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    My Life in Black and White
    My Life in Black and White
    My Life in Black and White
    Ebook76 pages44 minutes

    My Life in Black and White

    By Kori D. Miller

    ()

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    About this ebook

    "What are you?"

    "Excuse me?"

    "You know, like where are you from?"

    "Nebraska."

    "No, I mean like, what are you?"

     

    I've been asked this question more times than I can count. And I always know what the person is trying to ask, but I have to admit I kind of like to see them struggle. It shouldn't be so hard to ask, "Hey, what race are you?" But it is. Especially when the person doesn't fit nicely into one box. This is the plight of every ethnically ambiguous-looking person on earth.

     

    Growing up in the Midwest, I never knew I wasn't black until a 12-year-old white boy told me so. Do you have any idea how discombobulating that is? (I love that word.) Anyway – it's confusing. I'd spent the first 11 years of my life thinking I was black. All of sudden, I didn't know what I was. And neither did anybody else.

     

    So, my journey from black to ethnic ambiguity began. There were a few challenges along the way like the time a white supremacist accepted me, but not my brother or father. That was a really strange encounter. Or, when a drunk white guy asked if he could use a plastic fork to comb my beautiful curls. (Everyone knows you don't mess with a black woman's hair.)

     

    But one of the best things about being biracial is the superpower that comes with it. Yeah, you read that right. I have the ability to blend into almost every ethnic group on the planet. Can you do that? With this power comes great responsibility (Thank you Uncle Ben.) And I take it very seriously. Being biracial is about accepting who I am and demonstrating a willingness to accept who everyone else is, too.

     

    Just to be clear, because I don't want you to be disappointed, this book isn't for everyone. You'll need a thick skin, open mind, and a sense of humor to digest it. After all, that's what's gotten me this far.

     

    Who is it for? I'm glad you asked (and you're still reading this blurb.)

     

    • If you like reading about other people's challenges and how they overcame them, then you're going to love this book.
    • If you know a biracial kid who's struggling with who they are, then give them this book. (And tell them to get in touch with me. I'm happy to chat with them.)
    • If you're curious about what it takes to make it in a black and white world when you're not one or the other, this is the book for you.

    Buy My Life in Black and White: A book of experiences and you'll never be discombobulated about race in America, again.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherBack Porch Writer Press
    Release dateJan 17, 2014
    ISBN9780991475605
    My Life in Black and White
    Author

    Kori D. Miller

    Kori D. Miller writes the Sinfully Scandalous Mysteries and the Deadly Sins series at a tiny, narrow desk in her living room. Inspired by a small, but mighty collection of Funko Pops, Kori creates masterfully twisted plots for your entertainment. A Nebraska native and entrepreneur, Kori loves figuring out what makes people tick. Her travels have taken her coast-to-coast and across the pond. Each time returning with more insights into human behavior. When she's not writing — never mind, she's always writing something.  You can become part of the action by joining Sinfully Scandalous readers everywhere. 

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      Book preview

      My Life in Black and White - Kori D. Miller

      Blue Ribbons and Tomato Soup

      WHEN I WAS IN COLLEGE, I took a composition course. The professor had us writing about all types of topics. By that time, I was comfortable with my racial identity. When asked, I would initially respond human. When I would get the deer in the headlight look in return, I’d explain that I’m interracial.

      One of our assignments was to write a poem. Race was on my mind a lot. I don’t remember why. At any rate, the poem I created focused on the numerous differences between people. In the end, though, I simply said we all have red blood and blue veins.

      Blue Ribbons and Tomato Soup probably took me less than an hour to compose. It got tucked away into a bin somewhere and forgotten, but the title and sentiment has stayed with me.

      I hope it stays with you. We are more alike than we are different. Find the similarities.

      KDM

      Fremont, NE

      Dedication

      For my parents and husband, who always have encouraged me to pursue my goals, and my children, who are a constant source of hope, laughter, and writing material.

      And, for my friends who saw me through a few dark days. Thank you. - KDM

      Grade School Lessons

      THERE ARE NO COLLEGE courses to build up self-esteem or high school or elementary school. If you don't get those values at a early age, nurtured in your home, you don't get them.

      T. D. Jakes

      First Crush

      MY FIRST CRUSH WAS a boy named James. He had blondish hair and glasses. It was 1st grade. That crush lasted until the 8th grade and survived a change in schools. I don’t know what it was about him. He was simply the nicest boy I knew at the time.

      When my parents placed me in a Catholic School for 1st grade, it took a lot of adjusting on my part. I came from a Montessori school. I did not understand the nuns and their strange rules. My 1st grade teacher assigned James to be my buddy. From that day on I was smitten. I still can recall him guiding me to my new seat in the classroom. 

      It was no secret how I felt about James. All of our school pals knew and teased us.  His face turned several shades of red, but I remember how nice he always was. He never made fun of me for liking him. The fact that he is white never crossed my mind. The fact that I’m not white never crossed his. Back then, no one cared. We were more caught up in the oh, he has cooties stage. We were simply friends. It’s sad when you realize those days are gone. 

      I don’t know what happened to James. I could probably find out in this day of Facebook and Twitter, but I don’t know if I really want to know. Maybe, just maybe, preserving the memory of something so innocent and simple is a good thing. 

      Black Cats and Black-Clad Heroes

      WHEN I WAS IN 1ST OR 2nd grade, one of our assignments was to color a picture of a cat. I don’t recall if it happened to be close to Halloween. I colored my cat, handed it in and was very proud of it. Then, one fateful day, Sister Something or Other decided to share everyone’s pictures.

      She held up picture after picture saying, Oh, look at the colors in this one!

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