Lionel Ritche’s Daughter Says, “People Don’t know I’m Black”

Sofia Richie, Lionel Ritchie’s daughter, says she’s had to endure people saying racist remarks in front of her because they don’t realize she’s black.

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During an interview for Complex, Richie had this to say:

I’m very light, so some people don’t really know that I’m black…I’ve been in situations where people will say something kind of racist, and I’ll step in and they’ll be like, ‘Oh, well, you’re light.”

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Having the “you’re light” card thrown at her makes her pretty upset, she says

That still doesn’t cut it…It’s 2016 — you better get your s— together before you get slapped out here.”

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I think it’s awesome that Sofia doesn’t try to “pass” or deny her “Black” DNA.

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My question for you all, though, is what makes someone Black? For me, it’s a combination of both physical features and one’s experience in the world. I tread lightly when it comes to having an opinion about how someone chooses to identify herself. However, when someone doesn’t possess overtly black features (which plays a large role in the Black experience in America), and they still identify as Black,  I’ve always wanted to ask the question: What is Blackness to you?

I’m not here to police anyone’s blackness, but opinions vary so much on the topic my head often spins. I’ve found that race, in America, doesn’t have much to do with DNA, but more about the perceptions and opinions people form about you based solely on your appearance. So where does that leave folks like Sofia?

Share your thoughts below!

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6 Comments

  1. We come in all colors. For the most part, I can tell your black (mixed) in my mind. If you are proud of your heritage, I can deal.

  2. Blackness..! In m opinion, it’s the pride, and the belonging u feel inside! U know u r carring this culture within u!

  3. Well “Lionel Richie’s daughter”. People don’t know and wouldn’t really care if I said I was white. Well my great grandmother’s great grandfather is (so I was told)…

  4. What makes you black is DNA. What makes people not know you are is probably your $$$ lifestyle and that bleached blonde hair. I see a beautiful black woman. People need to get over this crap. Being black is not a experience being black means one of your parents has African ancestry period

  5. Maroon Girl says:

    That statement I have seen blacks that are not mixed look like Sophia is rediculous when so many black Americans, especially consistently deny their white heritage, for a myriad of reasons they deem valid, still yet when a blonde heared, hazel eyes black person is suppressed by this race in denial of truth grom saying or being proud of where they get such European features, yet some net black eith kinky coarse hair can convince openly they are mixed with Indian or whatever white group and noone bats and eye, though we all know that once you are brown with African features and hair that can barely grow, you shouldnt claim mixec anymore, you look to intelligent people stupid. I am yired ogbthis wotld appeasing the oppressive ways of black American yowards tbe peopl they call “yella” and am tired of the lies. I have no respect for this insecure, unhappy with themselves group who want to confuse the human race with obbiouse flatulence. No one is amused. If you want the truth, do a cheek swab and send it to the lab.

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