This blog was sparked the day I read an article that went like this:
NEW ORLEANS – A Louisiana justice of the peace said he refused to issue a marriage license to an interracial couple out of concern for any children the couple might have. Keith Bardwell, justice of the peace in Tangipahoa Parish, says it is his experience that most interracial marriages do not last long. (Find the article here.)
Interestingly enough, at that very moment, I had a 10x13 photograph staring at me. My family and I had ventured to Picture People earlier in the week to take the dreaded family picture. (Yes, it's a dreaded event when there is a 3- and 1-year-old who would rather throw legos at the camera lady than smile for her.)
NEW ORLEANS – A Louisiana justice of the peace said he refused to issue a marriage license to an interracial couple out of concern for any children the couple might have. Keith Bardwell, justice of the peace in Tangipahoa Parish, says it is his experience that most interracial marriages do not last long. (Find the article here.)
Interestingly enough, at that very moment, I had a 10x13 photograph staring at me. My family and I had ventured to Picture People earlier in the week to take the dreaded family picture. (Yes, it's a dreaded event when there is a 3- and 1-year-old who would rather throw legos at the camera lady than smile for her.)
I picked up the picture the night before and hadn't gotten around to framing it. But instead of sticking it in a frame, I stuck it on the scanner and thought I'd share it with my facebook family. I jokingly wrote that I should send Keith Bardwell a Christmas card with our new family picture on it.
It really was a joke; just me being cynical. But, people were telling me I should really do it. And so I decided I would. It's been a week and more than 100 people have joined the Mixed and Happy facebook group, but I am praying that people from all over the world send me pictures of their mixed and happy families.
I think Bardwell deserves a very colorful treat this Christmas. I'm shooting for 100 pictures; 100 families. If you know a mixed and happy family, please send them the link. Pictures can be emailed to mixedandhappy (at) gmail (dot)com. All pictures will be posted here so people can see how the card is coming together. Also, feel free to join the Mixed and Happy group on Facebook.
And if Oprah's reading, let's do a show about families who are mixed and happy! (And by mixed, I mean any and all mixtures. The whole point is that we need to be over the racism thing already. It's pigmentation of skin. I mean, really. It's time.)
It really was a joke; just me being cynical. But, people were telling me I should really do it. And so I decided I would. It's been a week and more than 100 people have joined the Mixed and Happy facebook group, but I am praying that people from all over the world send me pictures of their mixed and happy families.
I think Bardwell deserves a very colorful treat this Christmas. I'm shooting for 100 pictures; 100 families. If you know a mixed and happy family, please send them the link. Pictures can be emailed to mixedandhappy (at) gmail (dot)com. All pictures will be posted here so people can see how the card is coming together. Also, feel free to join the Mixed and Happy group on Facebook.
And if Oprah's reading, let's do a show about families who are mixed and happy! (And by mixed, I mean any and all mixtures. The whole point is that we need to be over the racism thing already. It's pigmentation of skin. I mean, really. It's time.)
I love your blog! I could not believe when I read that article. People can be so ignorant!
ReplyDeleteI love the photos on your blog. I have a daughter who is half Indian, and my other kids are half Arab. I want them to celebrate both of their cultures, not have to pick one or the other.
Anisah
Thanks Anisah! It's all about embracing both sides!
ReplyDeleteI found a more current link via NewsVine.com
ReplyDeleteThe article in question can still be read here:: http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2009/10/15/3386861-interracial-couple-denied-marriage-license-in-la
I LOVE that you are doing this blog!! What an incredible inspiration for families :)
ReplyDeleteI was so horrified by that story too and blogged about it - I couldn't believe someone could be so cruel!! http://jennyrain.wordpress.com/2009/10/16/interracial-couple-denied-marriage-license-in-la/
So I love that you are putting the judge to shame by posting the wonderful stories of mixed families... it is beautiful.
You go Suzy!!
Jenny
What a great blog of all of these beautiful families. You must continue with it.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I'm not in any relationship/marriage of any kind, I have dated inculturally with a West African native. I best describe my folks as a "United Nations" type of family. My great grandmother was biracial( black/White). I also have an older Blasian sister( Black/Vietnamese descent), my maternal uncle is Black/Latino( Puerto Rican American), another uncle of mine has a Black/White son. Currently my brother is dating interracially. In the past , he has dated Black, White Asian and an Eskimo woman.Far as I'm concerned it's all good.
If there were any racial confusion with my uncle and cousins, I haven't heard not one of them expressed it. They never lived for society. If anythig, they didn't respect people like Bardwell.