Parents of bi-racial 8News Anchor Constance Jones discuss new ABC comedy ‘Mixed-ish’

Parents of bi-racial 8News Anchor Constance Jones discuss new ABC comedy ‘Mixed-ish’

Richmond, VA:  A new comedy on ABC “Mixed-ish” examines the complexities of mixed families.The “Black-ish” spinoff comedy is centered around actress’ Tracee Ellis Ross’ character as a teenager as she faces several difficult hardships growing up mixed race. 

Natural hair ... or nah?

The natural hair debate continues! For decades, curly haired women have consistently been told that straightening hair is a good move for their careers. I’ve been told that my curly hair can look unkempt or unprofessional. Recently, a North Carolina News Anchor took to social media to chat about the great hair debate.

Natural Hair Doll Helps Girls Battle Insecurity

As a little girl,  I didn't stop to consider why most of my dolls—including my Cabbage Patch Kids and Barbie dolls—were brown-skinned like me.  Little did I know that brown-faced dolls were not common when I was growing up.   My mother did everything she could to find a doll that would reflect me.

Is Nick Cannon’s White Face Offensive??

Nick Cannon in White Face?

Is Nick Cannon’s White Face Offensive?? YES! YES! YES! 

Nick Cannon decided to put on "white face" to shamelessly promote his new album, White People Party Music. He posted photos and videos of himself-- dressed up like a white guy - with a flannel shirt and blonde hair!

So, obviously it alludes to the years of racism when Black People were discriminated against in American History. 

 Wearing "black face" evokes old racist images and stereotypes.   

 

I know he's trying to be funny-but it still brings back those painful memories! 

BUT--Cannon is NOT the first comedian to use "white face"-- Eddie Murphy did in "White Like Me"-- on Saturday Night Live.

Eddie Murphy in White Face

  (SIGH.) I know many people may argue with me and say-- Slavery has been over with for 100 years--why be upset about this? Unfortunately--for me and my mixed heritage, these issues of racism are still very real.  My parents went through countless years of discrimination, bigotry and hatred -just because of their love for one another. They still do! 

 

 So for me--playing with issues of race-- is NOT FUNNY.

What are your thoughts?

Curly or straight? Women Changing The Idea of Perfect Hair!

Curly Constance

Yup-- that's me. A younger, curly Constance- before I entered into the world of TV News Broadcasting! Most of my News Directors wanted me to wear my hair straight... hence the TV Anchor Look!

Constance Jones, WPLG Local 10 Headshot

Having a great hair style is not only time consuming but often hard on your hair! Most women (LIKE ME) have to deal with using damaging straightening tools and harsh treatments-- to change their look for work. When working in the field, you could ALWAYS catch me straightening my hair in the news trucks.

Getting Ready for TV

But now--it appears more women are embracing their curls. This week, WPLG Local 10 News Anchor Neki Mohan from Miami went natural for her story to illustrate the issues professional women have in the workplace. Click here to check out this great story!

What are your thoughts-- should you wear your hair curly or straight for work???

Who is the Cheerios Girl?

Grace Colbert-- the adorable 6 year old actress from the Cheerios' controversial ad will make a major splash yet again! Cheerios is bringing her back for the first ever Super Bowl ad featuring an interracial family!

Cheerios released the commercial a few days early! Check it out here!

 

According to CBS News, the brand had considered several other spots for its Super Bowl commercial, but the performance by the little girl in the ad “was so strong, and that was really why we chose it," she added. Cheerios is already gathering tons of buzz with over 2 million hits already on youtube!

As for little Gracie- I did a little bit of research and found out she already has a few brothers!  Check out these pictures I found on her Facebook Page!

Gracie & Her Brothers

Adorable Mixed Family

Ready for School!

Love this!

Little Dancer

      

Mixed Chicks Review- Leave In Conditioner

My sister and I BOTH have very very curly hair! 

BUT-- we both have very different opinions on Mixed Chicks Products! Check out my sister's review on Mixed Chicks Leave-In Conditioner! What do you think?

 

Passing for White-- Growing Up Mixed

The Beautiful Mixed--Tiffany Tilmon

It’s the question so many “mixed” people are asked-- “What are you?” Growing up in a military community-- I was always in a melting pot of ethnicities. Most of my schoolmates were "mixed."  A dear friend of mine -- Tiffany Tilmon--agreed to share her story about growing up as a mixed woman- who could pass for white.

1)What is your ethnicity? I am black and white

2) When asked "Hey, what are you?" It is usually because someone already has a "feeling" I am mixed. I usually tell them half black and half white. It is what I consider myself when it comes to race. 

3) Being that I am so pale when considering biracial people, I do feel like at times my skin color can make it difficult to fit in. Particularly when I was growing up. It was well known that I was mixed. Many of the black kids wouldn't hang out with me because I wasn't black enough. The white kids knew I was black, and therefore wouldn't hang with me. Hispanics weren't a group I hung with or tried to, so I have no reference there. I found myself hanging with the half Asian/half white kids. I was comfortable there. As an adult, I find most often it isn't my skin color that depicts whether I fit in or not, it really falls down on my own personality.

Tiffany's Parents

4)Do you feel racism still exists?? As a teacher, I am exposed to learned behaviors in children, that comes from their parents. I believe racism is one of those behaviors. Do I feel like it is as big a problem as it has been, no. Do I feel I could move to Jasper, Texas (where the black boy was drug behind a truck) with my children...no, for fear of what they would do to my kids if they found out they are multiracial, their mother is biracial, or that my father is black. As a white looking woman, people tend to say things that they wouldn't normally if they knew I was black. It is very obvious that racism exists. Many people just try to hide it.

Tiffany & Her Dad

  5)Do you ever "pass" as white?  I pass for white 90% of the time. It is usually someone who is biracial or has a family member with biracial children who recognizes that I am mixed.

When I was younger, I had a need to prove who I was. I would carry a picture of my father around with me in my wallet. I felt that telling people I was black should have gotten me some sort of prize. I was so proud of my family and I wanted everyone to know it. My hair not looking mixed, my skin only looking slightly darker in the summer, my freckles, and not "acting" black made it hard for people to believe me. I remember arguing with kids about being black. It took a long time for me to realize that whether I was believed or not, I was a Tilmon, not a color. Although my color was a part of me, is a part of me, it does not define me.