My husband and I met through my cousin and her husband at my sister’s birthday party. We started talking and going out and one month later we moved in together. 3 months later we were expecting our first baby. Everything felt so perfect, I wasn’t scared that we were moving too fast. A year after our first date we decided to get married by court and here we are almost five years later! We have two children a girl she is 3 1/2 and a boy he is 20 months and one more on the way due February 2012
It was weird being together at first because I’m Mexican and my husband is Black we had to learn from our cultures and accept who we are.
As a mom to bicultural children I have been faced with a lot. I wouldn’t called them challenges, but I’ve felt pressured. It’s mainly with my part of the family I felt pressured to follow the traditional ways, like baptizing my kids Catholic before they turn one. I have managed to overcome feeling pressured by family. I have learned to listen and agree but do what’s best for my family.
Also my family says since I speak Spanish that I should only speak Spanish to my children and my husband should only speak English to them, but I don’t feel that is the right thing to do.
I do plan on raising my children bilingual. I am actually very proud of my girl, her vocabulary in English is very extensive and her Spanish is very good for a 3 year old. She surprises me and I love how she teaches her little brother Spanish too. Although my son is not speaking much yet, he understands when I speak to him in Spanish. He follows directions well too. His favorite word is “agua” water in Spanish.
What makes our family special is the fact that we are not 100% Mexican nor 100%Black but 50/50. We are all learning to embrace each culture our own way. It might not be the correct way but it works for us.
I rarely get asked what race/culture my kids are but it has happened. I remember saying they are mixed without clarifying races. I think if I’m asked again I would answer the same way.
I don’t find the word Blackxican offensive because it’s summarizes what we are, we are two cultures in one.
My advice to other bicultural families is to not be afraid of being bicultural and embrace a part of both cultures. It will benefit your kids and help you and your spouse grow as people.
Special thanks to The B Family. Thank you for sharing your story with us.Your babies are adorable, can’t wait to see the new addition!
If you are also a Blackxican Family/individual who would like to share your story Contact us at growingupblackxican@gmail.com. We would love to hear from you!
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