SULWE
In Academy Award Winner Lupita Nyongo’s debut children’s book called SULWE, she provides a memoir of her childhood and her experiences dealing with colorism.
According to novelist Alice Walker, COLORISM is the prejudicial and preferential treatment of same-race people based solely on their color.
In this powerful book, Sulwe has a darker complexion than everyone in her family and some kids at her school. Her sister has caramel skin and is called names like Sunshine and Beauty. Whereas, Sulwe is called names like Blackie, Darky and Night. This made Sulwe very sad because she felt secluded and alone.
She tries to change the way she looks by eating lighter foods, experimenting with mama’s makeup and even using an eraser to rub off her darkness. Even her mom’s encouraging words did not avail.
Sulwe is later visited by a shooting star. It took her on a journey and tells a story of two sisters called Day and Night. These sisters had similar experiences to Sulwe causing Night to run away.
What they later realized is that Day and Night needed each other and the people needed them both. Feeling encouraged, Sulwe courageously embraced her differences and began loving herself just as she is.
Experiencing colorism is not a nice experience and it can be even more difficult for children. The world is changing and children are becoming more inquisitive. Parents and Educators should be able to provide suitable information to answer certain questions they may ask.
Sulwe is one of those children’s books that every home should have, whether you’ve experienced colorism or not. What we love most about this book, is that it makes it easier to speak to children about issues such as these. Children learn from what they hear and see and having a relatable story when explaining self-love and acceptance is absolutely necessary, especially when dealing with colorism.
Apart from the absolutely breathtaking illustrations by renowned illustrator Vashti Harrison, Sulwe encourages children to love themselves and to be happy in their own skin. It is also empowering and inspirational. Knowing that you matter and is needed in the world just the way you are, is reassuring and provides comfort to children who may feel different.
Sulwe means “Star” in the Kenyan language Luo. Every single child shines in their own way and should learn to celebrate the brightness in each other. This book helps to reinforce that the most important form of acceptance is self-acceptance.
To quote a beautiful paragraph from the book; You can’t rely on what you look like to make you feel beautiful. Real beauty comes from your mind and heart. It begins with how you see yourself, not how others see you.
