It's crazy because never in a million years did I think that I would look at tv, and browse magazines at the supermarket and find a beautiful dark skinned girl staring back at me. And from Vogue and Vanity Fair. But that's exactly what has begun to happen. Lupita Nyongo epitomizes this shift. For the first time in quite some time I don't have to search for images of women that bear the same complexion as myself. For the first time in quite some time I don't have to wonder will this be another wave that disappears by the end of the decade. For the first time I can sit and admire the beauty that is the dark complexion. How awesome.
It amazes me how far we as a culture, a race and more importantly as a nation have come. I live in the greatest country in the world. A country that began it's existence by shaming a race over a century ago to electing someone from that race to lead the free world. Politics aside think about how amazing that is. We are a country comprised of many people who consider our first lady a style icon. I mean....we've gone from being a society that proclaimed blond and blue eyed females as the epitome of beauty, to naming a dark skinned female from Africa with a low cut as beauty personified. Wow!!
Over the years, I've had my struggles dealing with my complexion. Many of those feelings of frustration I've displayed for all to read in my blog. I'm no longer ashamed of my thoughts and my feelings....well at least i'm working on it. But, today I feel proud. Proud to be a dark skinned woman, with beautiful skin and a from what i'm told a beautiful spirit. I'm thankful for all of the editors, and writers and producers and casting directors etc who stepped outside of their comfort zone and chose dark skinned women of color and gave them a voice. Thank you for allowing the world to see a piece of the beautiful dark skin....