Growing up, my dark skin felt more like a burden than a blessing. From a young age, I became acutely aware of the color of my skin, and not in a way that made me feel proud. Whether it was subtle comments from peers or seeing the glorification of lighter skin in the media, my complexion became a source of insecurity. I began to associate beauty, worth, and acceptance with skin tones that weren’t mine.

It wasn’t just the outside world that shaped my view. In my own community, I often heard conversations that praised lighter skin, perpetuating this idea that lighter was somehow “better.” This constant reinforcement of the “standard” of beauty made it difficult to appreciate the richness of my skin. I didn’t feel like I fit into what the world wanted, and as a result, I felt less than.

I carried that insecurity for a long time. It showed up in how I interacted with others, in my hesitation to take up space, and even in the way I avoided certain outfits or hairstyles, afraid they would make me stand out in a way I didn’t want. I became a master at shrinking myself.

But as time went on, I realized something: shrinking myself wasn’t working. It wasn’t helping me feel better or more accepted. It was exhausting to keep trying to fit into a mold that wasn’t designed for me. And that’s when the shift began. I started to understand a profound truth: what is meant for me, is *for* me. No one can take away what is inherently mine, not even the superficial ideals that the world tries to impose.

I began to see the beauty in my skin, to recognize the strength in my individuality. My dark skin tells a story, one of resilience, richness, and uniqueness. I stopped viewing my skin as something to hide and instead embraced it as something that sets me apart in the best possible way. 

The more I internalized the idea that what’s for me is for me, the more I realized how many opportunities and blessings I had denied myself because of my insecurities. Once I let go of the fear that I wouldn’t be accepted because of my complexion, I found doors opening for me in ways I hadn’t expected. I became more confident, started stepping into spaces I once felt excluded from, and, most importantly, began to love myself in a way I hadn’t before.

This journey wasn’t just about skin; it was about self-worth. My dark skin wasn’t something that made me less, it was something that made me more. I began to appreciate the fact that no one else can do what I do, in the way that I do it. My skin is a part of that uniqueness, and instead of fighting it, I chose to own it.

Overcoming my insecurities about being dark-skinned wasn’t an overnight process, and I still have moments where old doubts creep in. But now, I know how to quiet those voices. I remind myself that I can’t change it and that there are people who think it’s beautiful. No one can take away my worth, my beauty, or my opportunities. My skin is a part of my story, and it’s a story I’m proud to tell.

Kadijah Williams