I know it’s hard to believe that Black folks can come in so many shades.

But I never thought that there would be so much conversation and attacks on each other regarding the array of melanin we have.

From soft pinks (yes, some of us are soft pink), yellow hues, chocolate browns and even that blue-black that shines, no matter what shade we are, we are beautiful.

My great-grandmother was very fair-skinned. I was told that because of her light skin, her darker skin sister (my great-aunt) had to take care of her and that’s why they had such a strained relationship in their adult years.

It’s 2022 and this ain’t that. We all now realize and know how an oppressive system worked to separate us based on our complexions. Now it’s time for us to move forward and let that go. Being lighter ain’t better and being darker ain’t Blacker. We are in this fight together.

By definition, colorism typically focuses on prejudice or discrimination against people with dark skin but I am finding more and more of our dark-skinned sisters attacking our light-skinned sisters for a system they didn’t create.

At first, we were being attacked by racist folks trolling Black Like Us. That has come to a screeching halt. Now we are attacking each other.

I am seeing negative comment after comment on my timeline pointing at skin color, questioning each other’s pain and journey as we navigate oppression and racism and to me that is a waste of our time and energy. A couple of the comments had me sitting with my mouth open like WTF!

As Black people, we all have struggles. We can’t minimize each other’s struggles and trauma. I am asking you all to be kind and show love. I need us to stand together no matter what shade we come in.

My love and affection for sisters of all colors started when I was very young. My mother is a deep fudge and my godmother is what y’all call a red bone. They are both beautiful and both love me to the fullest making way for me to love myself.

I grew up loving my skin. I mean, I hated that occasional pimple and those awkward middle school years but my mother always told me I was beautiful. Growing up my best friends were mostly lighter skinned and I just saw them as friends who are and were beautiful. No complaints or competition here and maybe I was naive or just didn’t pay attention but I can’t even recall favoritism based on our skin color and my friends ride hard for me to this day.

We have to come together and we can’t let something like skin color prevent us from moving.

Hey, I love you no matter what shade you are. Let’s create safe spaces where we are all appreciated and loved.

With love,

Jiquanda