Happy Monday all!
Growing up others made me acutely aware of my dark skin. If I had a dime for each time I was told I was “pretty for a dark skin girl” I would be richer than Warren Buffet. Unfortunately colorism in the black community is one of the lingering effects of centuries of enslavement. While others saw my skin as some kind deterrent, I never grew up feeling that way. Being black was hard enough so worrying about how light or dark I was the least of my concerns. As I got older I relished being in my dark skin. People would sometimes stare agape when I wouldn’t hide from the sun. I’d laugh when people would ask me if I was afraid of getting “too dark” during the Summer. Years ago when I returned to work from vacationing in Mexico, my co-worker said “Damn Georgette, you got dark!” and I responded “I know right! I love it!” After I said that she gave me this weird look like I should be ashamed of my sun kissed skin. I guess this shocked her because unfortunately our society has deemed dark skin as ugly and not “classically beautiful”. Luckily for me my parents wouldn’t allow that kind of self hate. My mom would constantly remind me that being dark skinned was a good thing and that I shouldn’t allow anyone to tell me different. Because of their insistence, I didn’t grow up having issues with my blackness. I love being black. I marvel how rich my skin looks when it’s darkened by the sun. I love wearing colors that compliment and enhance my skin tone. While I still struggle with accepting my fat body, being a black woman is something I will never be ashamed of.
Have a wonderful day!
Dress: J Crew (wearing an XXL here)
Sandals: J Crew (old, similar here)
Purse: Etsy (here)
Your skin color is GORGEOUS, and I’m so glad you already know it. Anyone who’s been to Africa and seen the women there with their cropped natural hair, deep skin color, and bright clothes RADIATE BEAUTY will have their Western beauty ideals turned upside down! BTW, I went to the J. Crew site to look at buying this dress and you look 1,000x better in it than the model. Sorry not sorry J. Crew!
Author
Awww thank you!!! I hope JCrew sends me a check! LOL
Simply adorable, and this is what I teach my youngest. She’s gonna get through this.
Author
I wish all parents would reaffirm their children. It would make such a difference in their self esteem.
Love the skin you’re in!
My skin is the opposite — pale ivory, almost blue-white. Yep, I’m a ginger. I grew up being teased and tormented about being Casper the Ghost. I grew to hate my freckles, and wished I could pick them off. Once as an adult, some people asked my to get out of a swimming pool because “albinos aren’t allowed”. Which I am not. So-called adultsl bullying me, still!
People can be really cruel about anyone who is different. I’m glad your mother supported you. Mine just told me to turn the other cheek and left me to deal with the bullies, which was very mean in itself. When a child asks for help and is rebuffed, it’s unlikely they’ll ask again. I wish she would have told me that I am perfect the way I am, and God doesn’t make mistakes. Now I’m telling myself that, but negative and hurtful messages from childhood leave scars.
Author
Thank you for sharing this. You are so right about the left over scars from childhood. While I was never teased about my skin tone, my body was made fun of. It’s a struggle to leave those memories in the past and try to love oneself but it can be done. Take your time and go at your own pace down the path to self acceptance.
This was like reading my own life story!! I absolutely love the skin that I’m in. I love bright colors and will continue to embrace my dark chocolate hue. Thanks for sharing!!
Author
YES!!! I’m glad this post resonated with you! 🙂
I love your fashion sense!!!! I am a short small chested plus size (18) 50 something I just love reading your blog
Author
Thank you so much!!! 🙂
Your skin is beautiful, you look fabulous in so many lovely rich colors. Hoping you learn to love your curves as much as you love your skin. If it helps at all, your confidence and style are an inspiration to others, including me!
Author
Thank you so much! I really appreciate your comment and I’m glad I inspired you!!!
Black is Beautiful in all shade. I too am a dark skin lady and my parents always told me I was beautiful and not to be ashamed of my skin tone. The outfit is gorgeous. Thanks for sharing.
Author
Yes black is definitely beautiful!
I’m on the opposite side of the color wheel while my sister’ complexion is similar to yours. We’ve been accused of lying or joking! Then when we explain that our Mother was cocoa brown and our Father was light they understand a little better. My BFF still calls me mellow yellow or Casper, but at 65 I’m through with not liking ANYTHING about myself, take it or leave it! LOL
By the way, when I clicked on the link to the red dress: I’d never have even thought about buying that dress! You did it justice and looked so cute in it!