Mix-d: News & Blogs
Brad 30 June 2010
Why I got involved with the project. Levi Ferguson age 15
After the conference I felt empowered and proud to be Mix-d: Race, mainly because we discussed our own experiences this gave me more confidence to talk to others about my own identity as well as theirs. I was pleased be given such an opportunity I felt welcome and at home, boundaries caused by stereotypes were broken down and we all learnt about the history of Mix-d: Identities. I felt like we talked about topics relative to ourselves, we gained knowledge about issues concerning us as a Mix-d: Race Community, overall I really enjoyed the conference and can’t wait until my next.
Alex 17 June 2010
After attending the Mixed Roots festival over the weekend, I sat in my hotel room in Downtown LA thinking what will I bring back to the UK and how has this trip enlightened me about the Mix-d: USA experience.
After speaking to many people it really hit home that the Mix-d: experience has similarities and differences regardless of generation and regardless of country. However, one surprising difference in the US is the persistent and very real emphasis and reliance on the one drop rule. This stood out to me so I asked many questions regarding why this is and received a variety of responses:
-Society will still class anyone with “black in them” as black, hence Barak Obama being the first “black President”
-It is easier for society to put people of colour under one umbrella term
-People outside of the family see mixed race a certain way so the individual will internalise external views
-Black is often the predominant race in the household so a mixed race child will identify as black
-Identifying as mixed is often perceived as rejecting the “black side” of you
-Identifying as mixed is often perceived to be implying that “mixed is better than black” due to the historical view that lighter is better
An evaluation and assessment of all these responses would require much grilling academic research. So instead of hitting the books, I reflected and reminded myself that the beauty of Mix-d: as an organisation is that we do not tell people how they should identify themselves; instead we encourage our young people to develop an understanding of their identity internally without having to tick a box or be judged. If you are comfortable identifying as mixed race then identify as mixed-race; if you’re comfortable identifying as black, then identify as black; or half-caste or Asian, Cablinasin, Jamindian, White… So long as you are comfortable and confident in yourself!
My reflection also put the project into perspective. We are addressing the fastest growing ethnic group! I repeat. The fastest growing ethnic group! And the project will only grow alongside the mixed-race population. Following this trip I further appreciate all that this project is doing and has done and see a great future for the project in reaching out to mixed-race people around the world to address Mix-d: experiences- globally.
So, overall my experience of LA has been insightful and enlightening. I have met some wonderful people, seen fantastic sights and had thoughtful conversations – all which have inspired me as a person and in terms of my contribution to the project: I have decided to write a book; I am eager to start the Mix-d: Parenting book; and I would eventually like to combine my love for the project with my aspirations in the law and one day become the Mix-d: Political and Legal Adviser! (The joys of travel!)
Brad 12 June 2010
Yesterday, I was sat having a chinese meal, in Hollywood, Los Angeles with Alex (Mix-d: coordinator). In between crunching down seasome chicken with fried rice, drinking a glass of orange and gazing out of the window I couldn’t help but smile.
I thought to myself, “...imagine, from Wythenshawe to Hollywood?”. Wythenshawe is where this began, I had an idea and wanted to share it.
The idea was simple. To start a project and make a positive contribution to the mixed-race discussion.
I wanted to remove the awkward silence surrounding the subject.
Instead of dipping in and out of the subject occasionally with some interviews and questionnaires, the idea for the project was simply about putting mixed-race people at the centre of the discussion.
I didn’t want to start a campaign nor develop a ‘speaky, spooky’ manifesto: just start a big conversation. One which included all voices.
At the time, I had identified the key missing ingredient was EXPERIENCE and everyday language. I believe, if we are lucky, theory can grow from experience but experience always comes first. People always come before ideas.
Ideas come from stories and stories come from people - standard. I set out to collect as many stories from mixed-race people as possible. Over the last four years we have listened all across the Uk, have met hundreds of mixed-race people, recorded their stories, ideas and thoughts.
We are now in Hollywood, attending The Mixed-Roots and Film Festival in Los Angeles and talking with the leading mixed-race organising in the states. How amazing is that?
What a difference an idea can make?
Brad 11 June 2010
It’s early morning in LA. Unable to sleep so started some work. I looked through the new micro-site for Mix-d: Face 2010 (our first mixed-race modeling competition) and felt really proud, which prompted me to write a quick blog.
Just over a week and a bit, Samantha Gonzalez started with us as the new Mix-d: graphic designer. Sam was asked to create a flyer for our model event, a marketing brochure to promote Mix-d: in the USA and to work alongside Steve Ireland our resident in-chief web designer, to build a micro-site for the Mix-d: Face competition.
In just over a week, the flyer was complete along with an amazing new micro-site and brochure showcasing the work of Mix-d:
Whilst this was taking place, Alessander Tinio our Mix-d: PR guru was contract crunching with Harvey Nichols to confirm their sponsorship for Mix-d: Face as Alexandra Simon, the Mix-d: coordinator was ensuring all deadlines were met by keeping us all organised.
Looking over my shoulder, I am really amazed that this work got turned around in such a short time and to an incredible high standard.
I am massively proud to be working alongside you all.
Brad.
http://www.mix-d.org/face
Brad 8 June 2010
A modeling competition with a difference!!
The first of its kind in the UK - a mixed-race modelling competition organised by Mix-d: in collaboration with the prestigious Boss modeling agency.
The fundraising event, to be held on 30th October 2010 at the Monastery in Manchester, will include a catwalk competition and public voting to choose two lucky winners (one male, one female) who could each go on to win a 12 month modeling contract with Boss Model management. They will also become the Face of Mix-d: 2010 and support work to promote awareness of mixed-race issues.
Money raised from the contest will be used to help Mix-d: fund a new education pack aimed at increasing understanding of mixed-race issues among secondary school pupils.
Keep an eye on the site for entry details and ticket information.
Brad.