Celebrating Loving Day in Los Angeles
It’s been a privilege to watch and support the Loving Day movement since it’s early days (check out this post to learn more about the Loving Day organization). We were living in Vegas back then and I yearned to connect with multiracial families like ours. Every year we celebrated Loving Day as an interracial couple. One year with Jazz by the Lake in Las Vegas. One year with reflection by the beaches of Southern California. But this year we finally were able to attend the Mixed Remixed Festival. It’s FREE and located in California’s Downtown LA every year.
A Festival Celebrating the Multiracial Identity
I’ve watched and shared and commented over the years the MixedRemixed festival has been around. In the beginning, the event was actually connected to the Loving Day organization but eventually came to stand on it’s own. And I can see why! There were hundreds of people at the Japanese American National Museum in Downtown LA to celebrate the unique experience of the multiracial identity. So while, yes, MixedRemixed coincides with the anniversary of the landmark case of Loving v. Virginia, which legalized interracial marriage, it definitely felt like the festival had a unique purpose.
Along with the act of gathering together, MixedRemixed also sought to educate and empower. I sat in on a writer’s panel of published authors, successful freelancer writers – all who are mixed and using their voices to change the conversation on race in America – and it was exhilarating. I’m just one mom with a blog, but here I was able to hear and learn from the real deal: writers using their mixed identity to make a difference and a living. Similar panels and workshops were held for theater, film and more. Check out the full panelists here.
I also was excited to finally meet (in person) Heidi Durrow, founder of Mixed Remixed and NYT Bestseller. We briefly chatted about the need for more Latino voices in the mixed identity conversation. We’re here too, you know! Latinos are out there raising biracial, bilingual, multiracial children and Heidi agreed.
My only regret is not getting a picture with Heidi! She was as sweet as I had hoped.
Multiracial Family Fun!
I think my only critique of the experience is that, with anything in parenting, it’s hard to be in family mode and “work” mode at the same time. Perhaps it’s just me, but when my kids are around, I’m mom first. MixedRemixed offered child-centered activities – such as dynamic storytelling and craft projects – keeping kids happy while panels were in session. Daddy D hung out with our babies while I attended the panel on professional writing, but after that, I just wanted to hang out with the family. I can’t help it. Hopefully, one day the festival will expand to multiple days so that parents can think and learn and be inspired, but also not miss out on the bonding of family activities.
Other than the scheduling though, the experience was enlightening and helped to affirm my desire to write on the multiracial motherhood experience.
Multiracial Childrens’ Books: I Am Mixed
Like all festivals, there was a marketplace for attendees to learn about other organizations and products centered on the mixed experience. Since I have been following I Am Mixed on Instagram for awhile, it was cool to meet the co-author, Sebastian A. Jones. We chatted for awhile, I bought all his books and he offered De Su Mama readers a giveaway copy too. How cool is that?! Thank you for your generosity, Sebastian!
I’m giving away a SIGNED copy of I am Mixed and I am Living In 2 Homes on DSM’s Facebook page today. So look for this picture on Monday!
Overall, celebrating Loving Day at the Mixed Remixed Festival in Downtown LA was the perfect way to acknowledge how far we’ve come – as a family, as a community and as a country. I’m excited to grow with the festival, as well as watch my babies grow under the love and acceptance this festival promotes.
Will I see you there next year?!
