Who knew? Here’s a thorough blog post on a topic that deserves more attention. Who’s up for writing a play, film, song or other Mixed Roots Story on the mixing happening in Haiti!?
Full story here: Chinwa: The Untold Story of Chinese Haitians
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Miss Manners on How To Respond to ‘Is That Your Child’?
For the most part I find it a pleasure living the mixed experience. I know the ‘What Are You’ question annoys some – and with good reason (I’m asked only because of my light skin, and the privilege that comes with that); but I often look at it as an opening for continued conversation (and occasional ‘schooling’) on the history of ‘race’ and racism. But THESE kinds of questions, I cannot tolerate. Here’s a great response from Miss Manners. How would you respond?
Miss Manners responds when a man is asked, “Where did you get your daughter?’
If you’re looking for more resources on this topic, check out our post on Becky Sarah’s book Grandmothering, which includes an entire chapter dedicated to families with mixed children. We also really like the podcast Is That Your Child – check out these resources when you have the chance!
http://www.journalnow.com/home_food/advice/article_102b269e-5624-11e3-a2da-001a4bcf6878.html
Orlando Jones Tweets about his Mixed Family
We love it when celebrities share their Mixed Roots Stories (even if only in 140 characters). Orlando Jones – who is currently co-starring on the well-received TV show Sleepy Hollow (featuring a positive storyline of an interracial relationship) shared a bit of his cultural background around the Thanksgiving holiday this year. If you’re on Twitter, show him some love: @theorlandojones
Storytelling Website: Narrative.ly
We love the concept behind the website Narrative.ly (voted by TIME magazine one of the 50 best websites of 2013). Take a look, and get motivated to share your own story. Then click our ‘PROMOTE YOUR STORY‘ link and tell us more about you – or perhaps you’d like to become a Guest Blogger for Mixed Roots Stories?
Here’s a little more about Narrative.ly from their About page:
Narratively slows down the news cycle. We avoid the breaking news and the next big headline, instead focusing exclusively on untold, human-interest stories—the rich, intricate narratives that get at the heart of what a place and its people are all about.
Each week, we explore a different theme and publish a series of stories—just one a day—told in the most appropriate medium for each piece. We might feature a longform article on a Monday, followed by an animated documentary on Tuesday, then a photo essay, an audio piece or a short documentary film. Every story gets the space and time it needs to have an impact—an approach we call “slow storytelling” or “slow journalism.” (Stay up to date on our latest stories by signing up for our weekly and weekender emails.)
Our community of writers, editors, photographers, filmmakers, illustrators, and designers have worked extensively for top media outlets like the New York Times, New York magazine, CNN, NPR, MediaStorm, the New Yorker and the BBC, among other innovative and experimental publications. And we’ve subsequently gotten press from leading outlets like Forbes, PBS, Yahoo! Finance and others.
http://narrative.ly/
PSA: ‘What are you?’ Is Not an Icebreaker
The “What are you?” question is a form of micro-aggression that is an all too common experience for blended/ Mixed (your word of choice) folks. Vocalist and Songwriter Andromeda Turre recently wrote a fascinating post in the Huffington Post about her – What are you experiences. As Andromeda states, “The problem with this question is, for lot of us blended people, that it doesn’t have a a simple answer.” The rest of the paragraph – for that matter the entire posting – is profound, succinct, and relatable. Read it then come back to mixedrootsstories for more sharing.
Raised White
Storyteller Melissa Horton shared her personal account of her battle with race as a biracial, adopted child. Read her 3 part story recently published on the Elephant Journal.
Part I
http://www.elephantjournal.com/2014/03/raised-white-an-identity-crisis-part-i-melissa-horton/
Part II
http://www.elephantjournal.com/2014/03/raised-white-an-identity-crisis-melissa-horton/
Part III
http://www.elephantjournal.com/2014/03/raised-white-struggles-with-abandonment-melissa-horton/
Part IV
http://www.elephantjournal.com/2014/03/raised-white-worthy-of-more-melissa-horton/
You can visit Melissa on Facebook and find her on Twitter and IG @nerburglar7.
Mixed Blood Theatre in Minneapolis
I’ve always wanted to see a show at the Mixed Blood Theatre – whose mission is to invite the global village into its audience and onto its stage for provocative, inclusive, predictably unpredictable and award-winning theater.
Perusing their website, I just noticed that they are currently showing The Sun Serpent, by José Cruz Gonzalez (he was my nurturing and motivating playwriting teacher when I wrote One Drop of Love at Cal State LA). The play runs through March 22, 2014.
Here’s a little more information on the theater from their About page:
With programming in its historic firehouse in Minneapolis, in satellite venues throughout the Upper Midwest, and in the national workplace, Mixed Blood leads audiences to a much larger world, using relevant and entertaining theater to spawn a ripple effect of social change. Winner of numerous awards for its human rights and artistic accomplishments, Mixed Blood pays positive attention to differences and champions access. The company annually serves 75,000 people through its mainstage season of new plays, a regional tour of 5–7 shows, and a series of customized productions addressing workplace inclusion. In 2011, Mixed Blood launched Radical Hospitality, providing no-cost access to mainstage productions.
Scholarships for Writers
Check out these wonderful scholarships available to writers. Even more incentive to get those Mixed Roots Stories told! Click here for more info: Vermont College of Fine Arts Scholarships
Television Internships – DEADLINE 3/15/14
From: http://www.emmysfoundation.org/
“This is literally one of those golden ticket occasions where one is given the opportunity to see with their own eyes how the professional entertainment industry functions. The best part is you also have an opportunity to make some impressions about yourself while you’re there.”
– Ray Chang – Cinematography, University of Colorado, Boulder
The TV Academy Foundation’s summer Student Internship Program provides over 40 industry-wide internships to college students nationwide. The program gives both undergraduate and graduate students in-depth exposure to professional television production during an eight-week summer period in Los Angeles.
“When I tell people I studied radio, TV, and film in Wisconsin, I typically get raised eyebrows in response. This internship has proven that no matter who you are and where you’re from, if you have passion and drive, you can make it in this industry. My school taught me skills, but this internship gave me more – professional experience and professional networking!”
– Liz D’Alessio – Post Production, University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh
“Everyone has a different “breaking in” story, and I have no doubt that mine just started with an Academy Foundation Internship.”
– Brandon Zuck – TV Scriptwriting – Drama, Columbia University
Interns work closely with their hosts and designated supervisors in order to gain maximum overview of the work process in their category.
“The Academy Foundation Internship program helps produce professionals. It’s the premiere internship to have if you want to make a notable debut in the entertainment industry. Applying was the best career choice I ever made!”
– Evelyn Blanton – Casting, California State University, Los Angeles
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Past hosts include:
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Details on How to Apply
If you have questions or need further information, please contactinternsupport@emmys.org
CASTING CALL: Mixed Actress Needed
I got to see a reading of this play in Los Angeles and really enjoyed it. Supernatural delves deeply into the lives of 7 women and their life choices, centered around the decision to wear their hair natural (or not) – AND – if you get cast, you get to be in a play with Kim Coles (who here didn’t love Living Single?)!
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