Color Complex Effects Workshop Promotes Healing

Last weekend, I attended Marita Golden's "Sisters Under the Skin: Healing the Wounds of the Color Complex" Workshop in Washington, D.C.  During this workshop, the ladies in attendance openly discussed the topic of the color complex.  They spoke about how this historical habit, between African-American’s of various skin shades, affected their self esteem as children and as adults.

The workshop included presentations by experts in relevant topics, such as Dr. Pamela Brewer, a local therapist and the host of MyNDTALK radio show, and Dr. Lori Tharps, an assistant professor of journalism at Temple University and author of Hair Story: Untangling the Roots of Black Hair in America.  These presentations explored the historical roots of the color complex, and the present day effects of it.

Participants engaged in insightful individual and group exercises, such as journaling exercises and group assignments designed to encourage communication and healing between the women.  The heart-felt, poignant testimonies were cathartic moments of reflection, as attendees shared painful experiences due to the issue the shade of their skin.

The workshop concluded on a very positive note, as the ladies were encouraged to affirm one another's beauty, and suggestions were offered as to ways to constructively deal with the problem of the color complex.