Color, Gender and Race

"Beauty is a Small Piece of a Much Bigger Animal"
This comment is offered early on in a unique and sensitive exploration of the issue of colorism in the African-American community and globally. The documentary, "Dark Girls" primarily takes a look at an unspoken form of racial bias prevalent in the Black community. How darker skinned African- Americans  are judged and ridiculed by some in their own community because of the darkness of their skin color.  (Just look at recent chatter regarding Blue Ivy Carter and skin color http://colorlines.com/archives/2012/01/on_baby_blue_ivy_carter_and_alleged_ugliness.html)

"Dark Girls" carefully creates a historical context to illustrate how these negative perceptions and stereotypes are the remnants of slavery. Post emancipation and generations later African-Americans continue to struggle with identity, self-worth and feelings of inferiority. The documentary explores this very complex issue and its devastating impact on family, relationships between men and women. And how women relate to each other.

"Dark Girls" is a hard hitting film that begs for answers. That cries out for solutions. But even the filmmakers admit that there are no easy fixes to this painful aspect of the African-American experience. But they do take time after every screening to answer questions from the audience. To engage in a dialogue. A dialogue that they hope will begin the process of healing.

We watched "Dark Girls" last night in Harlem during the film's tour stop at the legendary Apollo Theater. Harlem's roots are unapologetically Afrocentric. Harlem's history is world renowned for black pride, culture, struggle, politics, movements and the soul of a people working hard to overcome, to strengthen, to sustain and celebrate their Blackness. So needless to say, the story of "Dark Girls" was profoundly relevant.  It struck both a cord and a nerve. Emotions were high.

It's not everyday that your hurtful secret is told on the big screen for all to see.

But as the credits rolled they left feeling hopeful that the possibility of healing is within reach.

 And a final comment from the film left them feeling more empowered.
"You Are the Keeper Of Your Own Soul."

"Dark Girls" is produced by award winning Directors/Producers D. Channsin Berry and Bill Duke

"Dark Girls" continues its nationwide tour in concert venues across the country.

For more information check out the official "Dark Girls" website

http://officialdarkgirlsmovie.com/