Your Breakthrough Opportunity Isn't Based On The Colour Of Your Skin
I have to admit I'm not much of a Star Wars fan, I'm actually not a fan at all, lol. But I am intrigued about Lupita Nyong'o's part and role in the franchise's 7th addition coming out on December 18th.
Lupita's story is quite interesting and unique, somewhat similar to my own, in that she identifies as Mexican-Kenyan, and I identify myself as Swedish-Ugandan. Both of which are assured to get looks of confusion upon the realization that our melanin shows no trace of being mixed.
Growing up, Lupita recalls in a Vogue article, she was told that her skin was too dark to be on television, and this is in Kenya mind you. She explains that although she didn't grow up with racism and racial identity as an issue, cultural and ethnic identity was. Her dark skin is part of her "Luo" tribe's trait, who derive from Sudanese migrators.
Photographed by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, Vogue, October 2015
In her speech at the Black Women in Hollywood event last year, Nyong'o reveals how seeing peoples reaction and admiration of super model Alek Wek (from Sudan) made her feel good about her own dark complexion. TIME magazine writes out her quote where she also discloses
"Even Oprah called her beautiful and that made it a fact. I couldn’t believe that people were embracing a woman who looked so much like me, as beautiful. My complexion had always been an obstacle to overcome and all of a sudden Oprah was telling me it wasn’t."
Watch her entire moving and emotional speech below.
Nyong'o has in turn inspired other young girls that being of a darker complexion is indeed beautiful. Her confidence and beauty is really encouraging to behold, and says that you can be judged based on your talent and character, as opposed to your complexion.
[Related: Colorism - Does Your Shade of Black Really Matter?]
Although colorism has been blamed for peoples' misfortune, stories like this say that how you view yourself and your determination to succeed greater account for your life's journey and opportunities. Including starring in your first motion-capture role. Curious about how many CGI-dots she wore while filming Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens? Watch the video below to find out.
My hope for all of you is that look within and not without for your validation and worth, and fearlessly pursue your dreams.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”
Be blessed!