#MelaninMonroe

by

There is magic in darkness. There is beauty in my skin. There is grace in my walk. There is power in my stance.

Tajma_Headshot
Opinion by Tajma Smoutherson Family and Consumer Sciences sophomore

There is love in my heart and strength in my voice. There is greatness all around because, baby, I’m a black girl.

Whether I’m a dark skinned devil or a brown skinned Barbie, from the good to the bad, I’ve heard it all. From “wow you got darker” to “wow, you’re so pretty for a black girl.” Trust me, I’ve heard it all.

And what is that supposed to mean anyway? “You’re so pretty for a black girl”…like really? Honey, I’d be pretty whether I be black, purple, orange, or brown.

The color of my skin does not define my beauty, but trust me I’m doing great with the sun-kissed skin that I’m in.

And growing up, I’m sure that all my fellow chocolate bunnies and I had to go through our own personal problems regarding our skin tones.

But I am here to tell you not to ever let anyone ever bother you about it because you are beautiful, you are blessed, and you too are a #MelaninMonroe.

Tajma Smoutherson is a Family and Consumer Sciences sophomore with a concentration in apparel design and a minor in business. She plans on a career in fashion merchandising.

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