Biracial Family Network
The Biracial Family Network (BFN) is a nonprofit organization based in Chicago. Founded in September 1980, BFN is one of the oldest nonprofit multi-ethnic family support organizations in the United States. It has traditionally focused on supporting those in interracial/intercultural relationships via education and social activities. However, over the years, its scope has grown to also include those who are of mixed heritage – biracial, multiracial, transracially adopted. Monthly meetings are offered to bring mixed heritage families together to discuss mixed heritage issues, experiences, and concerns.
History
BFN was founded by Irene Carr and five other mothers who were the parents of biracial and transracially adopted children. The founding purpose of the organization was to strengthen and support interracial /intercultural families and relationships by facilitating communication among persons of diverse ethnic heritages via educational programs, discussions, and newsletters. BFN concentrated its early efforts on locating interracial families of any kind and held monthly meetings to discuss various issues. After its meetings were firmly established, BFN added social events, such as family potlucks, to its lists of activities.
In 1985, BFN developed bylaws, incorporated in the state of Illinois, and became a federally tax-exempt 501(c)(3), a nonprofit organization. Over the years, BFN participated in the 1988 founding of the Association of MultiEthnic Americans and held workshops and conferences. The Association of MultiEthnic Americans (AMEA) is a nationwide organization of local multiracial/multiethnic groups incorporated as a nonprofit public benefit organization. In 2000, BFN celebrated its 20th Anniversary and held a benefit banquet in downtown Chicago, Illinois. In March 2003, the web site development team launched BFN's official web site. The completion of this strategic goal helped BFN connect to a global multiracial community.