity was front and center just like any other teen. But trying to discover who I was in two worlds, as a first-generation American, made my experience a bit more complex. I played the role as a Nigerian at home, and fell under the umbrella of an African-American in the outside world. Two cultures, bridged together through our ancestors.

I slowly began to realize that society is the culprit of this uneasy space of “in-betweeness.” It dictates which group you identify with solely based on race. Not only is this unsafe, but it’s a narrowed view that continues to perpetuate stereotypes of what people are supposed to act and look like.

So I dedicate Defining Cultures to:

  • The children of immigrants, immigrants themselves, and the sons and daughters of mixed-race households, who have ever questioned their cultural identity – a term that remains under the radar, a secret, a personal struggle that continuously resurrects when asked: “what are you?” But long gone are the days that a flood of emotions and anxiety are pushed to the forefront in hopes of getting the answer correct. Now is the time to reclaim your identity the way you see fit. Unapologetically!
  • Anyone who has not yet visited his or her ancestral lands, for your family name and cultural community will be your guiding light.
  • Americans who plead for the abolishment of ‘hyphenated-Americans,’ that they may better understand and respect our choice to retain the other half – acknowledging and paying homage to the cultures that make us who we are.

We must all realize how far we have come thanks to the journey of those before us, and the ones continuing to break down barriers each and every day in America. And especially in this current climate, whether you are of African, Asian, Caribbean, European, Hispanic/Latino, Pacific Island, Middle Eastern or Native American descent, we must band together and continue to exemplify excellence – we breathe life into America!

Welcome to Defining Cultures: the 1st true platform that promotes the journey of first-generation Americans, immigrants, and people who identify with multiple cultures.

xoxo,

Chi Chi