Why a Mixed Race Heritage Month Matters

As a mental health counsellor and someone who is multigenerationally Mixed race—Afro-Eurasian—I’ve experienced firsthand the complexities of navigating a multi-heritage identity. Mixed-race individuals often live at the intersection of multiple cultures, yet our unique stories and struggles are frequently overlooked. That’s why I’ve started a petition to establish a Mixed Race Heritage Month in the UK and the US.

You can support this initiative by signing the petition here:
https://www.change.org/p/create-a-mixed-race-heritage-month?recruiter=1355668889&recruited_by_id=9a008370-9090-11ef-85fe-e5da2f76406c&utm_source=share_petition&utm_campaign=share_for_starters_page&utm_medium=copylink

Representation Across Borders

Mixed-race populations are the fastest-growing demographic in both the UK and the US. Despite this, our experiences are often misunderstood or erased. Establishing a Mixed Race Heritage Month in these countries would provide a dedicated time to:

• Celebrate Identity: Mixed-race individuals embody the beauty of diversity. A heritage month would highlight the richness and variety of our backgrounds.

• Educate and Create Understanding: Misconceptions about Mixed-race people persist, from stereotypes to microaggressions. This initiative would open doors for conversations that promote greater societal understanding.

• Foster Unity: Mixed-race individuals often feel torn between communities. A shared heritage month would create spaces for connection and solidarity across generations and borders.

My Perspective as a Therapist and Multigenerationally Mixed Person

In my work as a mental health counsellor, I’ve seen how identity impacts mental well-being. For Mixed-race individuals, there can be a constant push-and-pull: feeling pressure to “choose” one identity over another or being told they aren’t “enough” of one group to belong.

As someone who is Afro-Eurasian and comes from a multigenerationally Mixed background, I understand the unique challenges of navigating layered identities. I also know the joy of embracing the fullness of my heritage. Creating a Mixed Race Heritage Month would validate these experiences, giving people a sense of belonging and recognition while fostering broader understanding in society.

Why This Matters in the UK and US

Both the UK and the US have deep histories of migration, cultural exchange, and intermarriage that have contributed to the growth of Mixed-race populations. However, neither country fully acknowledges the nuances of being Mixed race. Establishing this heritage month would:

1. Highlight History: Mixed-race individuals have existed throughout history, yet their contributions are often overlooked.

2. Bridge Gaps: Encouraging dialogue about shared experiences can reduce the “us vs. them” mentality.

3. Encourage Mental Health Awareness: Understanding the Mixed-race experience helps combat feelings of isolation or erasure.

How You Can Help

1. Sign the Petition here

2. Spread the Word: Share this post and encourage others to engage in the conversation.

3. Raise Awareness: Use social media, local events, or community groups to advocate for the importance of this initiative.

By creating a Mixed Race Heritage Month, we can celebrate our unique identities, educate others, and foster a more inclusive society. As someone who has lived the Mixed-race experience personally and professionally, I believe this is a step toward greater recognition and unity.

Thank you for your support. Together, we can make this a reality.

#MixedRaceHeritageMonth

#RepresentationMatters

#AfroEurasianVoices

#MultigenerationalMixed

#MixedAndProud

#PeaceIsPower

#IdentityAndBelonging

#MentalHealthAwareness

#DiversityInUnity

#BreakingBarriers