Paris Jackson Says She Identifies as Black – Honoring Her Father Michael Jackson’s Legacy
Paris Jackson, the only daughter of legendary pop icon Michael Jackson, has spoken openly about her racial identity, saying she identifies as a Black woman. Although she is biracial, Paris has said that her father instilled pride in her about her heritage and always encouraged her to embrace her Black roots.
“He would look me in the eyes and say, ‘You’re Black. Be proud of your roots,’” Paris shared in an interview with Rolling Stone in 2017. Despite her lighter skin, blonde hair, and blue eyes, she firmly believes in what her father told her: “To my knowledge, he’s never lied to me.”
A Life Born Into the Spotlight
Born on April 3, 1998, Paris-Michael Katherine Jackson is the daughter of Michael Jackson and Debbie Rowe.
Along with her brothers—Prince Jackson (born 1997) and Bigi Jackson (born 2002)—Paris was born into fame, but her father fiercely guarded their privacy. Michael often shielded his children with veils and masks to keep them out of the spotlight.
Following Michael Jackson’s death in 2009, that protective barrier was gone. Paris, just 11 at the time, was thrust into public life and the relentless glare of media attention. This sudden exposure had a significant impact on her mental health.
Personal Struggles and Resilience
Paris has bravely opened up about her battles with mental health. By age 15, she had attempted suicide multiple times.
In 2019, she sought professional help, entering a treatment facility to cope with depression and trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) triggered by the media’s constant presence.
She once described her struggles, saying: “It was just self-hatred…Low self-esteem, thinking that I couldn’t do anything right, not thinking I was worthy of living anymore.”
A Strong Bond With Family
Paris shares a close bond with her older brother, Prince, who she says has always been her role model. “He’s everything to me,” she said in a 2020 People interview. Prince, in turn, says Paris closely resembles their father: “She is who my dad is. The only thing that’s different would be her age and her gender.”
He praised her for sharing their father’s passion and intensity—both in her personality and her artistic pursuits.
Embracing Music and Legacy
Like her famous family, Paris has ventured into music, but with a unique twist. She leads an indie-folk band called The Soundflowers and has also walked the runway for major fashion brands, including Chanel.
In 2020, she said, “Everyone in my family does music. I mean, I’m a Jackson. It makes sense that I’m a musician… but a Jackson doing folk indie?”
Her career path reflects a mix of individuality and legacy—honoring her father while carving out her own space.
Understanding Identity and Heritage
Michael Jackson, though he had a visibly lighter complexion in later years due to vitiligo—a skin condition that causes loss of pigmentation—was African American. In his 1993 interview with Oprah Winfrey, he stated, “I am proud of my race. I am proud of who I am.”
Paris says she honors that pride by identifying as Black, even if some critics challenge her on visual appearance alone.
Public Reactions and Ongoing Conversations
After Paris publicly expressed her identity, media personalities like Wendy Williams weighed in—sometimes with skepticism. Williams remarked, “Black is not what you call yourself; it’s what people see when the cops pull you over.”
Paris, however, stands firm in her self-perception. She believes in the values her father taught her and continues to live by them.
What Do You Think?
Paris Jackson’s story is one of resilience, identity, and the deep impact of a father’s love. Her journey reminds us that racial identity can be personal, cultural, and emotional—not just visual.
Do you support Paris Jackson’s way of honoring her father’s legacy? Share your thoughts and let others join the conversation!
