'But, You're So White': A Theta Discusses Her Racial and Ethnic Identity

It always begins with a seemingly benign question.

“Carole, you speak French?”

I slowly nod my head, already dreading the next question.

“So…you’re French?”

I was hoping you’d just stop there. I respond hesitantly, “No, not exactly.”

“What are you, then?”

Here we go.

I am the proud daughter of a Haitian mother and a Lebanese father.

To provide a bit of background, both countries were colonized by France. Hence, both of my parents speak French. Hence, I speak French.

Alas, this ostensibly simple explanation is typically interrupted by more pressing matters…people stop listening after the very first sentence.
“Did you just say that you’re half black?”

Why the surprise? Well, see for yourself.

Continue reading Carole's blog post on Medium. Kappa Alpha Theta values all her members and advocates dialogue to promote inclusion.