Women who advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion. That is what Women’s History Month is about in 2024. Women are still having the same centuries old fight. It doesn’t make sense for it to be this way in such progressive times. But are we really living in progressive times?
“You cannot take your freedoms for granted. Just like generations who have come before you, you have to do your part to preserve and protect those freedoms.”
Michelle Obama
Let’s celebrate the women who are and have made a positive impact in the communities. Both local and afar. It takes courage and determination to answer the call to action. Forming comities, rallying together and just speaking on injustices is a great start.
We have women out there who have paved the way for advances we, as a country enjoy. Science, civil rights, film/theater, politics, sports, education, the arts and a plethora of disciplines is where women from all walks of life, have made their mark. Let us celebrate Ava DuVernay, Sally Ride, Serena Williams, Michelle Obama, Susan B. Anthony and a host of others.
Without their activism, and strength to pave the way, we may not have been able to accomplish some of the things we have today. Staying the course and speaking out against inequities against women must continue. We deserve to be included and treated fairly, so let’s not forget the work of those before us and the women who walk with us today on this journey.
“There will be resistance to your ambition, there will be people who say to you, ‘You are out of your lane.’ They are burdened by only having the capacity to see what has always been instead of what can be. “
Late September into early October is the time of year for recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month. The Latino and Hispanic American community has made many contributions for the betterment of America. Originally, it started out as a week-long celebration in 1968. Two decades later it became a month-long celebration, declared by President Ronald Reagan.
The reason Hispanic Heritage Month starts in the middle of September, is because it coincides with independence of countries like Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Mexico, Chile and others.
We can see the added value in education, music, food, and the entertainment industry. The contributions by the Hispanic and Latino culture go hand-in-hand with the success of America.
This post was originally published in September 2022 on Inspire By O’Nika
September 15th is World Afro Day. Embrace those curls and natural hair. Let your coils, twists, braids, locks and afro shine. Wear your style proudly. Natural hair has a story and it is not just about the aesthetics. Although, it doesn’t hurt. It’s about much more. Think culture and history.
Black people and some people of mixed-race who wear their natural hair have faced discrimination because of their hair texture. Michelle De Leon started World Afro Day back in 2017. It is a cause to raise awareness and to educate about afro-centric hair. Society has instilled shame on people who have kinky or tight curly hair. It has long been a thing that if you had “textured” hair that you should implement some kind of straightening. Methods such as using a hot comb to straighten hair, or applying chemicals like Vigorol liquid, and relaxers are used.
These methods are harmful because there is risk of burning the scalp and skin. Not to mention, the long-term effects of the chemicals in these straightening products. Some people felt like they had to conform to societal pressures in order to get hired for a job. Also, to feel accepted.
Women from some Hispanic cultures, like the Dominican Republic also are stigmatized for having curly hair. They have faced pressures to have bone straight hair; hence the blow out styles. These blow outs use excessive heat which can have lasting damage to hair.
On World Afro Day, show your pride for afro hair. Post pictures on social media or share your hair experiences with others. The more people who understand about the afro hair culture the more will accept and embrace it. Rock those afro puffs, cornrows, box braids, afro or whatever style you wish! Because you can!
Black business month happens in August. Let your entrepreneurial spirit shine. Support Black businesses. Research some of your favorite black owned brands and spread the word. Some businesses to check out are:
Buy From a Black Woman
This organization helps black women start and/or build their brands. They accomplish this by hosting workshops, providing videos and webinars. This company is an inspiration to help current business owners to keep their businesses afloat as well as expand. Check out their website below for more information. Looking for a Black owned business, check out their directory. Buy From a Black Woman also has merchandise, which helps to promote their company. Empowerment is another way they are helping the community through their grant program. Check it out.
Thinking of starting a new business? Maybe you are already a business owner and are looking for resources. Check out score.org to help with increasing your business success or aid with any challenges you may be facing. Take some online classes, watch webinars or check for upcoming events in your local area.
Clothing company for men and women. Joggers, short and long-sleeved tee shirts, hoodies and caps made to order. Check out the website to choose your logo, size and color.
What’s on the exterior is not a reflection of the whole person. This message is to young girls and anyone who feels like they do not measure up. Society has women in this cookie-cutter image. Just know that we are versatile. Inner beauty, self-love and confidence is what we are made of. Do not let other people define who you are.
The world we live in today is very shallow and based on outer looks. People sometimes only look at the exterior with no further thought about the entire person. There is nothing wrong with being beautiful. After you get past the beauty what is inside? Do you want to be judged only by how you look? In some industries, beauty is paramount in your success in that particular field. But make sure you are being true to yourself.
Self-love is very important. If people gravitate to you because you look a certain way, but you feel like you are less than. Ask yourself, “what is wrong with this picture?”. Just remember that no one is perfect. At the end of the day, we are all human. Don’t beat yourself up if you feel like you do not “fit the mold” of what society says you should look like. Love the skin you are in.
If you have big thighs, so what. Embrace it and make it your strength. If your lips are fuller than the masses. Guess what; God made you that way for a reason. Love those lips, they are uniquely yours. It does not matter what your nose looks like or your feet. Have compassion and love for yourself. Accept yourself how you are. If anyone does not recognize the beauty you are inside, love yourself anyway!
“You can‘trelyon how youlookto sustain you, what sustains us, what is fundamentally beautiful is compassion; for yourself and for those around you.”
April is the 4th Month of the year. It is also the beginning of the Spring season. April brings showers to nourish the land for the flowers to bloom and the trees to grow. The zodiac signs, Aries and Taurus fall in the month of April too. Let’s see what else April brings.
Good Friday is April 7th this year. Also known as Easter Friday. This is the day that Christian’s commemorate the day Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross. On this holy day, some Christian’s will have special prayer services. People will participate in fasting on Good Friday. Other’s may avoid eating meat. It sounds ironic that a day of death is called good. The name Good Friday was, at one time, called God’s Friday.
Easter Sunday is on April 9th. The day Jesus Christ was resurrected is called Easter. This is one of the most celebrated and observed days of the year. The Christian community holds this day as very important. And with good reason. Church service, meals, prayers and moments of silence are just a few ways that people observe Easter. Coloring of eggs and Easter egg hunts are some events that families indulge in with their children for Easter.
April 11th is National Eight Track Tape Day. What is an eight track you ask? Well…it is what we used to play music before days of cassette tapes and CDs. You have to be “seasoned” to know what an eight track is. Ford was the first car company to make factory and dealership-installation available in their automobiles. Eight track tapes were popular during the years spanning from the 60-80s. If you are feeling nostalgic, take today to dust off those old eight tracks (if you can find any of them). Take a stroll down memory lane. The days of the eight track tapes may be long gone but they do hold many fond memories during those eras of music.
April 17- Haiku Poetry Day. Exhibit your writing skills with a Haiku poem. This style of poetry was started in Japan. A Haiku typically consists of 17 syllables and has three lines. The rules of proper format of a Haiku have changed over time. Have fun with it and write your own Haiku.
Tax Day is April 18th.
National Piñata Day– April 18- National Piñata Day has been around since as early as the 13th century. It has been a tradition in the Chinese, European and Mexican cultures. As you can see, non-Hispanic people participate in Piñata Day too. The bright colored candy containers can be filled with small party favors, candy, gifts and whatever your imagination will allow. A lot of these paper mâché sculptures are in the form of animals, various shapes and some are in the form of faces. While Piñata’s are typically associated with children and parties, they are used for other reasons. Some countries have used them in protest of local politicians and/or causes. I like to associate Piñata’s in a fun way. Even though you have to hit them to get the prizes out, you can make fun games of it. Make your own Piñata. You can find online videos on how to do this.
Stop Food Waste Day– April 26 Ever wonder how many people can be fed and not go hungry? Many more, if we stopped wasting food. One way to do just that is to only buy as much food as you can use. Bring leftovers the next day for lunch or have it for dinner. Store food in a way so that it does not go bad. The food industry plays a major part and can help to stop the wasting of food. Some restaurants throw the food away at the end of closing. Local shelters could benefit from this food to feed those that are homeless and do not have access to meals.
Homeownership is one of the staples of the American dream. You work hard, you save money and pay bills on time. So, why is the purchase of a home out of reach for some people? It is partly due to the banking industry and unfair lending practices. Also, this is attributed to bad consumer credit and lack of funds.
We are living in times of inflation; again. It makes it hard to stay on top of basic living expenses and amenities. However, in spite of inflation homeownership is achievable. So is good credit. We can start by trying to reduce our debt-to-income ratio. This is one of the factors banks use in the application approval process. Lowering debt-to-income ratio means to have more money coming in than going out. Many times we spend more and save and/or invest less.
Paying bills on time also boosts credit scores. If you are in the market to make a home purchase, you may want to pull your credit report. By doing so, you have the opportunity to check for accuracy and any errors that may be preventing you from obtaining a loan. Also, you can assess what accounts you need to pay off. Correcting errors on your credit report takes a little effort, but it is within your power to change it in the best interest of your financial future.
Did you know? It wasn’t until the early 70s that women were allowed to purchase property in their own name. In years before that, a women could not own property without her husband co-signing.
Homeownership is lacking within minority communities. That brings me to the Focus on Finance for Women’s History Month. Benaisha Poole-Watson fits the theme of ‘Women Telling Our Stories’. She is a catalyst in the real estate market and understands the challenges. Being the owner of Prime One Home Loans, she not only owns the bank but helps to educate about building wealth. She has created solutions for people who are having hardship with obtaining a home loan.
To add to that, she is also a military veteran. She has served in the United States Air Force. Mrs. Poole-Watson, among many other African American women, have broken down the barrier of women serving in the military. Let’s salute Benaisha Poole-Watson for her contribution to the country through her military service. Also, for opening doors and creating change and help in obtaining real estate.
Did you know? At one time, women were not allowed to serve in the military outside of kitchen and domestic duties.
Focus on finance for women’s history month and learn more about the inspiration of Benaisha Poole-Watson at Home – Benaisha Poole Watson
It’s Women’s History Month. Let’s talk about a female hip hop and funk group who was pivotal in these genres of the music.
What do you get when you add Angie B, Blondy and Cheryl the Pearl? Drumroll please… meet The Sequence. A trio of women from South Carolina who performed a fusion of hip hop and funk music. Angela Brown, Gwendolyn Chisolm and Cheryl Cook made up the first female group to release songs under Sugar Hill Records.
The most notable song by the group is “Funk You Up”, which came out in 1979. You may also remember the song, “Monster Jam with Spoonie Gee”. In the 90s Angela Brown aka Angie Stone later joined the music group Vertical Hold before going solo in 1999. She has also performed in theater, TV and movies.
Angie Stone-Mahogany Soul Album
Gwendolyn “Blondy” Chisolm and Cheryl “The Pearl” Cook released a single in 2011 titled, “On Our Way to the Movies”. The Pearl also wrote songs for the Sugar Hill Gang and scores of other artists. She went on to start her own company called Black Bottom Entertainment.
The Sequence is very important in the history of women, music and hip hop. Their first single topped the music charts for three weeks and went Gold. Other artists have sampled their music. Even though the hip hop genre is more prominent in NY, The Sequence held their own and made their mark being from the South. They have helped to lay the foundation for subsequent female hip hop groups and solo MCs, that we know and love.
The influence of The Sequence can still be felt and heard, even today. Give them their due for what they have laid down for women groups who came after them. For whatever reason, The Sequence has not been given the credit they deserve. When I think of The Sequence I think of a trio of inspiration and talent.
March is Women’s History Month. There are some wonderful women out there making a true statement. These women have contributed to Arts and Science, Math, Entertainment, Education and various other areas.
Women’s History Month starts on March 1 and lasts for the entire month. Another important date this month is March 8th, International Women’s Day. Take a moment to celebrate what this day means to you.
The theme for Women’s History Month in 2023 is ‘Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories’. Every year the theme changes. This month became officially known as Women’s History Month in 1987. Before then, it was only a week-long occasion.
Women’s History Month is for taking note of progress and struggles of women, spanning back for years and years. Women now have the right to vote, get an education, join the military, among other achievements. Women still face discrimination in the workplace when it comes to wages. You do not have to be a woman to advocate for equity and inclusion. Everyone can ban together for this important cause to reduce and/or eliminate discrimination in the workplace. This can only have a positive outcome for the world at large.
It is important that people know and understand that women do not always have it easy. People may think that we have no worries, or we do not need to assert or apply ourselves. Don’t let looks fool you into thinking that we have things handed to us. Women work hard and juggle a lot. Some of us are mothers too. It is a joy to wear the hat of being a parent. Unfortunately, some people view motherhood as a crutch and therefore do not give all mothers the same chance as the male gender.
How Can You Celebrate Women Who Tell Our Stories?
Read about the motivating and inspiring stories that women have told through their sheer actions.
If you know someone who may benefit from hearing your own story, consider sharing, you just might save a life and inspire someone else to tell their story in the future.
Pay it forward with your heroic life story, and what another woman thought was not possible, will see that it is. You are the living proof.
Educate yourself on the issues that women still face today. Think about what you can do to effect change.
Send a quick thank you note to a woman that you admire.
Pass on the word about Women’s History Month on your social media platforms to raise awareness.
Support women-owned businesses.
Mentor girls and young women. Empower them with your knowledge so that they know that they matter, and they can make a difference in this world.
Let’s show some love for Women’s History Month! Lift each other up and don’t forget to hug yourself and smile. You deserve it!
Unity is peace, Unity is the umbrella
Being united means coming together
Together for whatever comes our way
Differences, views and opinions
The issues will come our way almost every day
Unity will be the saving grace
Grace keeps our sanity together in every way
Grace begets compassion and understanding
Compassion for what is different than us
Understanding for things we don’t know
In our hearts grace and unity will overflow
Equality, acceptance, hope and love
Is what a sense of unity does
For communities both below and above
We may look different on the outside
But we all have blood running through our veins
Let not those things make us collide
When we have grace, love remains
Unity not division, lets love take over
What we thought we knew about one another
Take the time to speak
Speak to that sister or brother
Resist the urge that breeds
Hatred, violence and racial bias
We may not always agree
Unity is what frees
Black history month and year long
Promote unity not the same sad song
Songs of brutality, racism and wrongs
Unity pushes everyone along
---O'Nika McGill---
Unity was first published on Inspire By O'Nika
Feb 5, 2023
February is Black History month. In order to understand the present, we must look at the past. Let’s give credit where credit is due. The farmers, boaters/fishermen, and Olympians oftentimes get overlooked and left out. Although, we will never forget about civil rights leaders, freedom fighters who have paved the way, years ago.
Daisy Gatson Bates
Daisy Gatson Bates Day is Feb 21. We can credit this Arkansas native for being an activist against racial discrimination. During her civil rights work, she was the president of the NAACP, Arkansas chapter. In 1957, she played a major role in desegregation at Little Rock Central High School. Read “The Long Shadow of Little Rock: A memoir” and learn about her legacy.
NAACP Day
NAACP Day is February 12. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People sets out to help with equality and civil rights for all people. The NAACP is about addressing issues of racial discrimination. Throughout its history, this organization addresses immigration issues, misconduct by police, voting rights and economic development.
One way to honor the NAACP’s mission is by making a donation. This group has made strides for centuries since its inception in 1909. If you feel that you can contribute to their causes for job equality, voting rights, healthcare and education, please do. In an effort to combat fair education, they have partnered with other organizations to provide scholarships for African American students.
Farming-John W. Boyd, Jr, founder of the National Black Farmers Association is instrumental in advancing rights for black farmers. Agriculture is a very important part of the foundation for the entire world. Mr. Boyd had to take legal action against the government over financial relief for farmers that was promised but did not happen. He is painfully aware that African American farmers do not get the same relief and support. In light of that, he tirelessly champions on to get what is only fair for farmers.
Fishing-The Ebony Anglers is a black, female fishing team from North Carolina. This is a competitive fishing team who is making history. Look them up and see if they give you inspiration to branch into a field where both women and African Americans are under-represented. The Ebony Anglers have passed on their efforts to the youth. Black Boys Boat and Black Girls Fish was formed by this amazing group. They make what they do look easy, but it is still hard work. Kudos to them for passing down their knowledge to the youth about the fishing and boating industries.
Swimming-Who is Simone Manuel? She is the first black woman to win an Olympic Gold medal in swimming in the year 2016. Simone is setting the bar and inspiring other young people to follow their dreams. Even though there are so few black swimmers who compete; she is proof that it is possible. Feeling left out at times in her swimming career, she is a strong advocate for inclusivity. Simone Manuel is a young, black athlete who can use her platform to influence positive change in the swimming arena and worldwide.
African American Coaches Day
African American Coaches Day is Feb 7. Coaching is not just related to sports. Today, we have life coaches as well. This is a lucrative profession. Coaching helps people attain their personal and career goals. It gives people something to strive for. Life coaching may be an avenue to explore for those who are known to be procrastinators. It helps with holding yourself accountable and sticking with a plan.
Coaching a sports team for the youth is a way of mentorship. It helps give the children structure, discipline and a sense of high self-esteem. Also, it teaches team building. When you have kids working together it also builds friendships and creates a positive atmosphere. Skills learned from playing on the team are skillsets that stay with them well into adulthood. Coaching is time well spent. Let’s continue to shape the future of our youth.
Black History Month Past and Present
As you can see, African Americans of the past and present are making history. While we might not have been around in some of the times when they were making their impact, we can still live and feel the effects of their hard work. Black history is history for all. African Americans have felt the strains of society for centuries. In the face of hardships and hard times, we have still managed to hold true to ourselves and make a positive difference in the world.
Lets continue to encourage and support our young athletes, farmers and communities to make for a better world. We can all benefit and live together and have more equality, if we put our minds to it and put in some effort.
Martin Luther King, Jr. said, ” I have a dream”
Malcolm X- “By any means necessary”
Harriet Tubman soldiered with the underground railroad. “I never ran my train off the track, and I never lost a passenger”.
Gordon Parks changed the world behind the camera. “The subject matter is so much more important than the photographer”.
The Pittsburg Pirates is the team for which he played 18 seasons of major league Baseball. The first Latin-American player to be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. During the off-season of Baseball, he would deliver food and baseball equipment to those who needed it. Roberto Clemente died at the early age of 38 in a plane crash. This plane crash happened while on the way to help victims of an earthquake in Nicaragua. Not only did he make his mark in Baseball but also he will be remembered as a humanitarian.
Quote- “A nation without heroes is nothing.”Roberto Clemente
Music/Entertainment-Jennifer Lopez– A Puerto Rican singer, dancer and actress.
Jennifer Lopez also called J Lo, has been going strong for many years. She has released music, starred in movies and also was a dancer on the show, In Living Color as one of the Fly Girls. While encompassing motherhood and married life, J Lo has not shied away from her aspirations. Not only has she acted in movies but also produced several of the same. Most recently she has won the Icon Award at the iHeartRadio Music Awards this year. She also has clothing and perfume. Needless to say, Jennifer Lopez is successful in her multi-faceted career. She has many accolades to her name and is a very influential person in the music and movie industries.
Quote- “Doubt is a killer. You just have to know who you are and what you stand for.” Jennifer Lopez
Julia Alvarez writes poems, essays and novels. Her poem, Exile reflects upon the time her family had to run to the United States. In 2013, she received a National Medal of Arts award. This award was presented to Julia Alvarez by president, Barack Obama. The highest award given by the United States government for artists and art patrons. Some of her notable works include, In the Time of the Butterflies, How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents and Yo!.
Quote- “A book does not discriminate against anyone. All are welcome to the table of literature.”Julia Alvarez
Politics-Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez– A very visible political figure.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was born to Puerto Rican parents in the Bronx, New York. She was on the campaign trail in 2016 with Bernie Sanders. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) attended the Dakota Access Pipeline protests in North Dakota. Also, AOC was there in support of the Flint, Michigan water crisis. In 2018 she was elected into the House of Representatives. In support of climate change, she has been outspoken and is involved in the Green New Deal. The Green New Deal encompasses the reduction of air and water pollution, addressing wages and union jobs. Creating green jobs and ending use of fossil fuels is the goal.
Quote- “I don’t think any person in America should die because they are too poor to live.”Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
Correct me if I’m wrong but, we are in the year 2022? And this is the United States? This is not a country that discourages women to educate themselves, right? Is anyone listening?!
So, why is there this controversy about a woman’s right to have an abortion? There should be no question about a woman having the right and freedom to choose what she does with her body. Abortion rights should not be in the hands of government. How did we get here as a country?
Past and Present
Well, let’s see… Women have not always had the same freedoms and privileges as their male counterparts. The 19th amendment gave women the right to vote. Playing sports for women came around the year 1920. Women were finally made a part of the military in the year 1948. Some countries still try to block women from getting an education. Also, women make less money than men and are just as, or more qualified for the same job. Why is that?
Why are women’s rights being rationed and then stripped away? It is not fair that we are regulated in this way. Where is the gender equality? We have brains just like men and are capable of thinking for ourselves. No, we don’t have the brute physical strength of men, but we have made a lot of strides and impactful progress in the world!
A woman should have the basic human right to decide what she does with her body. If she becomes pregnant, she should not have to resort to unsafe, unhealthy and dangerous solutions in an attempt to abort the pregnancy: if she so chooses. The choice to either carry a pregnancy to term or abort it, no matter the reason, should be that woman’s choice.
Not some government!
Everyone has their opinion as to whether abortion is right or wrong. Whether it is right or wrong as it relates to religion. Whether it is the right economical choice. Is it right morally? Whether it is right or wrong physically. Whether it is right or wrong mentally. Such a decision when it relates to abortion is a deeply personal one. It is between that woman and her maker.
Not some government!
No matter what the law is in your state, the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) can override the local state law for emergency purposes. It is a protection for any provider who may perform an abortion. The original premise of the EMTALA was to provide treatment to everyone regardless of their ability to pay. This enabled people to receive care and not be turned away.
Why Now?
The Roe vs Wade decision has been overturned. Why now after so many years has this happened? It makes no sense. This decision is going to impact a lot of people all over the world. We are dealing with so many other issues and now this is another concern.
Women are valuable human beings but are being treated like we are incapable of making our own decisions. The overturning of Roe vs Wade complicates so many things for so many people. This world will face overpopulation and poverty levels are going to rise. Sadly, some women will lose their lives because they are carrying a pregnancy that might be medically dangerous. Other women will die trying to have a procedure done in unsafe ways.
Some women may not be able to seek emergency abortion care under the protection of EMTALA. The decision to overturn Roe vs Wade was not made with the well-being or best interest of women in mind. “The powers that be”, aka “the government”, sit around and make decisions for an entire group of people. Making decisions without any thought of how it will affect not only their family, but families all over the world.
Currently, families are struggling financially to put food on the table, and clothes on their backs. Struggling to gas up their cars. Stressing about the cost of housing and wondering if they will make next month’s rent or mortgage. Now, add to it the number of women who are stripped of a fundamental human right to choose what to do with their own bodies. Now, you tell me what is wrong with this picture!!
We have a lot of work to do in this country. Gender equality should not be up for debate. Yes, we are women. No, we are not trying to assume the roles of men but just want to be treated fairly. We want our voice to be heard. Not forced into something that “some government” told us we have to do under the law. It just begs the question, what right do you have to be a woman?
Big ups to Queen Latifah and Shaquille O’Neal for their efforts with affordable housing in Newark, New Jersey. This is much needed in the Newark and surrounding areas. I know families who live there are grateful to have housing that is not breaking their pocket.
People who love their community should not feel pressured to leave because it costs too much to live in the area. A lack of resources can put a strain on the pockets of many. Newark has definitely changed over the years. You can see some revitalization happening in different parts of the city. It is nice to see.
Queen Latifah’s Project
Affordable units called Rita Gardens will be available and are located at 650 Springfield Avenue, Newark, NJ. Springfield Avenue is one of the major streets that continues into neighboring cities like Irvington, Maplewood, Union, Springfield, Vaux Hall and towards Jersey City going in the opposite direction. An electric car charging station, business center and fitness center are some of the amenities you will find. There will be market priced units in addition to the affordable units made available.
Shaquille O’Neal’s Project
777 McCarter Highway is a project underway, close to Newark Penn Station. This will be a mixed residential property with 20% of the units affordably priced. This high-rise property will feature an indoor pool, roof top lounge, a gym and concierge service. Space for retail businesses will also be available at this location.
What a great effort by Queen Latifah and Shaquille O’Neal! It goes to show what is possible by teaming up with others who are passionate about the communities they grew up in. Newark is steadily changing, and it seems to be moving in the right direction. Thank you to Queen Latifah, Shaquille O’Neal and all the partners and investors who are making this possible for the community in Newark, New Jersey!
Black people come in a myriad of different skin tones. Due to this, some are discriminated against because they are either too light or too dark to be Black. This discrimination happens within our own community, as well as, by people outside of the Black race. That’s the sad part about it.
Light Skin
Light Skinned Complexion Photo by Nicole Berro on Pexels
If you are Black and are of a lighter complexion, people think that you are conceited. Some people say that you think you are, “all-that” and that you think you are better than other Black people who have a darker skin tone. While some light skinned people do act that way and fit the description, it is not because of the color of their skin. I attribute those characteristics to the individual person and not their complexion. Just note, that there are darker skinned Black people who possess the same traits. They think they are better than other Black people and there are some who are conceited too.
A perception exists that lighter skinned people are smarter, have more privileges and are more successful than darker skinned people. Being of a lighter complexion leads some people to say that you are not, “black enough”. Just based on your skin tone. Also, there is this kind of acceptance that some people seek just to prove their, “blackness”. This backward thinking is a part of what’s wrong with the world today. It goes back so many years and you would think in the year 2022, we would have progressed.
A person’s success in life depends on the efforts of that individual and not some unfounded belief that it is because they are light skinned. The world is so focused on outward appearance. Nowadays, people don’t take the time to see what others are truly made of and who they are beyond their skin tone.
We can’t help how we were made, and we were made the way we are for a reason. It is no excuse to call people names and insult them because they are not the same complexion as you. Light skinned people have been called derogatory names like red bone, high yellow, light skin, and pale face, just to name a few.
Being a Black person and having a dark skin tone comes with some negative preconceptions too. People think that if you are dark skinned that you are unintelligent, unsuccessful and not attractive. Again, this is so superficial and another stereotype that needs to be broken. Some people with a dark skinned complexion feel the need to compete with light skinned people. Meaning, that some women go to the extreme of bleaching their skin. I attribute this to the pressures of society to fit some unrealistic mold.
Darker skinned people are just as smart, beautiful, and successful as people of lighter skin tones. It can be hard for some to truly believe this when everyday someone tries to make them feel otherwise. We have to erase the color lines and lift each other up. It is so unfair to judge someone by their complexion before getting to know them. People of darker skin tones get labeled as, “too ethnic” and are passed up for certain career opportunities.
Some negative names that dark-skinned women have been called are jigaboo, darkie, black and burnt. Imagine what this does to a person’s psyche. There are many more derogatory names that people of both light and dark skin tones are called but this is just the abbreviated version. I truly believe that you should not navigate your life based on what other’s think of you. Pave your own way and don’t worry about people’s opinion.
Takeaway
Your complexion should not influence how far you go in life. My advice is to believe in yourself and go for what you want in life. It’s okay if you get passed up for an opportunity. That means it wasn’t for you and there is something else out there. Keep going! Do not be discouraged! It’s hard enough out here being judged by the masses. Why are we being judged by our own too? Let’s embrace each other and help each other out.
