Interview with Krishelle Mercer-Hursh

1. Where do you live? Richmond, California (bay area)

2. What is the make up of your interracial family? I am African American, my husband is White, and we have 3 Bi-racial sons. We have one son together (2 and a half years old) and my husband has two sons (10 and 8 years) from his previous marriage (they also have an African American Mother).

3. What is it that you most enjoy about being a part of an interracial family? I love teaching the boys about both cultures. We have a good balance in our home. My husband being Irish they get to learn about those traditions and me being African American they get to learn about those traditions as well (from St. Patrick’s Day to Kwanzaa!)

4. What is your biggest challenge in being part of an interracial family? One of the biggest challenges is dealing with others. I have actually gotten asked if I was our children’s nanny more than once. We live in a fairly culturally diverse area where interracial relationships are almost a norm, however some people just don’t want to get used to it.  Another challenge I faced was dealing with disapproval from a few members of my family. My dad did not approve of me dating outside of my race at first…he has since came around but it was an uphill battle.

5. What advice would you give others considering an interracial relationship? I say “go for it”. It does take thick skin, depending on where you live you may or may not face racism. But do not let it deter you. Love should always be colorblind.

6. If you have children, do they identify as one race, both or something else? Was this something that you helped them with or did they come to this conclusion on their own? Our 8 year old will say both.  He will proudly say “my mom is black and my dad is white…so I’m both”. Our two year old will happily say “I’m brown!” *(our 10 year old is nonverbal and Autistic). We make sure they know that they are biracial and also ask that they embrace both.

7. Do you look at racism differently now that you are part of an interracial family? I wouldn’t say I look at it differently. I obviously have had different experiences with racism being in an interracial relationship, than when racism I faced just by myself. I was one of the masses that was brought to tears at the nomination of our President. I knew it did not mean that we were post-racial, but it did mean that one day one of our 3 boys can do the same. It was a step in the right direction.

8. What pieces, if any, have you adopted from your spouse/significant other’s culture? One Irish tradition that I picked up was giving my husband an Irish Claddagh ring when we became engaged. I loved the meaning behind it.

9. Do you think being in an interracial relationship is more difficult than being in a same race relationship? All relationships have their challenges. I think an interracial relationship has its own unique challenges. The challenges we face often have more to do with outsiders than each other. I wouldn’t say more challenging, just different challenges.

10. What else would you like us to know about your family? Not only are we an interracial family, we are also a blended family. We take pride in both. We make sure our boys have a great balance and a lot of love.