True Beauty Stories Archive
Adrienne P.’s Poem
My Black is Beautiful
I am Black and Beautiful,
I am clothed and dressed in Royalty!
Queen is my name!
The embodiment of a Black woman
Fierce, brave and strong!
The representation of history
Everywhere my feet walks towards success I will follow!
I will move to its beat
I will dance to its music
I will soar like an eagle flying in the sky!
I will write as a writer
Teach as a teacher
Run on as a runner
Dance on like a dancer
Survive like a survivor
and play that drum like a drummer
and rock to the music in my soul.
I will flaunt my inner beauty with grace and style!
I will rock my stilettos and strut the essence that is me!
I am and will forever be proud to
celebrate my heritage, my skin,
the essence that is me
A beautiful, talented and gifted black Queen!
Shakira H.’s Story
True beauty comes in so many different forms, sizes, shapes, colors, and textures.
But even beyond physical beauty, I see true beauty in rendering service to others.
There are so many opportunities for becoming engaged in humanitarian efforts. From grassroots to global initiatives — from clothing drives to sustainable community building — there's lots of work to be done.
I am interested in working with young women to help them become model citizens in our local communities and leaders in the 21st century world community. With my girls' community service initiative — girls ages 4-17 will benefit from academic and social enrichment activities.
Financial literacy, healthy eating, exercise, and social responsibility are additional components of focus within my girls’ initiative. So while we’ll love to play dress up and learn about beauty basics, the girls will also learn the importance of true beauty coming from within.
Adrienne P.’s Poem
My Black and Beautiful Story
I am black and beautiful,
I am clothed and dressed in Royalty!
Queen is my name!
The embodiment of a black woman
fierce, brave and strong!
The representation of history.
Everywhere my feet walk toward success, I will follow!
I will move to its beat
I will dance to its music
I will soar like an eagle flying in the sky!
I will write as a writer
Teach as a teacher
Run on as a runner
Dance on like a dancer
Survive like a survivor
and play that drum like a drummer
and rock to the music in my soul.
I will flaunt my inner beauty with grace and style!
I will rock my stilettos and strut the essence that is me!
I am and will forever be proud to
celebrate my heritage, my skin,
the essence that is me
A beautiful, talented and gifted black Queen!
Jennifer B.'s Poem
My Black and Beautiful Story
The mirror was the one thing that never let me see my true beauty. From the skinny legs that reflected fat, to the small pimples that reflected large, to the long hair, that always seemed to be out of place, I always looked to the mirror to tell me what I really looked like. I let the reflection of me be the definition of me. Never mind who I really was, the mirror had all the answers. However, what it didn't show me were the most important characteristics that needed to be seen, the inner reflections of the warm hearted, generous, loving, kind, and beautiful self that I was.
I've begun to embrace my beauty because I know that the total picture of my outward appearance is only completely seen when I incorporate the inner interpretation of myself. I found out that the connection between my inner and outer shell was my thoughts. I think, therefore I am. I thought I was too skinny, therefore I was too skinny. I thought my face was bumpy, therefore that was all I saw. Now I walk in the reality that my BLACK is beautiful because I KNOW, with all of my thoughts, that I am Beautiful. I think that I am confident, therefore I see confidence. I think that I am just the right size; therefore, I am just the right size. I no longer go the mirror to be defined. I have created the definition that will reflect, and there is nothing that the mirror can do about it
Audrey M.'s Poem
My Black and Beautiful Story
Yes, I’m black, darker than most. But in my blackness I boast. Boasting of my own? No! But boasting of the quality which He, my God, has given me! From the curvature of my hips to the thickness of my thighs Yes, even down to my big brown eyes, He made my black beautiful! And for the first time in a long time — I’m loving me and mine! Came to the truth, should’ve known it from my youth, But now that I know my black is beautiful You can’t use me, mistreat me or abuse me. It’s no longer a delusion but I’ve come to the conclusion Even if it means me just loving me! Cause you see, I have the power to love me hour after hour! I’m Gods’ creation! Yes, a Master Plan even in the absence of a man. I still stand tall ya’ll, refusing to fall, screaming loud and proud, MY BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL!
It's worth more than gold cause my black runs deep into my soul. Not just external for staring and glaring, But it’s the inner me that God would have you see. And it causes me to shout beyond a shadow of a doubt, MY BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL! So if you’re a black woman and you’re real, and you feel what I feel, Don’t be ashamed to proclaim what He said and what you read, Fearfully & wonderfully made Good and very Good with that I wish you would Tell someBODY, anyBODY, YOUR BODY MY BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL!
Peggy W.'s Poem
My Black and Beautiful Story
My black is beautiful in every way
I am blessed to see my black every day
I wake up each day proud of who I am
Knowing he made me in his image brown
We've come a long way, it's well overdue
My black is beautiful, sista yours is too!
I came to terms with who I am long ago
My black is beautiful and I let it show
I walk with my head held up high
Sometimes I do believe I can fly!
My Black is the bomb! What can I say
I'm paper sack brown by the way!!!
Stylicia B.'s Poem
From the sway of our hair From the voluptuous curves we wear Men stare from our ripping the runaway. Fashionista affair We flare beauty, boldness and confidence.
Everywhere From loving the skin we are in. To being the business woman Mother, daughter and leader.
We are incredible Did I mention phenomenal. One of a kind Unique from many shades. We reap We are beautiful, strong and poised.
We rock it well, we rock it swell From young to old we rock it bold We're coming out pure as gold We are QUEENS, Cleopatra in disguise We are Blaque Girls and We Rock!
BLAQUE GIRLS ROCK!!!
ReNee J.'s Poem
My black is beautiful, although I didn't come this way.
I am easy, breezy, classic, chic, cool, sassy, magnetic and proud.
Often wondering when my beauty was going to shine for ME, so
that everybody else can see.
Growing up as the tallest girl — HEY BIG BIRD!
Growing up as the fat girl that is pretty — NOT DATED!
Growing up ridiculed and despised — CONFUSED!
So, walking this journey we know is life, I have to ask myself,
"What do I do to fit in?" Huh! How about I won't! Instead,
I will redefine beauty in my own way and with what I already have.
I am GOING to be in my own Zen!
That was a process that I was yearning. So I took all the negativity and threw it away.
Time for acceptance and freedom from those barriers ...
I WILL embrace my skin. I WILL love me for the body. I am in. I WILL no longer
dream to be something or someone I have already become.
So as I pick my palette, I want to fill it and exude beauty.
I think wow I do look unique.
My skin color is fair yet tantalizing. The fullness of my lips is delightful.
The line of my chin is high definition. The shapes of my eyes are intense!
The tilt in my nose is aerodynamic. The scars that I bear from surgeries are marks of honor.
And I say to myself, out loud and proud, "I am on FIRE for me."
My black is Beautiful, and it's all MINE!
Jenea W.'s Poem
Bold, unforgettable, breathtaking in a glimpse. Chasing
my dreams along a river of streams. Strategically exemplifying my being, my black, my beautiful.
Over two decades ago, a mirrored reflection was created, of
my now, my future, my later, my greater,
my alone, my struggle.
Once stripped of my innocence, criticized, outraged,
misinterpreted, ridiculed, deceived, corrupted, ignored, betrayed, thrown into puddles
of weeping pain and sorrow. Yet they still have done my black no injury.
Authentic, tastefully created, dark in season, gentle in touch, a sharpened smile,
transitioned
for greatness. Now reflecting light, power, unselfish happiness, stimulation of tender joy,
integrity, extraordinary symbols of love, secret tranquility, resemblance of truth, God fearing,
songs of intense passion, undefeated boundaries, fruits of possibility.
My Black is solid, in control, understood, in transition for success, at peace, indulging in increase, respected. Timeless art, poetry in motion! Symbolic, Powerful, Undefeated.
My Black is Beautiful
Aneka B.'s Poem
Ode to My Beautiful Black Women
I refuse to compromise my beauty
I look in the mirror and my locks personify all that is me
Each kink, curl, nap and tress
Working together to create this symbiotic mess
Wild, untamed, unapologetic and brash
The fullness of my ample backside
I am so much more
Than mass media will give me credit for
I neither need nor want your acceptance to be me
I just am and exist naturally
A Beautiful Black Woman with full lips, hips, eyes and thighs
If you dig deeper you will find what lies
And realize that the complexity of my diversity
Does not define me
I am true to myself and therefore I am
I control my own destiny and yes I can
Be beautiful, be intelligent, be exotic, be gorgeous the object of desire
My strength comes from within and I will always strive for higher
Than what you think I deserve or want to give me
I am a Black Woman full of beauty
Intelligence, style and grace
And that's what I want you to remember about me, when I leave this place
ONE LOVE
Tracie B.'s Story
As a little girl, I grew up being defined as that big lip girl, bald headed, with long arms, big hands and big feet.
Awkward to those who didn't know me, those lips gave me a voice to speak, not knowing my so-called nappy locks represented my natural beauty, and those long arms, hands and feet danced to the rhythm in me!
I grew to believe what society dictated to me, but as I became a woman, my journey to empowerment led me to look in the mirror and know that I define me!
Through journaling, poetry and positive role models, I began to nurture the inner me. Today, I speak to girls daily about the importance of knowing your black is beautiful, but it starts at home, with my own daughters who must know that short, tall, thick or thin, long hair or short, kinky curly or straight, mocha chocolate or hazelnut blend — you must love the skin you're in!
Looking in the mirror daily, speaking positive affirmations to the wind ... saying, "I define me!"
Yes, this is my True Beauty Story, but it could be any young girl in my community, locally, nationally and globally! Yet, today I can truly say, as an African-American Woman, Child of God, Mother, Wife, Sister and Daughter — I represent True Beauty!
LaQuaila D.'s Story
My Black is Beautiful, loved, appreciated, courageous and kinetic!
My Blackness Moves Me — Inspires me — Uplifts me ... My Black is Beautiful and on another level!
It took me a while to understand what "My Black is Beautiful" means to me! I had to first learn to love myself and understand that my beauty does not require the validation of others to be defined or exuded. I always remind myself that I was created uniquely in my own way. So I have learned to appreciate the characteristics of black women and what makes us so unique and beautiful. I love the fullness of my lips, the rise of my cheeks, the thickness of my hips, and the diversity of my style.
My mission is to start helping young girls and young women that may have low self-esteem issues understand to love the darkness of their skin and to appreciate their unique characteristics. I love the skin I'm in for My Black is definitely beautiful!
Faleschia A.'s Story
I have always been proud to be a young black female for as long as I can remember. I've never wanted to be like anyone else. I love my hair, my light brown eyes, my mocha complexion, my inner confidence, and most of all my genuine nature. Most people mistake me for being another race, and I confidently respond, "No, I'm black. And yes, black does look this good." If I had the choice of coming back in another life as any nationality, make no mistake, I would be black!
The moment where I was most appreciative of being in my own skin was when a family member said I reminded them of my mom. For me, that is like comparing me to the queen that my mother is. I've always said that if I could be half the woman my mother is I would be honored. My mother is every bit of Black confidence, tell it to you like it is, fearless, forgiving, and most of all compassionate.
I too hope that one day my own daughter will admire me as a strong black woman. She would be a reflection of me, a reflection of my mother. I am proud to be her daughter. This is why my black is beautiful.
Aseelah G.'s Story
Thick hair, skinny no curves, buck-toothed (thumb sucker) WITH ECZEMA OVER 75 percent OF MY BODY! As a child, I thought I was the true definition of ugly ... and I was teased often for it.
I began doing my sister's hair because my mother was "hair conflicted" which simply means, she COULD NOT DO HAIR! I refused to let my sister suffer from the ridicule of peers if I could help it. It dawned on me that helping OTHER people feel fabulous was what I wanted to do. It was not until the age of 18 that my "beauty" began to click for me but by that time I was on a mission. I began doing hair, but not just hair, braid designing! I was determined to be the best at it!
With each and every style I created, with every new satisfied client, with every child smiling in my mirror, with every woman happy with the fact that I had covered their problem area; my beauty began to shine. It was so ironic that helping others feel good about themselves allowed me to open my eyes to see my own beauty. My ability to encourage others to embrace all that G-d blessed them with; somehow my own words began to hit me.
Now a mother of six and grandmother of one, it is my duty and my pleasure to guide them through their awkward stages.
My black is eczema, my black is big smile, my black is thick hair, my black is beautiful because my black is ALL MINE!
Kalessia C.'s Poem
My true beauty comes from roots dug deep that are planted beneath my feet, to the sun that shines bright in the immense sky light.
I am beautiful and black, self-confidence I don't lack. My flaws are ever-present for they make me who I am. They set me apart from the rest, and encourage me to always do my best.
I am unique, I am different, I am who God wanted me to be, not looking like you, or her, but looking like me.
Small waist, small frame, not thick in the thighs, this is who I am, no deceit, no lies. I come from a rich heritage; my gene pool is a blend of all of God's creations, from beginning to end.
Kinky hair and crooked teeth, yes I do possess, they make me who I am, and separate me from the rest.
A broad nose and freckles trace back to roots sewn deep, and for that I have a heart of gold that never misses a beat. Brown eyes with a slant, a smile as wide as the river Nile, caramel skin tone and fashionable style.
High cheek bones from my native kin, my self-esteem will not break, shatter nor bend.
With origins tracing back to Sierra Leone, I'm independent and rare and my characteristics stand alone.
Unblemished on the inside because of the rich blood that flows deep within, head always held high ... loving my skin.
Polished like a diamond and groomed every day, I embrace who I am; I love me in every way.
Confident, I am conceited. I'm not clinching tight to my beauty inside and out ...
Loving who I am without reservation or doubt.
Candace S.' Story
When I was younger, I was always a little different from the other girls. As they gossiped and chased boys, I read books and wrote poems while daydreaming about my future. In college while everyone else was partying and listening to the hottest rap artist, I was grooving to Billie Holiday and enjoying spoken word at a local café. Being unique has always been a part of my life.
Growing up there were times when I thought that conforming to what was popular would make me fit in or at least make my life easier. I have learned that no matter what you do in life, you can never please anyone but yourself. I appreciate everything that makes me different from everyone else in the world.
Now more than ever I am proud to say that my skin is the same color as mocha. My natural hair is thick, curly and will not be transformed into something mainstream. Even on my "unattractive" days, I still embrace all the gorgeous curves I have been blessed with. A true southern girl at heart, I allow my personality to shine, while continuing to encourage other young ladies to love themselves from the inside out. In my life to be beautiful is to be full of contentment, exquisiteness, distinction and to be extraordinary in all things. To me being a confident black woman is the ultimate definition of beauty.
Antinea C.'s To My Daughters With Love ...
I strive to be the role model you need ...
I want to instill in you the appreciation of your beauty ...
I want to give you pride to know where you came from; where you can go ...
I won't allow singers, rappers and movie stars to be the inspiration you need to be what you already are ... beautiful!
I want you to know you are a queen in the making ...
from the top of your head to the crowns of your feet ...
You are going to be a queen and you deserve the best out of life.
I want you to know no man shall place a harmful hand on you,
no one shall call you out of your name and disrespect you,
no one shall steal your joy,
because I will build confidence in you,
give you the foundation to be strong and loyal to yourself,
I will teach you to always love yourself first and never, under any situation, walk a walk, where you will ever have to carry your head low ...
I will give you unconditional love and teach you ...
no matter how wide your hips get,
no matter how full your lips are or how coarse your hair may be ...
You are a queen in the making,
an image of me,
an image of my mother and her mother and so on ...
you define beauty and you came from the sweat, tears and blood of strong black women...
Never fall prey to negative words or negative actions ...
Know your worth and wear it with pride ...
You are Black, Beautiful and wrapped in my love and prayer ...
I will stand by you through any trial and tribulations.
I will guide, educate and fill you with the encouragement to hold your head high ...
I want to inspire you to transform from my little princess to a striking queen ...
Never forget your worth and all my love for you ...
Mommy will forever love, adore, cherish and build you up,
Never forget the beauty you possess and the value of your existence.
Never forget, you are a queen in the making ...
To my daughters ... Amber, Soule and Zaya ... Mommy loves you!
Antonnyea-Dolores F.'s My Black!
My black is beauty on the inside and out.
My black is unique, quirky, and energetic.
My black is generous, helpful, concerned.
My black is talented actresses, poets, successors.
My black is nurturing, mother, grandmother, sister.
My black is sexy, alluring, and sensual.
My black is scholarly, intelligently equipped for anything.
My black is strong, a fighter, brawny.
My black is sometimes insane, crazy psycho.
My black is different, nothing like it.
My black comes in all shapes and sizes: skinny minis, thickness, voluptuous and plenty to love.
My black is courageous, fearless, eager to pursue.
My black is love, caring, sentimental.
My black has many complexions: light, tan, brown and dark.
My black is entrepreneurs, CEOs, presidents, executives.
My black has history, a legacy, and a journey from long ago to incorporate in our life & quest today.
My black is you, she, them, us, me. My black is beautiful!
Ashley B.'s Story
A mirror's reflection cannot do justice for what I have become. No longer do I wear a shade lighter or highlight my cheekbones to overcome. I have stopped walking in the footsteps of those I would like to be; I now leave an imprint of my own path as I begin to embrace and love me. I am fearfully made: Every part of me was crafted and engineered to uniquely complement, all of my talents support my gift and every physical attribute I have was God sent. On this journey to fit in and prosper, I let the world define me and in the process I lost her, her being she that stands before my mirror. Now my eyes are opening to this beautiful black figure. I am a woman, I am a voice and everything found in between. I am my own melody, walking within my choice to be more than what can or can't be seen. I love my color and respect my tone, I kiss my flaws (even the ones not shown), I can look at myself and not be critical for now I am secure in knowing that My Black is Beautiful.
Natalia G.'s Story
Coming from a single-parent home and being an only child, I found solace in music. It was and has always been my passion. While I wasn't fully confident in my voice, I decided to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in music. Over the years I've learned to embrace not only my voice, but also my purpose as a young, black, intelligent and beautiful woman. The journey wasn't easy, as I found myself on an emotional roller coaster dealing with various situations as they arose. My advice to other young black women and women in general is to first love yourselves and, in doing so, you learn to appreciate all that you were blessed with and have to offer! As I celebrate my last year in college, I celebrate the woman I've become. I am strong, fearless, independent, soulful, humble and determined! I continue to keep reaching for the stars and pushing forward because my black is superbly beautiful!!
Jasmine P.'s Story
My Black is Beautiful …
It is the strength and glow that shines from within to the outermost surfaces of her skin.
It is the love and honor that she feels for herself and the valuable standards she sets, not accepting anything less.
It is the essence of who I AM;
Not wavering to become something that she is not.
It is the history saved, the roads paved, the values that shape her beauty.
It is that drive that keeps her going, the lessons that keep her knowing, the harvest that she reaps from the seeds of deeds that she keeps on sowing.
It is the artistry of you … the artistry of me, a blossoming gift of Black beauty.
Kim C.'s Story
I went to a predominantly white elementary school and always had self-esteem issues — thinking I wasn't pretty because I didn't have long, flowing, blonde hair. When I went to high school, I met more black people and saw how beautiful they were without the long hair. I began to come into my own at that point and have never looked back. I realize I am a strong, beautiful, foxy, confident black woman. I didn't have daughters to pass this on to, but I do now have granddaughters, and I tell them how beautiful they are every day.
Jacque K.'s Story
I am the child of a mixed racial heritage. I grew up in Bogalusa, a small Southeastern city in Louisiana. And in the home I grew up in, fair skin, straight to wavy (not too curly) hair was "in." Who I was, a dark skinned, nappy-headed kid, was OUT.
It should not come as a surprise when I tell you that I learned at an early age to "stay out of the way." No one needed to see me. However, I did see myself. I knew I was different. I looked different. I talked different. And I most certainly thought different. Up until my mid-thirties, I thought God had punished me. Not only did he make me ugly, he placed me in a home with all these beautiful people. How could He be so cruel? Perhaps now you are asking, "What happened in your mid-thirties?" Well, here comes the most beautiful part of my story ...
I learned to not only accept myself. I learned to love myself. I began to read, pray and meditate for answers. And then I learned to listen for the soft whispers of God's answers. I began to look in the mirror and repeat over and over again to myself: You are beautiful just the way God created you. Nothing needs to be added and nothing needs to be taken away. Then I began to notice that once I started to accept and love myself, so did others. Now I find myself surrounded by people who see just what I see. Sometimes they see the true essence of who I am even when I can't and are kind enough to lovingly remind me. There's the occasional "hater" and I am grateful that they are on their job. Because without them, I may cease to remind myself of who I am.
After all of those years of living in agony about who I THOUGHT I was, I finally realized who I truly AM. I am a beautiful, intelligent, spiritual, funny, caring, loving, sensual child of God. And so are you.
Angelin T.'s Story
My black is beautiful because I teach. My grandparents were teachers, and I was powerfully influenced by many teachers. However, I never wanted to be a teacher. I didn't want the financial struggles, the never-ending hours and the grief. But God in his infinite wisdom called me to do just that, and I will never regret it. I show other black boys and girls that we are professional, smart and can make a difference in someone else's life. I teach them that people who look like them have and will continue to make a real and lasting contribution to this world. I'm so grateful every time I walk into a classroom. I forget about the negative aspects of teaching, such as the low salary, and I focus all my attention on the children. My black is beautiful because I'm able to uplift, inspire and make a difference in the lives of children. Thank you for the opportunity to share my story.
Fatima B.'s Story
Confidence is key! I look back on the days when I was about 11 years old and struggling with low self-esteem, because I thought I was ugly. I couldn't even stand to look at myself in the mirror. A history teacher helped me realize that I was beautiful and that I was an African queen. She taught me beauty is found within, not on the outside. I overcame many obstacles in my life, and I finally truly believe that my black is beautiful. Now, I'm 19 years old, and I have grown to be the African queen my teacher once told me I would be. My confidence exudes all over. I refuse to let anyone take my confidence and self-esteem away, because I've worked so hard to get here. My black is bold, triumphant, radiant, glowing, confident — my black is beautiful!
Candacy W.'s Story
Throughout my childhood and most of my high-school years, it wasn't popular to have a dark complexion. For this reason, I had self-esteem issues that I would usually mask with a smile.
I have learned to love every part of myself, inside and out. My complexion does not define me. I believe our beauty is of equal caliber, regardless of our pigmentation. We all have insecurities. However, this is the body that God gave me. Embracing my complexion has been one of the most liberating things I have ever done. I am proud of who I am and what I have become. I no longer stare in the mirror and try to find imperfections about myself. Instead, whenever I look in the mirror, in a modest manner, I point out the beautiful things about myself. Being comfortable in my own skin and embracing it is why I believe that My Black is Beautiful.
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