Black by Choice: Identity Preferences of Americans of Black/White Parentage

As early as I can remember, my mother told me that because I am black, I would face difficulties and complications in situations that other people wouldn't face. She would say to me, Because your father is white, you may try to think that you're not black, or you'll get treated differently from other black people,, but everyone who looks at you will see a black man, and you have to be prepared for that. That's my earliest memory about race, and that is how I've thought about it ever since.