We all have a need to belong, to feel connect to the world in which we move through, and to feel secure and included.
Belonging has a different meaning depending on the person. To people of color, it can be that sense of purpose, a respect and a feeling of being seen, heard and valued.
For CBS News' Michelle Miller, belonging was her life's mission. She was born a product of an interracial relationship - a Black father who adored her and a fair-skinned Hispanic mother, who abandoned her at birth and has never revealed to her family Miller's existence.
She grew up in South Central, Los Angeles, a motherless child searching for belonging in world divided by race.
Miller has turned her story into a New York Times best-selling memoir, "Belonging: A Daughter's Search for Identity Through Loss and Love," (HarperCollins) with co-writer Rosemarie Robotham.
In an interview with the Chronicle, she shared that her book has helped validated the her experiences.
"I want people to know that they don't have to be defined by other people's limitations, defined by their origin story or defined by that little voice in their head that doubts who they can be," she said.
Miller's story isn't uncommon. In our world in which race matters, there are more stories like hers. The hope is that there are more people who celebrate the beauty of our differences, so the belonging is as a natural as breathing.
Do you have a story to share or know of one that needs to be told? Share it with us here.
In today's edition, restaurant columnist Bao Ong spotlights a prestigious recognition for Pondicheri chef-owner Anita Jaisinghani's debut cookbook, and entertainment reporter Joey Guerra covers Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo's magazine shoot with legendary photographer Annie Leibovitz. Culture columnist Joy Sewing cheers Milby students who, 100 years later, still carry on the legacy of the Cadettes drill team.
Welcome back to HouWeAre.
No comments:
Post a Comment