A local resident, Jacinay Coleman-Shelton, has spoken about her experiences with racial identity. As someone of both Black and Hispanic heritage, she found discussions about race to be complicated. Her upbringing played a significant role in shaping her understanding of herself.

She was taught that being Black is beautiful, which helped her affirm her identity. Further details about Coleman-Shelton's story are available from the Defender Network, including her thoughts on the importance of family conversations about race and her experiences interning on Capitol Hill.