Color your world - Short Stuff - multiracial teens - Brief Article

Girls' Life, June, 2002

"We come from all different ethnic, cultural and spiritual traditions. We are winners, every one of us. And, make no mistake, we are the future." This powerful quote comes from My Sisters' Voices: Teenage Girls of Color Speak Out, edited by Iris Jacob, 18. It's a collection of writings from over 100 teen girls of African American, Hispanic, Asian American, Native American and biracial backgrounds.

Iris, who is biracial, says she had a hard time growing up in Sioux Falls, S.D., where most other kids were white. Now, she uses her experiences to help girls appreciate their differences and wants to empower girls of color. Like Sandra, 14, who's biracial and feels like she's torn between the black and white kids, but overcomes it: "I accept every part of myself--the good and the bad. I will always be me. I am unique...."