"Born a Crime," South Africa's Comedian Trevor Noah on Being Mixed-Race

Today, I am happy to highlight a Mixed-Race comedian I recently discovered online, a man from Southern Africa called Trevor Noah. When you think of where some of the funniest comedians come from, you probably don't think South Africa. Noah is the product of a Caucasian, Swiss father and Black, South African mother during apartheid. He jokes that he was “born a crime” as it was illegal for Whites and Blacks to associate during apartheid. He was born in a time when it was illegal for him to live with his father or be seen holding his mother's hand on the street without fear his parents would be arrested. A lot of successful comedians are known for turning their personal difficulties in life into something to laugh about. With Noah, much of his comedy is based on his Mixed-Race upbringing.

In 2012, Trevor was the first African comedian to ever be on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. In his 7 minute set (unfortunately the video quality is bad for the first 3 mins) he “KILLED” talking about the difference between Black Americans and Black Africans and his Mixed-Race upbringing.  I am so happy to see  Trevor Noah gain some attention around the world, especially in the U.S. I make no secret in my blog how important it is to me that  people of Mixed-Race in the entertainment business gain attention not just for their craft but also for their Mixed-Race heritage. To help encourage and inspire other Mixed-Race people to achieve their dreams.

Here is a brief clip from “You Laugh But It’s True” a feature length documentary on Trevor Noah and what it was like growing up during apartheid. Check him on on http://www.trevornoah.com/.