Our Purpose...
Remix seeks to build a community for multi-ethnic and multi-racial students at GW. However, we are not exclusive and welcome students from any cultural or ethnic background. Through constant discussion and an ongoing promotion of awareness, Remix seeks to provide a forum for multi-ethnic and multi-racial students to voice concerns and raise questions about being mixed. Remix also exists to promote awareness of and advocate the uniqueness of mixed race heritage in society.
The Racially and Ethnically Mixed Student Association was established in order to provide much needed representation for multiethnic and multiracial students at The George Washington University. The founding members have observed that this emerging ethnic minority has remained drastically unnoticed and misrepresented. It has become apparent that this lack of acceptance and understanding has led to an absence of identity and culture among multiethnic individuals and that this ailment will be cured only through the creation of a community. We believe that multiethnic individuals should not be forced, persuaded, or expected to deny their heritage and should be able to accept and celebrate their unique position in society.
Thoughts from the Founder...
Growing up Biracial was often confusing for me. Not because I was unsure of my own identity or heritage, but because I could not understand why everyone else was so fixated on it. Why were some people disgusted to find out I was Multi-racial while others (perhaps worse) chose to feel sorry for me?
In college, the "please check one" mentality became apparent. I was not only asked to identify with one race and not the other, I was told that I was one and not the other. During my sophomore year, however, I was asked to speak on a panel to discuss what being Multiracial meant to me. The event, organized by Jayson Saunders, let me know (or perhaps reminded me) that I am not alone.
When I began to develop the idea for the REMIX Student Association with Krystle Leacock, it proved more difficult than expected. How could we unite a group of students with so much diversity? As we shared experiences, traded ideas, discussed issues, it became clear that that was the answer. We are united, not despite our differences, but because of them.
REmix is a community dedicated to those of us who live as a bridge between two worlds we are not allowed to enter. It is a common ground for those of us who are asked, "What are you?" before asked, "What's your name?" REMIX is a place, one of few, where Multi-racial students can learn about themselves from each other. It is also a place to learn about the real dangers and real struggles that we face. Although we are one of the fastest growing ethnic minorities all over the nation, we also have some of the highest suicide rates and the highest rates of being physically and sexually abused. If we decide to remain silent, these problems will only get worse. REMIX is, above all, a voice for a group that has been ignored for too long.
Brandon Porter
-Founder, Remix
