I recently did a photoshoot for a friend's project ("Colors" by Noor Euceph). She asked female models of various different skin colors to write about their ethnicity and what their skin color means to them. I loved participating in this project because too often, I see signs in the media (both explicit and implicit) that my shade of beauty isn't up to par. As a child, I struggled with the self-hatred caused by my exposure to such things but now, I couldn't possibly love my skin more. I truly hope that every woman who looks like me will realize how gorgeous she is.
Anyway this is how I answered her questions:
What is your ethnic background/what ethnicity do you identity with?
I am Nigerian. I was born there and I was raised very culturally Nigerian. Because of my background, I am grounded in my roots.
What does your skin color mean to you?
When I think of my skin color, I think about my journey from self-hatred to self-love. My skin color is a lesson in pride and accepting myself in a society with standard of beauty that doesn’t. My skin color encompasses the struggle and the triumph of an immigrant, the conflict between two languages and cultures, the pressure to be academically and socially outstanding, and all the negative and positive feelings of being considered “exotic". Unfortunately, it took me a while to realize how incredibly beautiful my skin really is, but better late than never. I hope that everyone takes pride in their skin color, especially those raised in societies that don’t appreciate its beauty. I know I do. I mean, how could I hate my skin color when it is a testament to how much the sun is in love with me?
Aisa, you are such an inspiration.I discovered you and William just recently on YouTube and was intrigued by the relationship you two share and the love you have for one another. The two of you couldn't be more perfect for each other. Then I discovered your blog. Not only are you beautiful on the outside, but your spirit glows from the inside and I can understand now why William was drawn to you. "Colors" was beautifully written, the last line was pure gold. Thank you, and looking forward to more entries into your blog. I pray that you and Will are still together. :-)
ReplyDeleteSandra
Hi Aisa, truly you are gorgeous inside and out! William is very lucky to have such a wonderful, smart, funny, beautiful, and sweet woman like you! I want to encourage you to keep shining. You are an inspiration to so many woman around the world. It is so awesome to see a beautiful brown sista winning! Despite all of the negativity and hatred by other people it's important to keep being yourself and show the world that it's people's dark hearts not dark skin that is bad. I also know that there is magic in melanin. It preserves and it's glorious! When people use melanin to try and bring us down it's part because of jealousy. I see dark skin as a gift from God and it should be appreciated, pampered, celebrated, and loved! I would love to see more campaigns of encouragement and celebration of dark skin directed at young girl all around the world. Thank you for your platform! I pray that greatness, goodness, peace, and blessings overtake you and William and your family and that you always be encouraged! Love you little sista!
DeleteAisa, you are such an inspiration.I discovered you and William just recently on YouTube and was intrigued by the relationship you two share and the love you have for one another. The two of you couldn't be more perfect for each other. Then I discovered your blog. Not only are you beautiful on the outside, but your spirit glows from the inside and I can understand now why William was drawn to you. "Colors" was beautifully written, the last line was pure gold. Thank you, and looking forward to more entries into your blog. I pray that you and Will are still together. :-)
ReplyDeleteSandra