Carla James, a prominent executive and author, grew up in a vibrant neighborhood, raised as an only child by dedicated African-American educators. At just eight years old, Carla’s life took a turn when her father, a respected chemistry professor, and her mother, a devoted schoolteacher, revealed to her that she was adopted. From that moment on, her adoptive family remained tight-lipped about her birth family’s history, leaving her with only fragmented hints and a mix of truths and fabrications. However, as she faced health challenges in her middle years, Carla felt compelled to explore her genetic roots, leading to astonishing discoveries from her adoption records.
The highest-ranking woman at a well-known media company dedicated to African-American business news learned that she was the daughter of a white man. Recently, I had the opportunity to chat with Carla about her memoir, “Letters from My Heart,” which was published earlier this year.
Interview
Interviewer: You not only uncovered your heritage but also found yourself working at a leading African-American media outlet. What was your reaction?
Carla: Realizing I was biracial was quite a shock. As a child, it was comforting to identify racially with those around me. Learning that my biological father was white, and Jewish, was, to put it mildly, quite jarring.
Interviewer: Why was that so unsettling?
Carla: There were several reasons. At my core, I identified as a black child. Being repeatedly asked, “What are you?” made it reassuring to have a straightforward answer. I could confidently say, “I’m black!” That was simple enough, even if it lacked a certain flair. My adoptive parents instilled a deep appreciation for black culture, history, and a sense of pride in who I was. Understanding my biological father’s racial identity shifted the narrative I had constructed in my mind about my birth parents. I had envisioned a romanticized story of two black lovers separated by circumstances, but the truth was more complex.
Interviewer: How has your perception of your heritage changed over time?
Carla: My feelings about my heritage have evolved, but my self-identity remains unchanged. Race is intricate; it involves physical appearance, upbringing, and the realities of genetics. Today, even with this new knowledge, if you ask me who I am, my answer is still unequivocally, “I’m black.” My children jest about it, pointing out my biracial identity, but in a society that insists on categorization, my experiences shape my reality.
Interviewer: How do your children perceive this topic?
Carla: My son, with his distinct hazel eyes, often felt out of place growing up in a family with dark brown eyes. He would tearfully ask if he was adopted because he felt different. It’s fascinating how these perceptions shift with time.
Interviewer: What was your adoptive father’s reaction when you brought up the idea of marrying a white man?
Carla: Oh, he was quite upset!
Interviewer: And how does that compare to your birth mother’s perspective?
Carla: My birth mother, raised in a unique environment, had her own distinct experiences. She had a privileged upbringing but faced societal expectations and racial realities that shaped her worldview.
Interviewer: Did you ever meet your biological father?
Carla: No, I haven’t reached out to him. Many wonder if my reluctance is tied to race; it’s not. I feel a strong bond with my birth mother, who willingly welcomed me back into her life. My biological father, on the other hand, may have no idea I exist, and I respect that. He has his own life, possibly other children and grandchildren. I don’t wish to disrupt that.
In Carla’s journey, we see a reflection of the complexities of identity. The quest for self-discovery can lead to unexpected revelations, and understanding one’s roots is a personal journey that shapes who we are.
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Summary
Carla James’s journey of self-discovery as a biracial adopted child reveals the complexities of identity and belonging. Her experiences showcase how understanding one’s roots can profoundly influence personal identity.