Georgia State students come from all 50 states and more than 150 countries. But the diversity is not limited to just being from another country. Biracial students are more and more common and have an experience different from that of people who are just one race.
After listening to what kinds of events students wanted to go to, Sophia Philemond, a student working at the Georgia State Intercultural Relations office, came up with the idea of an event revolving around mixed-race students.
And so the Biracial: Beyond Black and White panel discussion and Q&A; session took place. Last semester, three panelists sat down with the Georgia State community and told their stories of what it’s like to be biracial in America.
“In dealing with race relations, we so often discuss black versus white and equality for minorities,” Samantha Schikowski, a panelist and student at Georgia State, said. “Yet we rarely discuss what it’s like for individuals who are biracial.”
Panelist Sam Nelson, an information system specialist associate from the Office of Undergrad Admissions, calls it “an interesting experience,” as he was not aware previously that being biracial was such a hot topic.
“In America, if you’re mixed with anything and black, everyone assumes you’re black,” Nelson, who is both black and white, said. “That can be offensive. I’m also white. It’s like I can’t call myself white, so it can be frustrating.”
Nelson said that an example of this feeling can be found in President Obama. He is referred to as “America’s first black president,” when in reality, he’s actually mixed.
Schikowski had similar experiences with being pushed into a specific race category.
“Speaking on the panel was the first time I was ever asked about how my experiences as a biracial individual differed from others,” she said. “I think the notion of ‘choosing a race’ was interesting to the audience. Often I am asked what race I consider myself to be as if being both isn’t option.”
Tahirih Varner, another event panelist, shared her similar perspective on the issue and when she became aware of race and racism. Her mixed background allowed her a unique perspective.
“The only goal I had for the event was just to bring awareness to the fact that it is common to be biracial and not a terrible experience,” Varner said. “It’s a good thing.”
Her personal interest and perspective on the experience showed itself in her career: She works at Georgia State’s Office of Ombudsperson as “basically a peacemaker,” she joked.
“One of the good things is that you get the best of both worlds,” Nelson said. “You can enjoy both sides of your race.”
Varner attributes the panel’s success to students’ interest and growing awareness of the biracial population.
“The best part was after the event everyone just stayed to chat about being biracial,” Nelson said. “It was a sharing experience.”
Because of its success, Biracial: Beyond Black and White is coming back to campus with a part two.
“For part two, we would like to have a special guest from the community,” Philemond said. “We would like to make this one more of a breakout session as well as a group discussion, so that individuals can take the time to hear stories about their peers as well.”
Nelson hopes that the panel will encourage students to take advantage of the diversity in Atlanta and at Georgia State.
“You see a lot of successful people from different cultures here,” Nelson said.
Schikowski looks forward to sharing his experiences with the audience again, in hopes that they can relate to and learn from a different perspective.
“As I am often greeted with the question ‘What are you?’ I hope to relay that biracial isn’t what I am, but rather a component of who I am, and I am very proud of all that makes me who I am,” Schikowski said.
Biracial: Beyond Black and White Part Two will be centered in University Housing and take place on Tuesday, Feb. 11 from 7-9 p.m.
