Carla Jenkins, a seasoned executive, author, and media personality, grew up in a tight-knit community in New York City as the cherished only child of dedicated African-American educators. At the age of eight, Carla learned that she was adopted, a revelation that brought little clarity regarding her biological family, as her adoptive parents had been reticent about her origins. The gaps in her family history were filled with limited information and occasional fabrications. However, health concerns in her middle age prompted Carla to delve into her genetic background, leading to unexpected discoveries that reshaped her understanding of identity.
As the highest-ranking woman at a prominent media organization focused on African-American business news, Carla found herself navigating a complex heritage—she was the daughter of a white man. I recently had the opportunity to speak with Carla about her memoir, Letters from Lila, which was published earlier this year.
Interviewer:
You’ve uncovered your family history, yet you are here at a leading African-American media outlet. What was your initial reaction to discovering you’re biracial?
Carla:
Realizing my biological father was white, and Jewish, was quite the shock. Growing up, it was comforting to identify as Black without complication. When people asked me “What are you?” I had a straightforward answer. I took pride in my Black heritage, instilled in me by my parents who celebrated our culture, history, and traditions. The moment I learned my biological father was of a different race, it drastically altered the narrative I had constructed around my origins. I had envisioned a romantic story of Black parents separated by circumstance. Learning the truth shifted those fantasies into a more complicated reality.
Interviewer:
How has your perspective evolved since then?
Carla:
My understanding of my heritage has certainly matured, but my self-identification remains unchanged. Race is multifaceted; it intertwines physical appearance, upbringing, and genetic heritage. Even with this new information, if you ask me today what I identify as, my answer is still, “I’m Black.”
My children find this amusing, often pointing out that I am biracial. Society tends to force us into categories based on appearance, influencing how we are perceived and treated. Even public figures like President Obama, who identifies as Black, illustrate this phenomenon; his biracial identity is often overlooked.
Interviewer:
How do your children perceive their own racial identity?
Carla:
My son, with hazel eyes while the rest of us share brown eyes, experienced challenges growing up feeling different. He often expressed frustration, saying things like, “Just tell me! I’m adopted!” even though physically he resembled his father.
Interviewer:
Reflecting on your upbringing, how did your parents react to discussions about interracial relationships?
Carla:
My father was quite vocal about his disapproval. However, my birth mother, who had a unique upbringing, was more open-minded. Raised in a privileged environment during a time of segregation, she had a different perspective and embraced diversity.
Interviewer:
Have you ever reached out to your biological father?
Carla:
I haven’t sought him out. I believe he has no idea I exist, and I don’t want to intrude on his life without context. I’ve shared my story in my memoir because I want it to be known, but I feel no pressing need to connect with him directly.
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In summary, Carla Jenkins’ journey of self-discovery reveals the complexities of identity shaped by adoption and race. Her reflections offer insight into how personal narratives can evolve while remaining rooted in foundational beliefs about self.
Keyphrase: biracial identity discovery
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