Melanin

This phase in my photography timeline is and will always be held in a deep part of my soul. I look at my subjects, these humans and feel great reward. I feel at home in my own skin, something that I have NEVER felt before. Having a darker shade as a sleeve has been a challenge and a triumph. I am a proud melanin filled woman who captures the lives of EXTRAORDINARY human beings. As a darker kid I was never warned of the prejudice my kind may receive; I'm not just talking about in my home country (never really have been personally treated differently as far as I can remember) but in other parts of the world. Foriegn land. Land where it is clear that I may not belong. As I have travelled the U.S. extensively and lived in the deep south for over 4 years I have experienced a lot due to the colour of my skin. 1. I have received praise and actual shock when it comes to my so called well educated accent. 2. I've been belittled by people due to my look (short hair, no make up, androgynous type). 3. I've been accepted due to my British heritage not due to my "too Black" background (Jamaican 1st Gen/Nigerian 2nd Gen). 4. To lessen the offence, people say "I don't see colour" which initially causes a raised brow because you must be inherently blind if you can't see the colour of one's skin, shame really. You see, when I was younger I actually never liked the colour of myself, I never loved my features, I never delved into my heritage because all I wanted to do was fit into the masses. Ironic really because now all I want to do is stand out within the minorities. I want to show off my colour, I want to flaunt my features, I want to be loved for who I am not what I portray. I want the world to be different and for us humans to acknowledge and accept that. I want diversity, culture and love to be the norm. So yeah, love yourself. No one else will ever love you as much as you need to love yourself. Loving yourself is the first step to loving others wholeheartedly and genuinely. Trust me. Love 'Ziggy 💙