AUTHENTICITY.

 It's not false that the white man came and distorted all that our ancestors and forefathers held dear and sacred. It is really unfortunate that up to date all these affect us. From how we dress, what we eat and even how we speak. If only we would teach our children to embrace and be more proud of our own culture.

When I was younger mtu angeniita Nyagoha ningejaaam. Tumeshinda tukiwatch movies zenye watu wako na two English names, hadi the extra black bestfriend that was cast due to affirmative action always has two English names. I always went by Surprise Mary. I even went to the extent of denying my own skin just because watu walikuwa wananiita blaki. I used to tell my friends back in lower primary that that wasn't my real skin, and that once I got home I would shower with a specific bar soap that would help me peel away the fake one. These were words coming from a 7 year old. And it didn't even help that I grew around a predominantly Ethiopian, Eritrian and Arab neighbourhood. Nyinyi wote mnajua vile nywele zao huwa silky and soft, and their skin.

Thank God for my mom. If you know me I bet you have seen me wearing my natural hair in an afro almost daily. I never used to understand why she would insist on combing my hair out in an afro. But now I do. She wanted me to see my beauty, to see me for me which is exceptionally beautiful. And I also think her being born in the 60's actually made her understand the need for authenticity more. Nowadays I'd be walking down the street and someone actually has the audacity to ask me why my hair isn't done, 'si ublowdry nywele'. Aaaaai, yaani we are still stuck on those misleading ideas and notions.

Be it straight, curly, wavy, short, long, braided, combed out or maybe you are in a hijabi ama turban, all hair types are beautifuuuul. Just as all skin is beautiful.

And here is to growth. Now I can never miss to introduce myself with all three names; as much as I love my skin. Be AUTHENTICALLY YOU, whatever makes you feel the best!