Halle Berry, the Ex-boyfriend, their Daughter & Race

Apparently, Halle Berry's daughters Dad (who is white) does not want his daughter to be referred to as "Black".  This is part of recent stories that have been reported in the tabloids where allegations of abuse & hurling of racial epithets by the ex-boyfriend is reaching a fevered pitch.  To add to things - he is suing for custody.


For now, it is a story of he said / she said.  Only time will speak to the truth.   But one of the reasons why everyone is jumping on the opinion bandwagon (especiall­y on these blogs) is because of the topic of race itself.  

Families with bi-racial children have a great deal more to consider before & after they have children.   As much as we'd like to think we live in a society that is fair and color/race­/culture blind .. it is hardly the truth.

Part of parenting a child of biracial or multi racial heritage is helping the child honor all aspects of who they are.  Often, children will take their cues from their parents' sense of identity and comfort level with whatever racial and cultural isms the parents most strongly identify with.  Beyond that - another major component is a matter of which community will be most accepting of this bi-racial child.

For example, Ms. Berry & President Obama are both children of white and black heritage.   Yet, they most identify themselves as Black.  

 If we were to be bluntly honest -- even if either of them wanted to identify themselves as White - would society accept it?

 For children of bi-racial heritage, it is the parents job to help children navigate through the blessings & sometimes harsh realities of being who they are.    

Children - no matter where they come from are beautiful and perfect -- just the way they are.  Children have the right to be accepted & loved unconditio­nally by their families, communitie­s and society.  

If we - as a society - want to call ourselves decent & enlightene­d, we need to send out this message Loud & Clear ... if we ever want to have any hope of changing what we witness today.