She has grown up and currently resides in Boone, NC. Whitney's parents and family raised her to be respectful to all peoples, regardless of race. Though Boone has a predominant 'white' population, she was never taught to be prejudice against people of color--particularly African-Americans. However, Whitney put her family's, friend's, and her personal beliefs about African-Americans to the ultimate test when she began to date interracially.
Interracial dating was something she never really gave much thought to, it was something that happenedly naturally. She recalled the first time she dated interracially was after a painful breakup with a white boyfriend. Soon after, she began dating an African-American male. In contrast to stereotypes, Whitney did not begin to date interracially as a way to rebel her parents, rather she was attracted to African American's "dark skin and thuggish persona." Initially, her parents did not agree with Whitney's choice. On a personal level, her parents were not bothered by interracial dating; they were more concerned with with how Whitney would be treated by the general public. Another point of concern arose over her two young children; her children's father is white and there were potential problems to be faced if Whitney chose to let an African-American male raise her children. However, Whitney was and is still determined not to let the opinion of others affect her actions or views.
She continued to date interracially and soon after she met Al Ingram. The two met when Al overheard Whitney say he reminded her of Sisqo (a black R&B singer). They quickly became friends and eventually started dating. Whitney and Al quickly disproved the stereotype that interraical couples have little in common because of culteral differences. In fact, it was their similarities that drew them closer together.
Whitney's parents also became very fond of Al. Although, they didn't accept him right away, his race gradually became unimportant; the only thing important was their daughter's happiness. Whitney's friends were very accepting of Al; race was never an issue to them.
Things were not always easy--the general public in Boone looked at Whitney and Al's relationhip in a different light. Constant stares and snide whispers became commonplace when Al and Whiteny were together. Acquaintances openly questioned Al and Whitney's relationship; some were particularly concerned with the welfare of Whitney's children. Black women were especially hostile over their relationship; they accused her of stealing one of 'their' men. Some white people in the community said she was trying to be black because she dated Al and listened to R&B music.
Whitney is well aware everyone is not 'colorblind.' She is also aware that interracial dating is probably not going to be accepted by everyone. But Whitney is determined to be true to herself; she will not let others keep her from who she loves, whether he is black or white. Because in Whitney's eyes and heart, Love has no color.
Twenty-one year old Whitney Leonard is colorblind--physically she can see color, but when color is defined by race, she chooses to see no difference between black and white. Whitney strives to be open-minded about all peoples; her open-minded views are something she credits to environment.
Al and Whitney demonstrating one of many similarities--they both love to laugh!