Race and Ethnic Studies Autobiography by Iyshah Kassama

Family and early years

465607 — 2025-02-06 17:23:37 UTC

Parents

465607 — 2025-02-06 17:28:29 UTC

My mother is from California, she was born and raised there. She's a black african american. My father is from Gambia. He moved here when he was an adult.

Siblings

465607 — 2025-02-06 17:30:51 UTC

My siblings include my oldest half-brother, my older brother, my older sister, me, and my younger brother. We're all African American.

How I see myself

465607 — 2025-02-06 17:32:51 UTC

I've always seen myself as a first-generation African American. my father is from Africa, so I feel a bit more connected to my roots than most.

Neighborhood and environment

465607 — 2025-02-06 17:40:19 UTC

Growing up

465607 — 2025-02-06 17:43:46 UTC

Growing up, my neighbourhood consisted of mostly Africans and African Americans. One would assume in a community of mostly African Americans, you wouldn't face discrimination because of your appearance, but I was picked on a lot as a kid. many would tease me for my eye shape, pulling back their eyes and calling me slurs. It's one thing that's stuck with me through the years.

Middle school

465607 — 2025-02-06 17:46:32 UTC

In middle school, I went to a different school than all my other friends. It was a completely new environment and trying to fit in as one of three black kids in my grade, and the person with the darkest skin in the whole school was difficult.

Culture

465607 — 2025-02-06 17:52:17 UTC

Growing up I was mostly close with white and Latino kids. there weren't many African American kids, so I embraced the cultures around me. Now that I'm older, trying to connect with African American people, especially ones my age is difficult. being a black trans guy I feel even more disconnected from my culture. I've been trying to fit in where I don't belong for so long I don't know where I belong. I feel like a puzzle piece that is in the wrong puzzle.