MixdGen

African born in America: Benzel Jimmerson (@benzeljimmerson)

“I don’t disassociate because there is a gift in all people. I’m not rejective of that side I just have chosen to understand it, understand the mentalities, and be able to utilize that understanding as a gift to the people I identify with."

Benzel Jimmerson, Owner of Diversity Dynamics and Chair of the Economic Development Committee for NAACP Colorado Chapter, describes his experiences of being MIXD. 

From black cowboy to hip hop, Benzel highlights his experiences of accessing two different worlds. One of whiteness from his Irish and German mother and as an African born in America from his father’s side. Join us on a unique journey into Benzel’s life as a MIXD male and a glimpse of what has lead him to fuel his current life work today.

To view "The Mixed Bill of Rights" by Maria Roots as mentioned at the end of this episode go to our instagram page.

Please enjoy this podcast, rate, and subscribe. 

Yours Truly,

- The MixdGen Team -

Support the show

#mamason - Black | Mexican | Bolivian: Marisela and Alex (@mari_maudi)

“I think as parents sometimes we don’t even want to have those conversations, right? Like, I know I’ve had those moments where I’m like, okay I have to talk about this you know. I have to make sure things are good and how do I start that conversation? But no matter what you have to get yourself to do it because no one else is going to do it for you."
- Marisela, MIXD mama

“We still remember our ethnicity, we still remember who we are, but we still remember that we are not alone and we can be friends with anybody who accepts us with who we are."
- Alex, MIXD son, 12 years old

Mama Marisela has been on the search for conversations and spaces for MIXD families for years. Now, she’s on our podcast with her 12 year old son, Alex.

In this episode Marisela speaks about growing up and being from a U.S. cultural identity, Mexican identity, and Bolivian due to her stepfathers influence. She speaks openly about being called “La Morena” or “the brown/tanned/dark skinned girl” highlighting the ways in which color naming play a role in Mexican culture growing up. Her son Alex shares his experience as a Black and Mexican boy with comments directed toward him like “You don’t act Mexican enough. You don’t act Black enough.” He shares gems with us that reflect what it looks like when you are told to embrace all you are in whichever setting you are in.

At MixdGen, you are always ENOUGH & MORE because we know that being your authentic self is the best self to be! 

Please enjoy this podcast, rate, and subscribe. 

Yours Truly,

- The MixdGen Team -

Support the show

The LatinAsian: Kimberly Ming (@kimberly.ming)

“I wouldn’t be sharing my story if I didn’t think I that I could help other families dialogue and break the ice and learn.”

Kimberly Ming, founder of MixdGen and creator of Youtube video “The LatinAsian: A Chinese and Puerto Rican Woman” has had personal struggles and celebrations within her identity of being MIXD. This podcast has been one of her dreams since she realized the lack of narratives for and by mixed race, multicultural, and interracial families and friends. 

In this episode we hear from her as she breaks down the constructs of race and ethnicity in an open conversation about her life growing up in a predominantly white community in Fort Collins, Colorado with Chinese and Puerto Rican parents. She talks about her hopes for the podcast with hints that this is only the beginning of a journey ahead, because the world is mixing.

Please enjoy this podcast, rate, and subscribe.

Yours Truly,

- The MixdGen Team -

Support the show