You Didn't Know?! We've Always Been Beautiful!

Months ago, People Magazine allowed the glowing radiance of Lupita Nyong'o to grace its cover as one of the most beautiful people in the world.  Pleased to finally see the public acknowledgement of ethnic beauty, I watched silently as the world seemed to echo the rippling effect of public adulation.  Laughingly, I listened as others commented on her beauty as if it were suddenly "refreshing" to see such stunning poise and grace embodied in a woman of color. 



Lupita Nyong'o

But, quite honestly, the stark contrast between Nyongo and that which we are subconciously taught to personify as beauty is probably the most amazing thing about this buzz worthy "attraction".  Nyongo's dark complexion, short hair, and magnetic smile all combine to make cameras fall in love with a new definition of American beauty that - suprisingly - has been here all the while.   

 

Having been raised in a household with four sisters, four brothers, and a mother who never left the house without looking her very best, I have always reveled in the commanding beauty of women of color.  You see, I was surrounded by five reflections of feminine beauty that did not need affirmations from society.  As a counter-balance, I was also fortunate to also have four examples of masculinity that - though not applauded publicly - still defined character, strength, and pride.  Together, each of my family's facial features and varied array of skin tones proved to me that there is not one standard for beauty.  To me, the entire African American diaspora is a living personification of what beauty truly means.