Women of Color Are Beautiful

I've been in the South for several months now and I must say I love the weather, living by the river road and how children and adults greet you in the streets. The simple things leave huge impressions in my heart. The only thing that is of great disappointment is that self hate is still very much imbedded in the psyche of Black people. This is the difference between living in conscience or conscious. Not a week goes by without someone commenting on the insecurities of our physical features.  I won't deny that racism exists everywhere but when we are still judging our limitations based on how dark or light our skin color is or how "good" our hair is,  I get a little lump in my throat. I refuse to go back in time. As people of color , the past should make us stronger. However, we can't move on even after 400 years if we do not embrace self love. We can not let the past define us. We can not let other people dictate our strength or our beauty. We are not stuck in a time warp. We must evolve and continue to transform. As a Black woman I will continue to tell my story, I will continue to share my truth even if it is not always wrapped in a beautiful pink bow.  I do not write this blog for validation. You do not have to agree with everything I say. There is more importance in being heard. I refuse to let someone tell me how to feel about myself. Slave mentality is like being a prisoner of your own mind. Black is beautiful whether it be blue black, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, butter pecan, white chocolate and all the other beautiful hues of brown made uniquely just for us. We must celebrate our mixed heritage everyday by loving ourselves starting within our own community. We must continue to raise strong children that are proud of who they are and who they can become. Take initiative and start empowerment groups in your neighborhood. Our communities big and small need support systems and safe spaces. Don't be afraid to tell your truth.