A couple of years ago Sonia was at a baseball game with her “all mixed up” family at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, CA.
It just so happened to be Filipino Night. (Dodger Stadium hosts many “theme nights” ) her young son asked her when there would be a night for kids like him, “mixed kids”.
Hearing her child ask for representation that night at Dodger Stadium was the impetus for co-founding Mixed Heritage Day with her partner, Delia Douglas-Haight. It is now an annual event; Mixed Heritage Day at Dodger Stadium. At their inaugural day last year they were honored by the LA Mayor’s office for the work they are doing to move the mixed heritage community forward.
As a mother and mixed race person herself, Sonia Smith-Kang has been highlighting the multiracial experience through her Mixed Up Clothing line, a community group founded with Delia Douglas called MultiCulti Corner “A culturally diverse community of multiracial people and families for social, educational, and celebratory news and events”. She also serves as vice- president for the non-profit Multiracial Americans of Southern California (MASC).
“We are about diversity and inclusion. We are about having children and families see themselves in books, on TV, in fashion, and in sports. Kids need accurate reflections of their reality and we are trying to show them that.”- Sonia Smith-Kang
Multiracial people are the fastest growing demographic in the United States and there should be room for us at the table. Each step we take forward is a step in the right direction for a more inclusive, welcoming society. For all of our people.
This year’s event will take place on September 23, 2017 for tickets click here!
