Meet the Women Behind M.I.A.

Hapa Mag - AUGUST 26, 2020 

Dear Readers, 

I hope this pop-up issue finds you healthy and sane during these turbulent times. It’s important to find the light while the world appears to burn down. Hopefully, from the ashes, we can create a more equal world. One with less hate and rid of systemic racism. 

I want to acknowledge that while we Hapas have faced racism, many of us have the privilege of being “ambiguous.” As much as I detest this word, I myself, do not fear walking down the street as an Asian woman, or a Jewish woman. I only have to worry about being a woman, which quite frankly is enough. 

Those of us who feel safe and are able to need to speak out. We need to use whatever privilege we have to speak up against the hate BIPOC are experiencing. Racial inequality has a trickle-down effect. Until Black Lives Matter, this vicious cycle will just continue.

With that said, we at Hapa Mag, are so excited to introduce to you Mixed in America. This incredible platform, created by Jazmine Jarvis and Meagan Kimberly Smith, “empowers the Mixed community and heals the Mixed identity.” That’s something we ALL need right now. 

It’s paramount to share with you other marginalized groups of color who are taking action to heal the mixed narrative. I hope you find this pop-up eye-opening and see it as a bridge between all the beautiful cultures, creeds, and racial identities that make up our planet.

— Alex Chester, Editor-in-Chief

What is Mixed in America?

An organization dedicated to amplifying mixed BIPOC voices. We empower the mixed community and heal the mixed identity. Mixed in America is a multimedia platform that allows us to connect with mixed people all around the U.S. and the world. 

When did you start Mixed in America?

2 years ago.

Who are the founders?

Meagan Kimberly Smith is an actress, performing artist, and influencer. She plays Molly in Banana Split on Netflix and Niki in Blindspot on NBC.

Jazmine Jarvis is an entrepreneur, astrologist, and influencer. She has degrees in both mathematics and psychology, and has a background in finance and various corporate industries.

Three fun facts about the founders:

1. We grew up in Las Vegas and have been friends since we were seven years old. 

2. Jazmine is an Aries and Meagan is a Scorpio.

3. We both have two brothers. Jazmine is the oldest of three, and Meagan is the youngest of three.

What inspired this organization?

A post that Meagan shared on Instagram entitled “Biracial Cries.” At the time we had not been in contact much because we lost touch after high school, but we were friends on social media. Jazmine reached out immediately to affirm Meagan’s post and let her know she understood her mixed struggles. The convo led to a phone call. After one call we knew we wanted to go into business together. Now we are work wives and completely in love. BE JEALOUS Y’ALL!

What is the long-term vision for Mixed in America?

For Mixed in America to be an EMPIRE, DARLING! Not only is MIA home base for mixed communities but it’s also the place multiracial folks come to heal, laugh, learn, and network. We want to strengthen the mixed community and build future mixed leaders and activists!

What is unique about Mixed in America?

Up until now there hasn't been a safe space for mixed people to express their experience authentically. We talk about MIXED issues and spare no harsh realities or nuances. We don’t sugar coat, but we also leave judgement out of it. Many mixed people feel like they aren't entitled to their feelings. For example, biracial Black people often feel too Black for the whites and too white for the Blacks. It’s completely isolating. So here at Mixed in America, we remind people they are not alone. We validate their experience by building community and listening to their needs. We go beyond the glamorization and fetishization of mixed people. We work to heal their identities and help them flourish, despite living in a label-obsessed world. We educate them on mixed history and empower them to express truthfully.

Why do you think your business is essential?

Because by 2060 the amount of mixed people in the world will triple, and the data shows that mixed people are in pain and struggling to feel heard. We have very little research on the mixed/biracial/multiracial existence, but the number of mixed people will only grow. So we need to catch up and meet the needs of mixed people. America has to stop forcing people into boxes and recognize the complexities of living in a multiracial body. Mixed people have been here all along. We need to empower the mixed community and build the tools to elevate our experience.

What makes you credible sources on the mixed experience?

We have both lived the mixed experience so we know all too well how difficult it can be growing up in white America. Jazmine is Black passing and Meagan is white assuming. Meagan has a Black mother and a white father. Jazmine has a white mother and Black father. Together we understand how each nuance and detail matters. Every mixed person is different and so is their trauma. We make space for those details and are sensitive to them. We are entrepreneurs who heal the misunderstood.

What issues are you thinking about most right now?  

The dehumanization of Black and brown bodies. Institutional racism and its insidious effects. Internalized racism and how it’s hurting so many marginalized groups. We’re also thinking a lot about the systems of oppression that are hiding in plain sight.

Define the word “mixed” in your own words? What makes you mixed? 

At Mixed in America we aim to be inclusive. We believe that “mixedness” comes in many forms. Generally, we define someone who is “mixed” as a person who is a descendant of more than one race. But we like to expand that definition to include anyone living with an internal duality. For example, someone who has lived in two different cultures could feel this sense of “mixedness,” regardless of their racial makeup.

What was it like for you growing up? Did you feel accepted by friends and family?

Growing up both of us felt quite isolated and alone. Being mixed race comes with constant code-switching and a chronic feeling of not belonging. We were often pulled in many directions and told who to be, instead of being asked who we want to be or who we are. While our monoracial parents did their best to support us, it was hard for them to understand what the multiracial experience was like.

Do you have any words of advice or resources for someone who is struggling with their mixed identity? 

Don’t let others tell you who you are, YOU TELL THEM! You have the right to identify the way you choose to, and don’t be afraid to embrace your mixedness. As far as resources, there are many organizations that aim to support the mixed experience. Mixed in America aims to be one of those safe spaces for these tough conversations. We welcome ALL who need support and community! If you want to begin your journey of embracing your full mixed identity we recommend our FREE MIXED IDENTITY WORKBOOK available for download at www.mixedinamerica.org.

Any exciting projects coming up?

YES!!! We will be launching our 8-Week Mastermind Program this month! This is an immersive experience for mixed women to build community and express authentically!