Richer Tone I am Black

I have been listening to Michael Baisden for the past two weeks discussing how there are quite a few Black women not happy with the way they look. OK understandable there are things that we all would like to change about are selves. I would love to add three inches to my frame and increase my breast by a cup. Not what he has been discussing but skin color, women of a richer tone, our unhappy, feel discriminated against and unloved because of darker pigmentation. I am a richer tone sister and it has not been a problem for me. I have always been around Black people that looked like me, educated me in school, went to church with me, hung around my home and were my friends. Its just has always been apart of me.

I mean yes different there are shades of Black/Brown but does it matter? When you fill out paperwork or a job application it list Black not Brown, Light Brown, High Yellow, Red Bone, Pecan, Carmel or any other color you would like to see yourself as. Non Blacks see you as just that Black. Maybe I am a bit naive but that is how I see myself as a Black woman OK I wish I was a bit taller but that is not happening and neither is my skin tone changing. I love me I love what I see when I look in the mirror and after watching one of the videos on www.officialdarkgirlsmovie.org it sadden me to believe that people can go there whole lives not loving themselves for color of their skin. Yes it has taken me a few years and maturity has left me in love with me and what I see.

Parents we have to do a better job of letting are children know how beautiful that they are. Regardless of how dark or light the color of there skin. Push them to educate their minds, respect their body’s and love themselves. I know it is easier said then done to be comfortable in your own skin but it is the only one we have. Life is short so we should enjoy all that it has to offer and you can’t do that if you are too busy worrying about the color of your skin. You can’t change it so why not just take pride in it, yourself and step out in confidence. Confidence is very sexy!!! As parents, siblings, aunts, uncles and friends lets just show each other love it helps to build a bit of confidence. We still need to love are selves first and foremost.