Colorism is something that many of us regardless of our racial background may face on a semi-daily basis. Colorism is a form of discrimination or prejudice in which people are treated differently based on the social meanings of their skin tone. Valencia D. Clay, a high school teacher, brought up the topic of colorism during a discussion and uploaded the video to her Instagram account.
One of Clay’s students brought up her experiences with colorism stating, “I thought light skinned girls were prettier. I was always the Black ugly girl because like you could look at all the lighter skinned complexions and everybody would be in love with them in their face and everything and it’s like ‘well dang. Just because I’m dark skinned I’m not pretty.”
The viral video caught the attention of Orange Is The New Black star, Danielle Brooks and she took to Instagram to give an uplifting message to the student, ”First of all I want to commend the girls in the video for who supported her. I think that’s very important but also I want to speak to that young girl.”
Relating her struggles that she’s dealt with, the actress continued, “I see you. I see you. I have been you. Sometimes I am you and I just want you to know that I’m trying to be that representation for you because I know what it’s like to feel unwanted and unloved because of your skin.” Brooks ended it by stating how she’s overcome and learn to embrace the skin she’s in by concluding, “Finally I’ve gotten to a point where I know I’m beautiful and can’t nobody take that away from me and I want you to know that too.”
Check out the video below.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BbR4IJgBTFJ
