Embracing my Melanin: How I learned to Love the Skin I'm in

Written by guest blogger: Oury Niouma

There was a time in my life when I didn’t feel beautiful. Growing up, I was teased and bullied for my dark complexion. People around me — even some in my own family — convinced me that I needed to bleach my skin because I was “too dark.” I was compared to coal and told that when the lights were off, I couldn’t be seen.

Those words cut deep. They made me shrink myself, hide from opportunities, and believe that beauty was something I could never claim. I was taught to believe that the lighter your skin, the more valuable you are. That lie followed me for years. But everything changed the moment a powerful woman stepped into my life.

The Teacher Who Saw My Light

Ms. Tasha Fleming became a role model and a guiding force for me. At a time when I couldn’t see my worth, she saw my potential. She told me about a pageant that would end up transforming my entire life.

Her daughter, Mahogany Fleming, helped prepare me — building me mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. With their support, I stepped into the Miss Black Teen Cincinnati Pageant and became the first African to ever be crowned Miss Black Teen Cincinnati.

A Crown After Loss and Hardship

Achieving that title was not easy. I lost my father shortly before the pageant, and my mother was still in Africa. But God placed another blessing in my life — Mr. Humphries, who became like a second father to me. I am deeply thankful to him and to the entire MBTCP staff for putting their trust in us. Their efforts helped turn dreams into reality.

That pageant taught me something priceless: Hard work pays off. Self-love is powerful. And being dark-skinned is not a flaw — it is a gift.

Discovering My Worth

Winning the crown shifted everything. I learned to love myself for who I am, without letting the world dictate my worth. I gained confidence, self-respect, and pride in my identity. My Senegalese community honored me with a Certificate of Recognition — something that touched my heart deeply. I wasn’t just seen; I was celebrated.

Using My Voice for Change

As Miss Black Teen Cincinnati 2017, I spoke to thousands of people about self-love, sisterhood, and social consciousness. I spent countless hours talking to young African girls about their own unique beauty. My message has always been: We are gifted. We are black. We are talented. And we are beautiful exactly the way God created us.

My Mission Moving Forward

I want to be an instrument of change — not just in my own community, but across the world. Colorism is real, and too many young girls grow up hearing the same hurtful things I once did. But when we stand together, we rise together. When we embrace our melanin, we win. And when God gives us a voice, it becomes our responsibility to use that voice to uplift and transform those around us.

I participate in African Women Alliance (AWA) programs by attending cultural gatherings and community events that provide art, sewing, cooking, and mental-health education. Through these activities, I support AWA’s mission to make learning, creativity, and wellness accessible, including free classes for community members in need.

At AWA, we believe every woman and girl deserves the opportunity to learn, lead, and thrive.

We work to:

• Promote cultural awareness and unity across African diaspora communities.

• Provide essential support for immigration, employment, education, and health.

• Advocate for change by advancing policies that protect and uplift women and families.

My journey has taught me that beauty is not defined by skin tone, it is defined by courage, confidence, and purpose. And I am proud of the skin I'm in.

To learn more about Oury, visit her on Instagram: @_oury10 | @ourys_frosty-Treat