Watch: Parents Of White NAACP Leader Who Says She Is Black Speak Out

The birth parents of a civil rights leader who identifies as Black even though they say she is white speak out about their daughter.

By now, you’ve probably heard.

Rachel Dolezal is the 37-year old president of the Spokane, Washington NAACP chapter. Since around 2006 or 2007 she has publicly identified as Black, even though her birth parents say they, and she, are all white. 

“Actually, I don’t like the term African-American; I prefer black. So, if asked, I would say, yes, I consider myself to be black,” Rachel told local station KREM.

WATCH: ‘I Consider Myself To Be Black’: White NAACP Leader Rachel Dolezal Addresses Controversy (Video)

Larry and Ruthanne Dolezal gave birth to Rachel, but also adopted four Black children, and Rachel later married a Black man, went to college at the historically-Black Howard University, and as CNN reports, “is also an academic expert on African-American culture and teaches many related classes at Eastern Washington University.“

The Dolezals tell say Rachel “has chosen to distance herself from the family.”

“She has not explained to us why she is doing what she is doing and being dishonest … with her identity,” Ruthanne Dolezal said.

CNN offers a bit of insight into what may be motivating Rachel Dolezal.

“According to court documents obtained by CNN, Rachel Dolezal’s adopted brother, who is black, sought emancipation from Ruthanne and Lawrence Dolezal in 2010. The adopted brother, now 21, said the Dolezals used ‘physical forms of punishment’ and had sent his brother and sister away to group homes because they didn’t cooperate with the couple’s religion and rules,” CNN reports. “The adopted brother wanted to live with Rachel Dolezal ‘in a multiracial household where black culture is celebrated and I have a connection to the black community,’ the court papers said. The papers did not specify Rachel Dolezal’s race.”

As for her parents, they tell CNN they do not understand why Rachel has distanced herself from them – and their race, and find it hurtful and upsetting.

 

Related:

Anti-LGBT Activists Comparing White NAACP Leader’s False Claim Of Being Black To Being Transgender

 

Image: Screenshot via CNN