Joel Tang ‘24

The Intersectionality Of Being Mixed-Race In The United States of America

For his AAPI Experience Grant Project, Joel Tang ‘24 wrote poetry about experiences navigating his Chinese-American and Mexican-American identities. As a spoken word poet, he gave a performance on campus in fall 2022 in Oberlin’s own The Cat in the Cream Coffeehouse. Joel said of his project, “The experiences of multiracial individuals’ racial identities in the United States can be different in many ways, but a common trait among many is the sense of isolation and, often, racism. The goal of this project is to write and disseminate poetry that explores the pains, joys, and experiences of my racial identities. I hope those who listen to my readings will find a closer understanding of just one of the experiences that minorities and mixed-heritage people have living in the US. Finally, I hope these poems will enable introspection and further future ideas for equality.” The event drew a great crowd and sparked discussion. We congratulate Joel on a job well done.

Poster for Joel’s Poetry Reading event.

Photos include Ted Samuel, Senior Director introducing Joel, Joel reaing his poetry, and after the reading with flowers from a friend.