“My whole life I have been praised because of my light-ish skin tone and my loose-ish curly hair. As a child, this made me extremely confident in my looks and growing into adolescence even more so because I learned how to actually do my own hair. When I was younger, I just thought that I was beautiful and that’s why people praised me for my looks, when I got older, I realized the implications of colourism.”
Read More“It never dawned on me that self-love was something that wasn't taught until I was in my early 20s. I figured that people were born with confidence and care for themselves and that ultimately something was just wrong with me. It wasn't until I began to recognize that so much comes from your childhood environment and cultural factors that I began to figure out the details.”
Read More“I realized I needed to forgive myself. I had forgiven those I felt I needed to for my own peace. But it was my turn. I felt like I was carrying my childhood self on my ankle. As I’d take steps, I’d feel her weight on my feet. I was in need of comforting her, the little girl who would get so excited to see her dad come home from work but would arise disappointed the next day when realizing he got in late again.”
Read MoreFor most of my childhood, I wished for thinner and looser-curled hair. But through the self-hate, the perms, the texturizers, the frustration, the tears, my hair did not change. It’s still thick and tightly coiled. I wanted my hair to be more like the women I saw on T.V. and in magazines. I truly believed my hair was not beautiful…There’s a lot of “tips & tricks” to achieve long, healthy hair, but the best way I think you can is by being in tune with it and giving it what it needs.
Read MoreMany women of color are misdiagnosed or undiagnosed in regard to chronic illnesses. It is so important for us to advocate for ourselves. No one knows your body better than YOU! Educate yourself on ways to live a proactive healthy lifestyle. Many black women are dying prematurely whether it’s childbirth or a chronic disease, it is time for a change. The change will start with each one of us.
Read More“Last year was the most challenging. Being limited from what I was used to, adjusting to a new normal that is steadily adapting itself, I became more anxious than I ever felt before. Alternatives were not working for me and wrapping my mind around expectations was just as exhausting. Eventually, I burnt out…At this point in time, I have decided to take the reins of my fear in life. I am doing so, by acknowledging that even if you think you are moving forward, overthinking, and anticipating all your fears, can and will only hold you back. Fear does not attract what you want to happen. Mind over matter is of utmost importance.”
Read More“When I was younger, I was fully aware that I was ‘bigger’ than other kids around me but it didn’t really occur to me that I was negatively seen for being fat until I entered elementary school. I would like to add that I am fortunate that I was never extremely bullied by my peers but little things have stuck with me, resulting in a detrimental effect on my self-confidence and making me increasingly self-conscious as a young girl.”
Read More“I’ve always believed that if I kept my head down, stayed out of trouble, got good grades, and was overall a “good” kid I would have no problem making it in this world. Good grades get you a good job which leads you to good pay, and comfortable life, but it seems to only be for “Whites-only”. I have always felt overlooked because of my skin and being a Woman of Colour doesn’t help my situation. In fact, it seems to have worsened the treatment I’ve experienced lately.”
Read More“I grew up in a predominantly white neighbourhood and went to a predominantly white school. When my best friend moved to Ottawa in grade 5, I became the only Black girl in the grade. I never got a chance to express my blackness because there was no one else who was Black!…I do wish I had more Black friends growing up. This definitely made me think about my future children and how much I want to make sure they grow up around other Black children. They will know that they are beautiful because I will tell them every day. I will show them how to take care of their hair and tell them that it is okay to get darker in the summer, it’s beautiful…My babies will appreciate their blackness from the start.”
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