MPR News with Angela Davis

How interracial couples are navigating conversations about race

Two women touching their foreheads together
Conversations about race and allyship are at the forefront right now. These discussions can be even more personal and complicated for interracial couples.
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In the aftermath of the killing of George Floyd and calls for racial equity, how are interracial couples and multiracial families navigating conversations about race and their identity? 

MPR News host Angela Davis talks with people in interracial relationships who share their experiences and how white people can best support partners who are people of color.

She also talks with an advocate who is focused on shining a light on the diverse experiences of multiracial people and families.

Guests:

  • Alissa Paris is the executive director of MidWest Mixed who has led workshops for interracial couples.

  • Velma Korbel is the civil rights director for the City of Minneapolis. She has been in an interracial marriage for 33 years.

  • Ryan Virden is a Minneapolis-based educator, writer and racial equity consultant. He is raising a biracial daughter.

Correction (June 26, 2020): A previous version of this story incorrectly identified Ryan Virden as dean of culture at Hiawatha Academies, a job he held in the past. It has been corrected to reflect his current occupation.