When people tell you to “be yourself,” it’s not always easy to know what that means. It’s like an adventure to find out who you really are. It’s a call to start exploring and understanding your racial identity development. Sometimes, the noise of what others expect from us can be so loud that we can’t hear our own thoughts. Exploring our cultural history and beginning a journey of self-discovery, can help us find our way.
At the Mixed Identity Project, we believe every young person deserves to feel proud and empowered by their heritage. This book is more than just a journal; it’s a companion on your journey to understanding who you are. Through real-life stories, interactive prompts, and heartfelt advice, we guide you to explore and celebrate every part of your identity. Get on the waitlist for the journal today and embrace your mixed heritage, and start shaping the story only you can tell.
Readers will find a rich collection of personal stories from the author and others who have walked the same path. These narratives cover everything from the joy of discovering one’s cultural roots to the challenges of navigating a world that doesn’t feel like it was made for you. Each story is paired with journaling prompts designed to help you reflect on your own experiences, making this book an interactive journey of self-discovery.
This book doesn’t just tell stories; it equips you with tools to navigate the unique challenges that come with being multiracial. From handling questions about your identity to embracing the fluid nature of how you define yourself, the book offers practical advice and strategies. You’ll learn how to confidently express who you are in every space you occupy, helping you to build a stronger sense of self and belonging.
You’re not alone in this journey. The book emphasizes the importance of community, encouraging you to connect with others who share similar experiences. Whether it’s through conversations with friends and family or finding support within the broader multiracial community, the book inspires you to seek out and create spaces where your full identity is understood and celebrated.
Hannah Liu founded the Mixed Identity Initiative and works as a diversity, equality, and inclusion specialist and educator. Her story shows us how complicated and unique identity can be. She started the Mixed Identity Initiative to help everyone feel included.
The Mixed Identity Project’s vision is a world in which every mixed race and multiracial child can live their authentic life, filled with a sense of belonging and pride.
Growing up Taiwanese and Jewish, Hannah loved both parts of her identity, but sometimes it felt like they didn’t fit together. Even though she was proud of her ethnic Jewish identity, people often saw her as Asian.
When she went to Brown University, things started to change. As a multiracial student, Hannah joined social groups with other mixed-race people. It was like finding another family who understood her struggles searching for her personal identity. She realized she didn’t have to choose one part of her multiracial identity over another.
After college, Hannah continued her higher education experience at graduate school. She went to Harvard to study education. Her goal was learning to help children and adolescents feel good about themselves, find validation, and embrace their racial backgrounds.
That’s why the mission of The Mixed Identity Project provides children with individual mentorship, education, resources for personal empowerment, and affinity gatherings that allow them to build community.
Hannah’s journey shows us that our identity is more than one thing. It’s okay to be proud of all the parts that make us who we are. Being true to ourselves is the most important thing.
The Individual Affinity Programs at the Mixed Identity Initiative offer personalized one-on-one mentorship for children, teens, and young adults to explore and develop their multiracial identities.
The MIXED Virtual Affinity Group Program is a nine-month initiative starting September 2024, designed exclusively for mixed-race and multiracial teenagers aged 13-19 to explore and celebrate their identities through monthly secure Zoom meetings and engaging activities
On the road to multiracial identity, being yourself is like having a bright light showing you the way. It helps you steer through all the pressures and expectations others have for you.
Remember, it’s your life. So, you should be the one making the big decisions. You’re the boss of your own journey, and the Mixed Identity Initiative is here to support you every step of the way.
Life is like a complicated dance, where we’re often trying to stay true to ourselves while dealing with what others expect from us.
No matter how noisy it gets with other people’s opinions, one thing is always important: being honest with yourself about what you really want.
What other people want for you shouldn’t control your life. Their categorizations don’t apply to you.
You are the one who has to live with the choices you make, not them. This gives us the power to stand up for what we want, even when everyone else tells us to follow the crowd.
When you’re figuring out who you are, talk to the people closest to you about what you really want. Whether it’s your family members, friends, or teachers, telling them your true dreams helps them understand you better.
Having these conversations isn’t always easy, but being true to yourself isn’t something you do alone. It’s about talking openly, standing up for your beliefs, and respecting each other’s opinions. By staying true to ourselves and being clear about what we want, we can create a life that’s not just lived but celebrated. It’s a life of strong mental health, self-esteem, and well-being.
The Mixed Identity Project supports the healthy identity development of young people with mixed racial and ethnic backgrounds, promoting resilience, belonging, and pride through mentorship and empowerment.
The Mixed Identity Project’s vision is a world in which every mixed-race and multiracial child can live their authentic life, filled with a sense of belonging and pride.