Passing as black

Guests: Yaba Blay and James Peterson

What determines your race? Is it about genetics or cultural identification? The curious case of RACHEL DOLEZAL, a white woman who has been passing for black, has been met with surprise, outrage and confusion. Dolezal, former president of the Spokane NAACP, says she has self-identified as black from an early age, even though she was born to and raised by two white parents. Her comments have launched another contentious debate about the definition of race and racial identity in America. Joining us to talk about it all are YABA BLAY and JAMES PETERSON. Blay teaches Africana Studies at Drexel University. Peterson is Director of Africana Studies at Lehigh University and host of WHYY’s podcast “The Remix.”