Welcome back,
Today is the 1st part to the Black History Month series at Melanin Talks. This post is about how important representation matters when it comes to being Black, especially in young children, as they struggle the most finding someone alike to them when growing up. When you’re not of the same skin colour as other children in your neighbourhood, school or friendship groups; it is hard not to feel different to those around you. That is the reason why I always remember to tell my younger nieces/nephews that they are beautiful just the way that they are. Not only is that important but their skin is something that they should love, with all the features that come along with it. I remember when I was younger, I used to hate my hair just because of how big of an afro it was and all I ever wanted was long, straight hair like my friends at school. Of course looking back, I wish I had people outside of my family showing me that I am okay just the way I am, knowing that I was not alone with my 4c hair.
I have come to realise that there has been a rise of books that are directed for children of colour specifically. This is a great way for children to learn self-love at a young age when growing up. Having that source of representation close to home gives a positive outlook for children. So, I titled this post ‘Being Black: Representation matters’ because of the reasons I’ve given above. I will give you a list of books that celebrate dark skin and highlight the differences as something beautiful. The following books are both new and old ones, where the main character is dark skinned.
Big Hair, Don’t Care by Crystal Swain-Bates (2013)
I’m a Pretty Little Black Girl by Betty K Bynum (2013)
The Barber’s Cutting Edge by Gwendolyn Battle-Lavert (1931)
I am Enough by Grace Byers (2018)
Emi’s Curly, Coily, Cotton Candy Hair by Tina Olajide (2014)
Mixed me! by Taye Diggs (2015)
Happy Hair by Mechal Renee Roe (2014)
Be your own special, kind of beautiful ❤️
Thank you for stopping by and I hope you enjoyed reading today’s BHM post. Have you come across any of the books mentioned above? Or do you have any book recommendations of your own about representation? Leave a comment below in the comments section sharing them.
Yours Truly,
Melanin Talks x
| MelaninTalks | 
Reblogged this on and commented:
I love this post. Representation matters. One of my dreams is to write childrens books one day 💛☀️
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Happy to hear you liked the post ☺️ and wishing you all the luck on the book in future 💕
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Love this post because it really is important to include everyone and support the diversity of our community. Inclusion is such a huge part of working with children and being able to celebrate our similarities and differences which is why I love these books. We have books at the nursery I work at which include all races, cultures and religions so that no child ever feels less than anyone else because of their differences. So I’m glad there are different media platforms which help children of colour feel included, it’s a step in the right direction🧡 x
Alex x
http://allthingsalexx.wordpress.com
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That’s really good to hear as you don’t find many schools/nurseries that do accommodate books for all diversities, so to know that there are some places that do is a step forward! More than anything it’s important that everyone gets to feel a belonging anywhere they go x
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I really like your blog because I don’t really see that many bloggers who share the same skin color as me. It means a lot 😊
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thank you for sharing your thoughts ☺️❤️ it’s always good to know that there’s people alike!!
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