Name Discrimination and Its Impact on My Identity

So are you Eva or Ebonee?

After graduating high school, name discrimination was a growing issue I faced as a young Black woman looking for creative opportunities. Floating bold at the top of my resume, Ebonee Wilkins seemed to give employers the impression that I was “too Black” or “ghetto” to be a part of their team. So, I tested this theory by latinizing my first name and adopting my mother’s maiden name, applying as Eva Castillo on job applications. The increase in callbacks proved the harsh reality that no one would hire a Black girl with a ghetto name. That reality was difficult to accept, but Eva kept me moving forward.

A name is just as powerful as skin color. It is a social cue of an individual’s race, culture, and gender, which evokes stereotypes. In contrast to the negative image cast upon Ebonee, people perceived Eva as “gentle, professional, and exotic.” The name is familiar because it is a variant of the biblical name Eve, but more seductive because of its Spanish flair. I already had the attributes employers were looking for. Still, my Black name wasn’t giving that impression when it was read on paper. After I changed it, people spoke to and treated Eva better than Ebonee.

I am not ashamed of changing my name, nor do I regret being Eva because it opened new avenues. It worked as another communication tool that allowed me to connect with Latiné/x communities around the US and Mexico. It communicated to them that I come from the same place, speak the same language, and am safe to be around — regardless of my skin color. Eva made it easier for what Ebonee found challenging to do: establish trust.

I am not abandoning Eva Castillo because it still symbolizes a piece of who I am ethnically and culturally. Though it will be taking the back seat as I continue on this path to self-discovery and acceptance. The bulk of my work between 2017 and now is represented by Eva, but I, Ebonee, created it. I own Ebonee and define myself through my art as I explore my multicultural heritage. I take pride in my ability to adapt and move seamlessly through these different cultural groups — Mexican, Black, American, whether by language or art. Still, Ebonee is merely a blip on my otherwise unstoppable rise to becoming my best and favorite self.

Please allow me to reintroduce myself. My name is Ebonee, but you can call me E-bee for short ☺️