Exploring Identity: Perspective from a Biracial 10-Year-Old

We recently became aware of "Black and white," a poem written by 10-year-old Olivia Harris, and asked if we might republish it on GCC Voices. According to her mom, Carrie Huggins Harris, Olivia wrote this poem because she wanted to share a piece of herself at her school’s open mic night--​and she was excited to be chosen to perform.

​Through this poem, she explores her identity in a way that invites others to listen, learn, and reflect. Her words speak not just to being biracial, but to anyone who’s ever felt like they don’t fully fit into one box or another. Olivia’s message is powerful: you don’t have to choose just one part of who you are—you can proudly be all of you. Her poem reminds everyone, no matter their age, that their identity is something to be celebrated!

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Black and white

We are sunshine and moonlight
Different like night and day
Not stuck between two worlds 
We make our own way.

We are Black and we are white
Like zebra stripes
Like piano keys
Like day and night.

Everything in life is different
Although it may not seem
We all have a purpose 
We all have a dream.

Our hair may be different
From braids to curls to waves to swirls
Our hair is unique
And oh sooo chic.

The world will have its rules 
A box we have to check
But there is no box
That determines what's next.

I am Black 
I am white
I am mom’s sunshine
And dad’s moonlight.

I am Jamaican
I am Bahamian 
I am British 
And Romanian.

People ask “What are you?”
And I say I am me
I hope that I am someone
Everyone can see.

All of us are different
But in a way the same
Strong and proud and free
Our parents' legacy.

- Olivia Harris 

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Olivia Harris is a bright, creative, and confident ten-year-old who lives in Queens, New York. She’s passionate about dance, acting, traveling, and finding new ways to express herself through various forms of art. Whether she’s on stage performing or dreaming up her next project, Olivia shines with imagination and energy. She’s known for dancing and twirling her way through life—literally—spreading joy wherever she goes with her infectious spirit. One of the things she’s most proud of is being biracial. Olivia speaks openly and proudly about her identity and enjoys helping others understand what it means to live in both worlds at once—something she does with wisdom well beyond her years.

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Please note: Each week, we invite members of the greater Global Citizens Circle community to contribute to GCC Voices. The views and opinions expressed in each blog post are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Global Citizens Circle. ​​

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I am Black 
I am white
I am mom’s sunshine
And dad’s moonlight.
-Olivia Harris