Picture it: Verizon Theatre, February 2015. The air was crisp and the roads were icy, but the weather was all but forgotten when I witnessed one of my favorite performers, Diana Ross, live on stage. It wasn’t my first time at the venue or even my first time seeing a superstar, but the concert did… Continue reading ‘Don’t Ever Bring No Nappy-Headed Black Girl To My House!’: The Corrosive Effects of Colorism
Tag: Colorism
“Light Girls,” Heavy Burdens & Personal Pain
Earlier this week, our five-year-old Resident Princess made an observation out of nowhere. “You’re dark brown Mommy.” I looked up from my reading and nodded. “Right.” “Darius is dark brown, I’m tan and and Nia’s light brown like Daddy.” “Uh-huh, but everyone here is black and that’s the important thing Layla.” It’s probably odd to… Continue reading “Light Girls,” Heavy Burdens & Personal Pain
Colorism: Racism in Blackface
http://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/local-voices/headlines/20110929-lorrie-irby-jackson-of-garland-black-families-must-help-erase-prejudice-over-skin-color.ece Since time immemorial, black mothers and fathers have had the unpleasant task of warning sons and daughters of the day that a teacher, classmate or random stranger could single them out for ridicule based on the color of their skin. But some parents are so uptight about attacks from people of other races… Continue reading Colorism: Racism in Blackface