In the tapestry of humanity, each thread has a unique hue, contributing to the grand design. However, certain threads are unjustly viewed with suspicion, their richness mistaken for shadow. My melanin—a rich, earthy tone—is seen not as a pigment but as a proclamation, a defiant statement against a society that has long equated darkness with danger. But how dare I? How dare I stand tall in this skin, a proud testament to my heritage? How dare I demand the respect freely given to others, as if my worth were equal? I am a black woman, navigating a world where my … Continue reading My Melanin