The gift of colour

For too long I believed my skin colour represented blemish, dirt and filth. Instead of waiting in the shadows, I should have taken my rightful place in school plays or family reunions. But I share an unspoken space and language with many other dark-skinned people who have hidden behind someone in a group photo, covered their smiles with the palms of their hand, and convinced themselves that they are beautiful.

I can definitely identify with girls who struggle to comprehend their beauty and self-worth.

Our varied shades are expressions of our creator including and inviting us all to be his children.

In between hidden smiles, shy glances, and mesmerised looks of approval at the charming fair-skinned beauties, often lie helplessness, regret and shame.

I want to give to all the girls who think that their skin tone is not acceptable by society a gift that was recently given to me by myself.

“The colour of your skin is not a cross you bear. It is beautiful. Our varied shades are expressions of our creator including and inviting us all to be his children.”