I share African American and Native American Ancestry. My mother is African American, and my father is Native American. As a kid from a split parent home, it was easier for me to identify with whichever parent I was with at the time. If I was with my mother, then I was Black. If I was with my father, then I was Native. My skin tone, hair texture, body shape, and the way I talked didn't fit either cultural norm. The result was that both families and society saw me as different. I was teased, called derogatory names, and treated as an immigrant. However, my dad always made me feel special and loved. He taught me about our culture, ancestry and language. Likewise, my maternal grandmother taught me our traditions, history, and faith. My blended identity is rich. I want to be an example, a voice, for those who share my same experience or see our cultural similarities. I am an African-Native American lover of Jesus Christ, wife, mom, military veteran, white-collar, curvy fashionista. It's ok when you don't fit the cultural norm. My double heritage is indivisible, therefore so is my identity. My identity is more than outward, it’s engrained deep within me. It’s my heartbeat. Identity is knowing and understanding my culture, contributing to it, defending it, expressing it, honoring it and being proud of it! . @lilnativeboy in partnership with @digdeepwater is proud to present their 2nd annual Indigenous Peoples’ Day fundraiser!✨ . This will be a week long raffle where you can win Native made goods from @j.okuma @oxdxclothing @cheekbonebeauty @bisonstar @simplyyhooked @ntvsclothing + more! As well as a new 2019 IPad & books recommend by me all for just $10 • During this week long event there will be educational posts/take overs from @sivanalyrarose @dineaesthetics @reztothecity @seukteomaaa + more. Everything raised goes back to the Navajo Water Project (which helps families living on the reservation get access to clean running water & electricity who have NEVER had it before!) . Link is in bio for the raffle & more information on prizes. Please share far & wide. (4) Winners will be announced on Indigenous Peoples day around noon (PST). #ipdf2019 #indigenouspeoplesday https://www.instagram.com/p/B3cauVfjG8G/?igshid=17p81yzwwf5ug