When I was growing up the most beautiful women I saw and admired were in the pages of Ebony, Jet and Essence magazines. I was in awe of people like Iman, Whitney Houston, Naomi Campbell and Karen Alexander. The most gorgeous women I had ever seen looked like me. For the life of me, I cannot understand the world’s fascination with light or white skin. That said, I have no problem giving credit where credit is due and I’m not taking anything from any other culture, it’s just that I grew up feeling beautiful because I had a dark skinned mother who let me know that chocolate skin is amazing every single day. So when I hear people praising others at the expense of Black beauty, it is simultaneously heartbreaking, frustrating and exasperating. People can have their opinions and preferences without denigrating Black women. It is a revolutionary act to say that we are stunning and fabulous in every way. I am writing this post to celebrate the most beautiful women in the world – for all of the gorgeous chocolate girls moving through these streets. You are a work of art sis and you continue to inspire.

Stay FLY.