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Miriam L. Vogel
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The support group for women with biracial children is in part a response to last years assault on an interracial couple which lead to the conviction of two police officers from Montgomery West Virginia and an ongoing need in the community for support. When asked by some why race is still an issue or why a support group is needed I would cite the following examples that have occurred in my family and peer group both in Illinois and West Virginia.
If you are a Black mother of a biracial child you may have experienced the following:
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· DCFS showing up at your home after a bowling birthday party because it was reported that a child was abused by her babysitter when you disciplined your tantruming child.
· People saying, “She can’t be your mom she’s too dark”.
· People saying, “Your daughter is so beautiful, she must look just like her father”.
If you are a white mother of a biracial child you may have experienced the following:
· Your parents tell you that the only way an interracial relationship is ok is if you are both sterilized and never have children.
· Your co-worker tells you she’s all for your interracial relationship and isn’t racist but would understand your parents point of view because she wouldn’t allow her son to date your daughter. (You are a newlywed)
· Your five year old daughter’s neighborhood friend tells her a secret that his mother doesn’t like her.
· Your black family members or hair dresser assume you do not know how to do your own child’s hair.
This support group kicks off on Monday January 18th, Martin Luther King's Birthday at 6:00pm at the YWCA in Charleston, WV.