Between Worlds Docuseries

The Project

Between Worlds is an envisioned video docuseries project, which seeks out and speaks to those of us whose families have been mixed for many generations, as well as to a newer generation of “mixed race” people in America. It seeks to give us the space to tell our stories.

The Problem

Mixed race people have existed in America ever since Europeans first set foot here, and began setting roots in this land. And yet, many of us have struggled with the feeling that there was no clearly defined space for us, and often feel we have no right to claim the cultures that make up who we are.

 The Plan

This campaign is raising funds to begin the process of getting our stories on tape,  producing a pilot episode, as well as a killer sizzle reel, with the goal of finding a production company, content provider and/or underwriter(s) who will take on the larger project.

The Person Behind the Project

I grew up in the rarefied position of being a black person, but not looking quite enough so to be identified as such - and yes, I fully recognize the privilege of that position. Yet, I was born in the Jim Crow South, labeled “Negro” on my birth certificate and began my education in segregated schools. My parents attended segregated schools from kindergarten through their obtaining advanced degrees. When they left the Jim Crow South, as part of the Great Migration, they settled their young family in South Central L.A. We always lived, even as we climbed the economic ladder, in communities that were comprised  primarily people of color. And yet, I have been asked who I am to speak for the ”black community”.

I remember being stunned the first time I heard the supposed statistic that most “African Americans” in this country have 70% sub-Saharan ancestry.  I doubt that many, if any, of my community have 70% sub-Saharan African ancestry.

The Purpose

It’s taken the greater part of my lifetime to be completely comfortable with all of who I am - white, black, native and beyond. I ask, isn’t it time that we be fully accepted, that we be given the right and the space to define ourselves, to claim all of who we are and to claim our space in this society, to speak our truth - out of our experience, even though it may be different than some others? I believe the time is right, now, to tell the stories that haven't quite been heard.

The Pitch

How can you help? You can pitch in a monetary amount  - any amount is welcome. Please feel free to select one of our great rewards.  Or you can even give an amount without taking a reward.  Much appreciated. Also, I would be very grateful if you would forward this campaign info on to any others you think would be interested in supporting this work.  In kind donations from parties with knowledge and production skills are welcome, too. And, last but certainly not least, I am looking for people who have knowledge of getting projects produced and sold to content providers, or others who have production companies/deals who would work with us. I would be so grateful for an introduction.