In a startling revelation, the pervasive issue of colorism within the Black community has come to the forefront, sparking urgent conversations about beauty standards and societal privilege. Whitney McCoy, reporting from Kingston, Jamaica, shines a harsh light on a painful truth: darker-skinned individuals face discrimination not just from outside their communities, but within them.

From November 14th to 21st, an invitation to a historical journey through Ghana aims to confront the legacy of slavery, yet the echoes of this trauma resonate deeply in contemporary society. A shocking billion-dollar skin bleaching industry thrives in the Caribbean, driven by a belief that lighter skin equates to beauty, success, and privilege. Terms like “browning” and “clean skin” underscore this tragic hierarchy, where darker-skinned individuals endure stigma and bias.

The impact of colorism stretches beyond the Caribbean, infiltrating Black communities in the U.S. and Canada. Lighter-skinned individuals often enjoy better job prospects, reduced prison sentences, and more favorable media representation. This insidious bias is rooted in a shared history of white supremacy, where skin tone has been tied to power since the days of slavery. The deep-seated belief that lighter skin is inherently more valuable continues to fracture unity within the Black community, perpetuating generational trauma.

Yet hope emerges as voices rise to challenge this damaging narrative. Activists, creators, and educators are advocating for a shift towards self-love and acceptance of all skin tones, igniting a movement aimed at dismantling the cycle of colorism. As conversations deepen, the community is called to reclaim its beauty and embrace every shade of melanin.

This urgency cannot be overstated. The time to confront colorism is now. Black lives, regardless of shade, deserve to be celebrated. Join the dialogue, share your thoughts, and be part of the movement towards healing and unity.