ABSTRACT
I wish this narrative recounting my transracial adoption in 1957 was of historical interest only. But, in 2001, I am aware that the experiences of many young transracially placed people are comparable to my own. Adoption into families that deny the existence or impact of racism on their lives can be a noxious combination. Members of my birth and adoptive families have felt defeated by prejudices and ideologies linked to class, religion, nationality and ethnicity. Current adoption policies encourage placement of black and mixed race children with parents who are not committed to confronting and challenging racism, thereby taking serious risks with their mental and physical health. I have survived to tell my story. Others have not.
