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by Jada Thompson
Updated: June 3, 2020
Originally Published: January 5, 2018
Even after nearly 150 years, the legacy of slavery continues to cast a long shadow over the black community. Issues such as colorism and sexual violence, both of which were prevalent during the era of slavery, persist in our society today.
This intergenerational trauma began with the harrowing experiences of our African ancestors, who were forcibly taken from their homeland. Like many in the black community, I am unaware of the specific horrors they faced during the Middle Passage and upon their arrival. However, the anguish they endured is ingrained in our DNA.
The internalization of colorism is a painful inheritance from our ancestors. In the past, lighter-skinned slaves were often favored and worked in the “Big House,” while their darker-skinned counterparts toiled in the fields. This historical preference taught black individuals early on that lighter skin was synonymous with worth.
Every black woman has a personal narrative reflecting this harsh reality—how lighter-skinned relatives are often deemed attractive, while those with darker skin face derision. Women in our community frequently bear the brunt of these judgments. We are held to a standard of beauty that diverges sharply from our African heritage. Instead of celebrating our full lips, textured hair, and rich skin tones, we receive messages that imply we are “too black,” our features “too exaggerated.”
In my childhood, my paternal grandfather maintained a distant relationship with me and my siblings. When I asked my father about this, he revealed that Grandpa harbored biases against dark-skinned individuals. This meant that he withheld love from three of his four children and favored only the lighter-skinned ones among his 14 grandchildren.
My maternal side wasn’t immune to this prejudice either. An aunt of mine, blessed with what many call “good hair,” often criticized my thick, coarse hair. I vividly remember her yanking at my curls when I was 30, making disparaging remarks about my appearance. That day, I finally stood up for myself, slapping her hand away and demanding she respect my space.
The older generations in my family also struggled with colorism. My great-aunt, born in 1903 and dark-skinned, seemed to prefer her lighter relatives, showing little affection for her darker-skinned descendants. This sentiment was echoed by my male cousins, who chose to marry white women and criticized black women as being “too bossy” or “too angry.”
According to my DNA results, I am 15% of Western European descent, suggesting a complex lineage that includes biracial ancestors. I suspect at least one of them faced their own trauma, as black women were often victims of sexual violence at the hands of white men. This historical violation continues to shape how black women are perceived today, with stereotypes of promiscuity still lingering.
As a black woman, I have encountered numerous white men who view us through this distorted lens. Comments like, “I’ve heard that black women are wild in bed,” or statements expressing curiosity about being with a black woman reveal a troubling mindset. These interactions reduce us to mere objects of curiosity rather than recognizing our humanity.
Black men have also witnessed the treatment of black women by white slave owners. The disrespect shown to our bodies by these men has, unfortunately, been mirrored by some black men today. From an early age, I experienced unwanted attention from black men, often feeling unsafe and objectified.
A friend shared a heartbreaking story about her 11-year-old sister, who was molested by her mother’s boyfriend. When she bravely told her mother, she was met with disbelief and was labeled “fast.” Tragically, the abuse continued until her mother finally ended the relationship for other reasons.
The scars of slavery continue to impact us, particularly black women, rendering us among the least valued in society. We face a lack of protection and love from far too many people, and it is high time that we advocate for change.
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In summary, the legacy of slavery continues to affect black women in profound ways, from colorism to societal perceptions. It is essential to confront these issues and work toward a more just and equitable future.
Keyphrase: Effects of Slavery on Black Women
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