Paris Jackson, the only daughter of legendary pop icon Michael Jackson, has openly expressed her pride in her African-American roots, identifying herself as a Black woman despite her mixed heritage. Paris, born on April 3, 1998, to Michael and Debbie Rowe, was raised in the public eye alongside her two brothers, Prince and Bigi. Growing up, the Jackson family made efforts to shield the children from the intense media attention. Michael, who was fiercely protective of his children, often used blankets, veils, and masks to keep their identities hidden from paparazzi.

However, the tragic passing of Michael in 2009 brought an abrupt end to their sheltered childhood, thrusting them into the spotlight. Paris, who was only 11 at the time, faced a particularly challenging adjustment, dealing with the intense scrutiny that followed. This period of intense public attention led Paris to experience severe psychological distress, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). She bravely shared her struggles with mental health, admitting to attempted suicides by age 15. Her low self-esteem and sense of worthlessness led her to seek therapy and, in 2019, she entered a treatment facility to begin her healing process.

Despite her personal challenges, Paris has always had the unwavering support of her older brother Prince, who she often refers to as a guiding influence in her life. In 2020, Paris revealed that Prince has been a major source of strength, explaining that she has always looked up to him. Prince, in return, admires his sister’s passion and resilience, often comparing her to their late father, saying she embodies Michael Jackson’s spirit. Paris shares her brother’s sentiment, acknowledging that her music career is deeply connected to her father’s legacy.

Following in her father’s footsteps, Paris is a talented musician, model, and actress. She has graced the runway for high-profile fashion brands like Chanel and is the lead vocalist and guitarist of the band The Soundflowers. However, what sets Paris apart is her commitment to honoring her father’s cultural and racial identity. Growing up, Michael Jackson, despite his lighter skin later in life due to vitiligo, always identified as African-American and instilled that pride in his children. In an interview with Rolling Stone in 2017, Paris shared that her father always told her, “You’re black. Be proud of your roots.”

Paris, who has light skin and blue eyes, has often been mistaken for someone of Scandinavian descent. Despite this, she firmly believes in her father’s message, accepting and embracing her African-American heritage. She recalls her father’s words with pride, saying, “To my knowledge, he’s never lied to me.” She chooses to honor her father’s legacy, especially in the face of the challenges he encountered as a Black man in the public eye, which included grappling with the speculation surrounding his changing appearance and accusations of skin lightening.

Paris’ decision to identify as Black has sparked mixed reactions, with some questioning her racial identity based on her appearance. Talk show host Wendy Williams notably criticized Paris’ declaration, stating that racial identity is determined by how society perceives an individual, particularly in the context of systemic racism. Despite the criticism, Paris remains steadfast in her identity and the lessons she learned from her father.

As she continues to navigate her own journey, Paris Jackson remains a beacon of strength, resilience, and pride in her heritage, honoring her father’s legacy while embracing her identity as a Black woman.