Growing up according to black culture...

I had 3 strikes against me, I was dark, skinny, had long natural hair, and this is how I was identified. I always grew up hearing "you're pretty to be dark-skinned “, or “you have good hair for a dark skin.” Hmph, what the hell does that even mean?! Are you too afraid to tell me I’m just pretty or are you saying I’m kinda’ pretty?

I’m not in search of a pity party, I simply pity that colorism exists! I understand that my skin tone is not the problem but it’s other people’s ignorance that caused the problem. Colorism is not natural, it's learned behavior being passed on from generation to generation. STOP IT! If you didn't know it's a multicultural issue among African-Americans, Latinos, Asians, and East Indians. Our skin color does NOT define who we are.

I want to tell you that every woman has the same number of cells that make melanin, but not everybody makes the same amount. The more melanin your skin makes, the darker your skin. In perspective, we’re all different yet we’re all the same, so “Hey Sis!”

I hope by sharing my personal stories of healing, hurt, happiness, co-parenting, growth, and friendships, you’ll be inspired to find your voice.