Lesley A. Anderson Black and White Make Gray...But, I'm Not an Elephant

Annotation

I wrote this story because I did not see a reflection of myself in anyof the books that I read while growing up. For many years, I was theonly biracial child in my class. I often wondered, Where can I find astory about my experience? I had no characters with whom I couldrelate, and nowhere to turn. Every story was either black or white. Growing up a biracial child, I went through many changes. I could notturn to my friends or family and say, Me, too! or You feel like that,too? During this time, my parents were very supportive, but couldthey really understand what it felt to be me - biracial? To this day, Icannot walk in my fathers shoes: a black man. I cannot walk in mymothers shoes: a white woman. I can; however, walk in a biracial childsshoes, because that is who I am. Biracial children need to understandthat it is okay to embrace who they are. I know how difficult it is, butwe need to teach our children that they do not have to feel guilty orashamed of their cultural identity. I know that children need to seea reflection of themselves when they read. If my reflection helps onelittle child embrace him/herself; then, I am doing my part to helpchange America.