'ODE' TO DARK SKIN

(Photo: Samory Prod.)

There are many  black women (and men) who choose to bleach their skin. In other words, they reject their natural darker pigmentation.  Some women feel inferior to other black women who have lighter skin tone. Even Netflix has a documentary on this subject. The purpose of this feature is not to discredit women with lighter skin tone in elevation of women of darker skin tone. We believe beauty comes in different shades. 

However, in a world where many people see lighter skin as desirable, it is fitting to show the unique beauty of women with darker skin. The creator did not make any  mistake. We are all like different  keys in a universal grand piano. Every key has a distinct sound which if combined with other keys make very  beautiful and melodious sounds. This was what the creator had in mind. In a Piano,  the E-sharp was created to make a different sound from the C-sharp. They are both unique and built for distinct sounds. There is beauty in every race. The purpose of this feature is to show the unique  beauty in women who confidently and proudly wear their darker skin. 

We start this off with a Senegalese beauty Yacine Beye

(Photo: Yoody Studio)

I was born and raised in Khombole, Senegal. My journey has been shaped by a deep passion for communication and digital business, as well as active involvement in content creation and social initiatives. In 2021-2022,  I had the honor of representing my region as Miss Thiès, an enriching experience that allowed me to highlight Senegalese culture and promote the intelligence and elegance of African women. My commitment is driven by the desire to inspire and raise awareness through my writing and actions.  

My skin is naturally beautiful and radiant, and I opt for a minimalist and effective skincare routine. My secret? I use baby care products, which are gentle and rich in natural ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil. These products provide deep hydration and maintain my skin's natural glow. But beyond skincare, self-confidence and self-love are the real keys to beauty.  

I have met women who felt social pressure and decided to alter their skin to fit imposed beauty standards. This phenomenon is often a result of false beauty norms that need to be challenged. Every woman deserves to feel beautiful as she is, without conforming to artificial expectations. It is time to reclaim and uplift black beauty and remind every woman that she is precious.  

Like many young girls, I sometimes faced comments about my skin, influenced by unrealistic beauty standards. However, I also received a lot of love and support. Being Miss Thiès helped me celebrate my skin even more and inspire other young women to embrace their natural beauty. Today, I wear my skin with pride and confidence, and I encourage all women to do the same.  

My Miss Thiès 2021/22 title was an incredible opportunity to promote Senegalese culture and represent the diversity of our continent with elegance. Through my communication work and content creation, I seek to inspire and raise awareness on important topics like the representation of African beauty, the impact of social initiatives, and the importance of self-expression.  

Africa is a land of richness and diversity, where different people carry  a history, a strength, and an incomparable beauty. Black skin is a legacy, a timeless signature that embodies resilience, greatness, and elegance. Every shade of melanin is a unique masterpiece, and we must continue to celebrate our identity and inspire future generations to embrace it.