MixedRaceFaces latest feature is about none other than FYCs Bradley Lincoln. MixedRaceFaces is an organisation that captures portraits and stories of people with mixed heritage; challenging the definition of the term mixed-race, it’s not so ‘Black and White’. Stories are subjective, allowing each person to be open, and truthful about their own life experience and opinions.

“May I begin by saying this: I am all of my Mother and all of my Father. The good and the bad parts. I am a son, a parent, a friend and I self identify as mixed-race. My Mother is White English and my Father was Black Jamaican. I had a happy childhood, yet I grew up with many questions about my racial identity. I often felt a sense of ‘not enough-ness’. A sense of not being Black enough to be Black or White enough to be White. I’m in my 50’s now and looking back, things were slightly different then.

Through my youth project called Mix-d (pronounced – mixed) and through personal reflections, I have been able to move from an emotional, to an informed position. I have integrated elements from both sides of my racial heritage and created an identity which doesn’t look specifically like either. I no longer feel pulled to choose one identity at the exclusion of another.

Since the early 2000’s I have tried to make small, meaningful contributions to ongoing debates around mixed-race identity. This has included the creation of Educational Resources and most recently by co-creating a hair care brand called FYC. For Your Curls. The purpose behind FYC was to represent the commercial needs of the growing mixed textured hair community. And, to recognise ‘mixed’ as a legitimate positive racial identity, alongside all other descriptions.

As a ‘mixed’ person I look for things which I share in common with other people, rather than our differences. This approach has helped to forge many long, meaningful relations / friendships with people from all different backgrounds. The discussion around mixed-race identity has shifted significantly. I feel the next generation are already ironing out those old views.

I’ve learnt many things, whilst looking at the world through a mixed-race lens. Most importantly, I learnt, if I get me ‘right’, the rest of the world will begin to make more sense.

I am committed to making my corner of the world as mentally healthy as possible. Being mixed-race is just one part, but not the only aspect, of my personality which I shall continue to develop.”

Read more about MixedRaceFaces and their work at https://mixedracefaces.com/home/english-jamaican-fyc?fbclid=IwAR3Y_Q_Ssbt3ohAJUGgeS8Im-PtDkUtUDRDXuDlwswyeh3ERMii0y0aS1GM