IHTG received an exclusive media invite to a pre-screening of ABC’s newest series, Mixed-Ish. The Kenya Barris addition to the ‘Black-ish’ spinoffs follows the story of Terrye Ellis Ross’ character “Beau’s” childhood. Based on the first episode, I would say it is something that everyone needs to see. The world we live in today is totally close-minded to what biracial individuals experience. I speak for myself in saying that I had no idea or had even given it much thought, but this first episode definitely opened my mind!
As a black woman, I totally understand what it means to be black but I could never speak from a biracial perspective. Within this first episode, Tracy Ellis Ross‘s character broke down her childhood experience of learning how she was mixed. The storyline explains so perfectly the trials that she had to overcome as a child as well as shed light on how hard it is for a biracial individual having to choose which race to go with. One of my favorite parts in this episode was when the mother, played by Tika Sumpter, steps in to tell her white husband that it is easier for him to show up in the world and choose to be who he wants to be but it is not as easy for her because she is a black woman and that’s all the world sees. Chile, that shook my soul! It resonated so well and I think that was a very important part of the story because it shed light on the differences in our culture and how big of a difference it makes when your skin is darker.
I can truly appreciate the writing, the diversity and the honesty that was shared within this episode. And I would highly recommend that everyone tune in for this season of mixed-ish because I’ve got a feeling that It’s gonna be dope! The series premiere begins September 24th on ABC.
