Blank-American
Numerous people in my lifetime have asked me if I’m “mixed”. I assume it’s because of my naturally wavy hair, a few freckles, vibrant complexion, and pointed eyes. I always told people, “No I’m just Black”. My African ties seem non-existent and when my mother told me I was part Cherokee Indian, I was shocked to learn from my mom that I could possibly have some cultural identity besides my ancestors being from Africa.
When my mother told me, I thought she was kidding, but she explained to me about my Grandfather’s mother and what North Carolina was like once upon a time. For years I never believed my mom and I have yet to really claim my Native-American heritage because no one in my family is really educated on the culture. After my mother had a conversation with my aunt about our ancestors traveling on the “Trail of Tears” and the legacy that our family left in North Carolina I began to see some credibility.
It would be nice to have memories to share so that I can strengthen my own credibility when I say, “I am sincerely African-American and Native-American”. Unfortunately in the African-American culture, many people claim to be “Indian” and it has almost become a joke. Technically the myth and story has not been proven to me, but no part of history has ever been proven to me. I just take the family stories and build my own perception that I’ll share with my kids. Those will be the memories that continue to develop my family’s history, but at the end of the day, I just feel American. I’ll fill in the blank another day.
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