The online backlash from a Cheerios commercial featuring an interracial couple inspired Michael David Murphy and Alyson West to create a site that would represent families like theirs.
The couple created We Are the 15 Percent, a Tumblr page whose name refers to a statistic that indicates 15% of new marriages in the United States are interracial. The site features personal portraits sent in by families across the country.
"Our hope is that the site will continue to be an active, living space for positive support, awareness and community," West said. "The site has been unbelievably uplifting for us, the contributing families, and anyone who enjoys seeing happy faces. We Are the 15 Percent is an attempt to represent the true face of the American family."
The site has received more than 2,000 family photos so far, as well as an outpouring of emails voicing support and appreciation for the project.
1. Maya, Scott, Lucretia and Brian
Image courtesy of We Are the 15 Percent
2. The Dyer Family
Image courtesy of We Are the 15 Percent
3. The Jackson Family
Image courtesy of We Are the 15 Percent
4. Brigid, DeMarko and Liam
Image courtesy of We Are the 15 Percent
5. Rado, Mirana and Sheila
Image courtesy of We Are the 15 Percent
6. Sage, Joshua, Sosie and Tisha
Image courtesy of We Are the 15 Percent
7. Richard, Kieran and Kamakshi
Image courtesy of We Are the 15 Percent
8. Cristal, Nigel and Phil
Image courtesy of We Are the 15 Percent
9. Jason, Jessica and Ella
Image courtesy of We Are the 15 Percent
10. Clive, Iris, Roy, Emily and Jonas
