A lot of people will look at the pictures on this page and see one thing – a couple very much in love. Others might also notice that we’re different races. And then there’s a group of people who will see a problem with that fact. Whether you are aware of it or not, racism is embedded in our society, and although things are starting to evolve, for me and my husband, Alex, life as an interracial couple has sometimes been a challenge. But as it turned out, Alex was worth fighting for.
I grew up on the east coast of America. My dad had been in the military, which meant we moved around a lot, but as a black man it also meant he experienced a lifetime of racial discrimination.
One day, when I was around nine, my dad sat me down. ‘You need to know that life will be different for you because of the colour of your skin,’ he told me. I stared at him with wide eyes, finding it unbelievable that something so simple as my skin colour would have such a profound effect on my life. While a conversation like this may shock a lot of people, for others it will be all too familiar.
It wasn’t long before I realised my dad was right. ‘Your teeth glow in the dark,’ my classmates said when the lights were turned off, mocking how they stood out against my dark skin.
Endless frustration
I did have lots of friends, though – of all races, another thing which was often held against me. As a teenager, when we were living in the South, if I was out with white friends, I would be stared at and receive disapproving looks.
Denne historien er fra March 23, 2021-utgaven av WOMAN'S OWN.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra March 23, 2021-utgaven av WOMAN'S OWN.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
'SEEING MY NAME ON TV IS SURREAL'
Loose Women newbie Olivia Attwood Dack on joining the hit show, marriage and career goals
THE MISSING PIECE
My earliest memory of my older sister Priya wasn’t one where she was present, but rather, the realisation of her absence.
WEEKNIGHT WINNERS
Rustle up these tasty family dinners with just five easy ingredients
SMILING THROUGH CANCER
Like most mums, when my kids are upset I’ll do almost anything to turn their frowns upside down, whether it’s making Max, 11, his favourite chocolate cake or putting on silly voices for Georgia, eight, when she’s had a bad day at school.
BRAVERY AMIDST SUCH HORROR
The Woman's Own columnist has her say on dinner time, posh grub and wet summers
RELAX & RESET
For farm-to-table food and a game-changing spa, head for the dramatic Dolomites
HELP! I'M TURNING INTO MY MUM
As the years pass, Heather Main, 39, realises she’s inheriting more and more of her mother’s traits
I WAS MISTAKEN FOR MY HUSBAND'S MISTRESS!
When Gemma Loveden, 38, lost l6st, a family member was convinced she was someone else...
Denise confesses I'MA MORNING SEX PERSON'
Never one to mince her words, Denise Welch is much-loved by fans for her refreshing honesty.
Cat & Ben SNUBBED!
Are the This Morning hosts feeling disgruntled after missing out on an NTA nomination in favour of Alison?