I have a blast every time I've photographed this family. They are so kind and so absolutely in love with their daughter Wynnie that you can't help but want to keep hanging out with them. Given that February Black History Month, I wanted to give them a platform to talk...for me (and whoever reads) to hear wisdom, and for all of us to grow and become better people. 

Becca and Mike, love y'all and thank you for sharing your hearts.

So much of parenting is a constant presence and discussion. Always keeping the lines open. Are there certain things you practice in your home, or plan to as Wynnie gets older, to encourage her to embrace being biracial? 

Mike: I think it’s tough to explain growing up biracial bc society usually only see white or black. Growing up in a biracial home myself I always felt like people would try to categorize me as being white or black but never both. As Wynnie gets older I want her to understand the struggle her grandparents went through just to bring her father into this world. I also I want to teach that even tho society will try - race does not define her. White or black. Love yourself for everything that your are and everything that makes you-you. And to ignore casual racist comments like “you talk white”, “you don’t dress black” or “you must like something just bc you’re black”. 

Becca: I would say currently we help Wynnie to embrace being biracial by playing with black and white baby dolls and also reading stories with diverse characters. One of our favorites is “The King of Kindergarten” I highly recommend it.  In the future I just plan on supporting and embracing any expressions she wishes to have that surround her bi-racial culture. I want Wynnie to be proud of every part that makes her whole. 

It’s Black History Month, how does that effect your family? 

Mike: For me Black History Month is less of a celebration and more about reflection. It’s about recognizing where we’ve been to see where we are going. Growing up Black History Month was an opportunity learn something new about black history and I wasn’t going to be taught in school. With so much bigotry still in the world today I think it’s important we as a society embrace cultures that are different to us. Learn about them so there can be open conversations about today’s issues without feeling defensive or guilty about our ancestors. 

Becca: It means an opportunity to learn, especially for me. Knowledge is power and it is extremely important to me that black history is taught in our home. Even though Wynnie is only 1 I wanted to find some kid friendly books that explained the stories of influential black leaders. We bought three of them and they feature Martin Luther King Jr. , Harriet Tubman and Rosa Parks. Even though they are children’s books, after reading only a few pages you can easily feel the hate the character experienced. It made me sad reading it to her but we can’t ignore racism because it makes us uncomfortable. It’s time to get uncomfortable and learn something about history and what is still very much alive today.

2020 has brought about insanity to say the least. How have you felt about the social justice issues surrounding people of color? 

Mike: It’s been frustration to say the least. The part that upsets me the most is when I hear people (even politicians) justify violent acts and demonize black men by pushing the narrative that they somehow brought it on themselves. Another frustrating point is trying to explain why these violent situations where authority is abused - people automatically assume you are anti-police. There are bullies with badges that abuse their power and have the backing to not see consequences. However I believe these “bad apples” are a very small percentage of police that get the majority of the media coverage. I guess what I’m trying to say is that you can support the BLM movement and still support the brave individuals that do the right things and help protect the community. 

Becca: The social injustice that I have witnessed over the last year has made me feel nothing short of sad, disgusted and angry. It breaks my heart every time Mike’s dad sends out a family text telling his children to be safe and aware of their surroundings. I understand that isn’t an unusual statement coming from a parent but it is when you know the root of that message stems from fear of your child’s safety because of the pigment in their skin. Being in a biracial relationship has opened my eyes tremendously and forced me to see how engulfed in white privilege I have been. Not because I wanted to be but because that is how I am treated in society.

What is something you want white America to hear? 

Mike: It’s ok that you don’t understand something about black culture. A willingness to learn and listen makes a huge different. And just because you don’t see/ recognize/ or admit that racism is still alive and well doesn’t mean people are experiencing it everyday. Even though you might be on hard times, you can still recognize the struggle of others in your community. I think sometimes people get defensive voicing “my life is hard too- why should I care about them”. This idea of competing gets nothing done and just builds bigger walls. Coming together and understand the struggles of your neighbor may create and bridge or ally instead of adversary.

Becca: It’s time to listen. Stop having an opinion on something you’ve never experienced and start listening to those who have. It’s okay to be teachable. No one is perfect but continuing to live in ignorance can no longer be tolerated. It is time for us all to come together and be the change that should’ve happened so long ago.