Dark Girls Documentary Viewing: An Evening at DuSable Museum
Last night I had the privilege of attending the illustrious DuSable Museum of African American History in Chicago, for the viewing of the Dark Girls documentary film. I excitedly left my office in West Englewood early because my girlfriend, t.v. and radio host Monique Caradine text me saying, “hurry up, the line is getting long”. I had heard about the documentary via Facebook and had seen the trailer on YouTube, so intuitively I knew there would be quite a few people attending this event. As I parked my car I observed several people standing outside the front doors patiently waiting to get in. Even though the film was set to start until 7:00, there was already a line at 6:15. As I stood in the lobby waiting for Monique to finish interviewing the film’s directors, Bill Duke and S. Channsin Berry, I witnessed almost 500 people of all races and gender walk through the doors. Excitement filled the air!
Dark Girls starts out with a beautiful dark-skinned little girl talking about her disdain for being called black. Her angelic face holds two somewhat sad eyes that bear the weight of “colorism” 400 years old. The film then takes us on a journey through an issue that many African Americans have whispered about since slavery; skin color bias and attitudes especially directed towards dark-skinned women.
The audience was quiet as we were given the origin of “colorism” which is defined as “discrimination in which human beings are accorded differing social treatment based on skin color” and how it has been embedded into the psyches and spirits of many African Americans. Psychologist, historians, comedians, men(white & black), and finally women talked about their preferences, experiences, pain, anguish, and healing around this very painful subject. The audience applauded, laughed, and cried throughout this film, as did I, because collectively we could all relate on one level or another. Rarely does a film invoke feelings of anger, sadness, joy, and hope at the same time.
Watching the film, I thought about my own feelings and experiences around my dark skin. I can truthfully say that I have never had angst around my complexion. The one incident I can remember was being called a “black cucumber” by a neighborhood boy who had a crush on me. And although I wasn’t scarred for life by that moment, I can recall feeling hurt by his words. However, I do see the girls that I work with every day struggle with issues around their skin tone. Many dark skin girls and young women that attend BlackGurl Inc. sessions talk about being discriminated against by boys because they are not “light skinned, with good hair”. I work on repairing their self esteem through activities and conversations that promote ethnic and gender pride. This film would be an excellent tool to generate conversation and promote healing in my work.
The panel discussion at the end, moderated by CBS 2′s Dorothy Tucker was equally fantastic. Bill Duke, D. Channsin Berry, Dr. Carol L. Adams, and Amanda Long were very forthcoming in their commentary and answered audience questions flawlessly. The late Dr. Margaret Burrough’s vision continues on through the fresh eyes of Dr. Carol L. Adams. Dr. Adam’s commitment to the enlightenment of our community was manifested clearly through this truly inspiring film viewing. Bravo, DuSable and Dr. Carol L. Adams for a great evening!
Lisa Butler is the Founder and President of BlackGurl Inc. a consulting company dedicated to the empowerment of African American women and girls. BlackGurl Inc. employs workshops, seminars, and group support services to empower the lives of young women. Lisa is also the author of 12 Ways To Improve the Self Esteem Of African American Girls Right Now! Go now to www.blackgurlinc.org/ or follow us on twitter.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3I309I0-uP4
