Our skin forecasts prejudices and sets social markers on how we identify and relate with one another. For sure, this is a fact that I am very familiar with. I have often found myself at those crossroads, but now I am faced with peeling back yet another layer that I have found the utmost insecurity in. I know my race, but not a single clue about my ethnicity.
(Aliyah Johnson, http://lialiainlondon.wordpress.com/page/2/ Blog Post, 4/28/13)
Today is April 30th, 2014.This quote was extracted from a post that I wrote while I was studying abroad in London an entire year ago. During that time I had experienced my blackness in a wholly different way- and to this day I still am. Since then I haven’t learned much more than what I already knew about my ethnicity, as there is limited information that I have access to in respect to my familial ties and relationships. However, the most noteworthy part of it all is that I’ve become more knowledgeable and aware of all things related to identity. I’ve been more inclined to aim at understanding the expressions, traditions, and social contexts of plenty people’s heritages and backgrounds. In essence of it all, that experience prompted a spark in my inquiries and my sensitivities.
I encourage you all to do the same.
I'm Lia Lia and these are my thoughts 