Colored existence: Racial identity formation in light‐skin blacks

This study explores racial identity formation in light‐skin Blacks. Light skin is defined on the basis of personal experience, i.e., having been perceived as mixed, Latino or White, and/or not feeling Black enough. The subjective experiences of light‐skin Blacks are examined in this study. The major findings indicate that the process of racial identity development for light‐skin Blacks differs from Whites and darker‐skin Blacks. This population encounters prejudice from the dominant culture but also experiences a subdued rejection from its own community. However, all the participants identified strongly with being Black and none expressed a desire to reject their Black heritage. One notable finding was that the participants are often conflicted about the option of passing for White, especially in situations where racist comments are made. Themes related to invisibility, and the effects White racism and colorism have on the identity formation process for light‐skin Blacks, were potent throughout the study. Recommendations for clinical social workers are included. In addition, clinical social workers may apply the findings to their work with this country's increasingly mixed‐race population.