I always struggled with accepting and appreciating my culture. Being Black was one thing… but being openly African/ Caribbean? I knew I would get ostracized even further.

I remember once in middle school, a few of my classmates asked me “what I was”. I lied and said I was French… French y’all. Can you believe it? What sense does that make? I walked by the same classmates later in the day and heard them talking about my answer – clearly knowing I had lied.

I used to be embarrassed about that incident but now all this memory does is push me closer to my culture. I am proudly Liberian and Bajan. My mother grew up in Liberia, came to this country and made a name for herself. There is land in Barbados destined for my family by my father’s family.

I spent years turning my eye to my ethnicity. Pretending to be just like those around me in any way possible. Even if it meant watering myself down.

Today all I can think about.. is how can I not acknowledge all of the amazing food, music, traditions, etc. that come with my culture? How can I not appreciate these building blocks that compose me and my family tree?

I do not blame myself for trying to conform in my past. I am not ashamed of myself for trying to survive. I am proud that no matter how long it took, I came to love my culture. I took the time to learn things I purposefully chose not to and to appreciate the traditions I pushed away.

Always remember to love your culture! Learn to love it if you do not yet. I promise you this has made a huge difference in how I look at myself, my loved ones, and the world around me. It’s something that no one can take away from you. Please don’t take it away from yourself.

I WISH I KNEW

  • Trying to hide my culture will never take away the fact that I am Black. It won’t change anyone’s opinion of me.
  • I should be proud of my family and where we come from.
  • Learning about my culture is a beautiful process.
  • I should be proud of who I am at all times. This is what makes my family who we are.

Where is your family from? What do you love about it? Have you ever struggled to be proud of your culture? Please feel free to share your stories below!