Kierra Lewis

About 6.9 percent of Americans today describe themselves as being of  two or more races. Junior Kierra Lewis is part of this growing and diverse demographic.

With a white mom and black dad, Lewis identifies as both white and African-American.

“I don’t consider myself less black or less white than those who have both parents of the same race,” Lewis said. “My mom has raised me to think that no matter who my parents are, I am who I am.”

Living in a society known for racial profiling, Lewis’ mother, Heidi Stevens, has concerns for her child as she grows up.

“The prejudices against [her] and the fact that [she] has to prove herself more than maybe others have to is scary to think about,” Stevens said. “Along with the fears that come with having different colored skin.”

Even in the town that she grew up in, Lewis feels the pressure and uneasiness of those around her because of her skin color.

“A lot of times, if I walk into a store or a place to eat with a group of my black friends, people get nervous and look at us to make sure we’re not stealing anything,” Lewis said.

Although the times have changed, Stevens believes people still aren’t fully comfortable with interracial marriage.

“[We] always got looks and comments,” Stevens said. “Twenty years ago, we got more looks than what we would get now.”

However, according to Lewis’ father, Gerald, others’ opinions shouldn’t be taken at a personal level, especially without truly knowing what they think or believe.

“Backlash comes from people who are at the end of the family tree and the most ignorant,” Gerald said. “”You can’t assume what people are thinking when they look at you in public.”

According to Lewis, Black History Month is a time to look back in remembrance and celebrate her heritage.

“Black history means a lot to my family because we come from a background of slavery,” Lewis said. “We get to celebrate who we are.”

For Gerald, February is a time to highlight the positive aspects of African Americans and their contribution to American history.

“It’s a great opportunity to bring to the forefront some of the amazing things black people have done in this country,” Gerald said. ”It’s a much needed break from the negative image being perpetrated by people who promote fear.”