For generations African Americans have been judged by the color of their skin and not the content of their charter—thank you Dr. Martin Luther King for voicing our plight so eloquently and endured countless hardships in the name of equality.

For many, this stigma continues to plague our society even causing some to see themselves as less than.

But just as Dr. King and many others before him and since, let’s stand up and be reminders to our sisters, our daughters, our nieces—and to every other African American to love the skin they're in.

Truth is, African Americans possess a long legacy rich in culture, spiritual strength, family tradition, and unity.

Deuteronomy 6:6-8 reminds us of this,

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.”

During times of unrest and times of peace, we must be ever so diligent to remind ourselves, our children, and others to hold strong to those values that speak truth, courage, and love.

Love the skin you’re in remembering those who have suffered, bled and died as a sacrifice on our behalf that we might have a right to the tree of life.

Love the skin you’re in and wearing it proudly as you hold fast to foundations filled with the hope of a better day.

Love the skin you’re in making sure to become a contributor to this society and to the world at large.

Teach your children to do the same.