To: The Office of Management and Budget (OMB), U.S. Census Bureau, and Other Federal Agencies

We, the undersigned, call for the reinstatement of "Mulatto" as a recognized racial category in the U.S. Census. Our primary mission is to restore the historical identity of Mulatto Americans and ensure our unique heritage is accurately represented. As individuals of Black and White heritage, we believe it is essential to reclaim the term "Mulatto" to reflect our distinct identity and contribute to the restoration of Mulatto history in America. For too long, this identity has been erased from official recognition, along with the complexities of our dual heritage.

The Erasure of the Mulatto Identity:

Historically, the Mulatto identity was officially recognized in the United States. In 1785, the federal government acknowledged Mulatto as a distinct identity, and by 1850, the U.S. Census included Mulatto as a racial category. However, the 1924 Racial Integrity Act enforced the "one-drop rule," reclassifying all individuals with any Black ancestry, including Mulattos, as Black, deliberately erasing the Mulatto identity.

This reclassification was not incidental. Mulattos were often accessing White spaces, achieving social and economic success, and challenging the strict racial hierarchies of the time. White supremacists pushed the one-drop rule as a tool to maintain racial purity, uphold segregation, and reinforce the social, economic, and political dominance of White people. By reclassifying Mulattos as Black, they sought to prevent mixed-race individuals from accessing the privileges of Whiteness and the benefits of citizenship, including education, property ownership, and participation in public life. By 1930, the Mulatto classification was removed from the U.S. Census entirely.

Despite the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the landmark Loving v. Virginia decision in 1967, which declared the "one-drop rule" unconstitutional, the Mulatto identity has never been fully restored. The removal of "Mulatto" from official records and negative propaganda surrounding the term continued to obscure the rich history and contributions of Mulatto Americans.

It is historically inaccurate to claim that "Mulatto" is offensive. Unlike derogatory terms, "Mulatto" was a legitimate racial identity that reflected a specific heritage and was used without derogatory intent. The term itself derives from the Portuguese word "mula," meaning mule, the offspring of a horse and a donkey. This analogy was used not to degrade but to describe the birth of Mulattos—a New World people born from the union of African and European parents. Despite its neutral origins, negative perceptions of the term were later propagated.

Mental Health and Identity:

Mental health is a critical concern for Mulattos, especially when individuals are forced to identify under labels that do not match their lived experience. The imposition of the one-drop rule and other similar policies has caused many Mulattos to struggle with their sense of self. Forcing individuals to deny part of their heritage leads to identity conflicts, confusion, and emotional distress. This identity crisis, often caused by being forced into a racial category that doesn’t fit one’s experience, is preventable.

Research shows that a strong, affirmed sense of identity is key to mental well-being. Recognizing the Mulatto identity and allowing individuals to identify as such helps align their internal sense of self with external labels. The one-drop rule, while deemed unconstitutional, must also be rebuked in practice by the government and media to prevent the harm it continues to cause in Mulatto communities. The U.S. government and media outlets have a responsibility to formally reject this outdated and harmful ideology by reinstating the Mulatto identity and giving it the respect it deserves.

Our Mission: Restore the Mulatto Identity and History

We are calling for the OMB to restore "Mulatto" as a recognized racial category in the U.S. Census and other demographic data forms, giving individuals the option to identify as such, and for this identity to be restored in the annals of American history.

Reclaiming Heritage and Identity:

The term "Mulatto" allows individuals of Black and White ancestry to fully embrace both sides of their heritage. For many, terms like "biracial" or "mixed" are too vague and fail to capture the distinct experience of being both Black and White. By reinstating "Mulatto," we proudly reclaim this specific identity and reject the outdated "one-drop rule" that forces us to choose one racial identity over another.

We call for the recognition of "Mulatto" on official documents, including the U.S. Census, allowing individuals to identify as such if they choose.

Enhancing Representation in Media and Society:

Representation matters. Mulattos come in a diverse range of skin tones, features, and experiences, which are distinct from those of monoracial Black or White individuals. However, our unique stories and contributions are often overlooked or misrepresented.

We demand more accurate and visible representation of Mulattos in media, education, and politics, with proper acknowledgment of our contributions to American history and culture.

Addressing Healthcare and Mental Health Disparities:

Mulattos face unique challenges in healthcare, particularly when it comes to finding bone marrow donors. Due to our mixed genetic heritage, it can be difficult to find compatible donors, putting our health at risk. Additionally, mental health is a growing concern. Forcing Mulattos to identify under a label that does not reflect their lived experience can lead to identity crises and emotional distress. Recognizing "Mulatto" as an official category can prevent these struggles and contribute to healthier self-perceptions and mental well-being.

We urge healthcare organizations to recognize both the specific medical needs and mental health challenges of Mulattos and improve donor registries and mental health support, ensuring that our diverse backgrounds are adequately represented.

Political Advocacy and Data Accuracy:

Accurate data collection is crucial for shaping policies that meet the needs of all communities. Multiracial individuals are often underrepresented or misclassified in data collection, leading to inaccuracies that impact everything from healthcare to education. By restoring "Mulatto" as a recognized identity, we can ensure more precise data collection and craft policies that address our community’s needs.

We request the inclusion of "Mulatto" as a distinct category in demographic surveys and studies to ensure accurate data collection for better policy-making.

Why This Matters:

The removal of "Mulatto" from the U.S. Census was not only a bureaucratic change but a significant erasure of a distinct identity and history. Mulattos were reclassified as Black to prevent them from accessing the privileges of Whiteness and to reinforce the social and political dominance of White people. This reclassification also inflicted mental and emotional harm by stripping Mulattos of the ability to fully embrace their dual heritage. Reclaiming the term "Mulatto" allows us to assert our unique identity, challenge these historical injustices, and build a community that celebrates both sides of our heritage.

By signing this petition, you are supporting the restoration of the Mulatto identity in America, ensuring that we are properly represented, accurately counted, and fully respected.

Let’s reclaim our identity and celebrate our heritage.

Sign the Petition to Reinstate Mulatto in the U.S. Census and Restore Mulatto American History Today!