Ayesha Curry Talks Colorism: "My Community Needs To Embrace Everyone Better"

BYErika Marie9.0K Views
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Ayesha Curry
The mother of three also talks about how her little girls don't think they're black because of their skin tone.

As Ayesha Curry continues to speak her truth, the chef's words gain more attention as the public deems them to be controversial. Curry has recently spoken about her husband, Golden State Warrior Steph Curry, having reckless groupies, as well as her botched breast augmentation. She's also responded to criticisms by fans who have called her an attention seeker and said she should be in the kitchen.

Steph has applauded his wife for her openness despite the judgments, and the basketball wife's latest comments have yet again sparked a discussion...this time about race and colorism in the black community. Born in Canada to a Jamaican and Chinese mother and a Black and Polish father, Ayesha moved to North Carolina when she was 14-years-old. “Everyone was from a place other than Canada and that's how you identified yourself, not black or white," she told Working Mother Magazine. "I identified as Jamaican because that's where my mom came from. In the States I'm simply 'black.'"

Ayesha also said that she's had to teach her daughters that they are black girls, despite the lightness of their skin tone. “They’re fair in complexion, and they’ve said: ‘I’m not black; look at my skin.’ And I said: ‘No, no, no. You’re a black woman. You have melanin. It’s part of who you are. Our descendants are from Africa. This is what that means.’ It’s been a journey teaching them that, and that black comes in many different shades."

She continued, “My own community needs to embrace everyone better. Sometimes I feel like I’m too black for the white community, but I’m not black enough for my own community. That’s a hard thing to carry. That’s why my partnership with CoverGirl was special for me because I felt like I didn’t fit the mold [of a CoverGirl],” Ayesha added, “I’m not in the entertainment industry, in the traditional sense. I’m not thin; I’m 170 pounds on a good day. It’s been a journey for me, and that’s why I want my girls to understand who they are—and to love it."


About The Author
Erika Marie is a seasoned journalist, editor, and ghostwriter who works predominantly in the fields of music, spirituality, mental health advocacy, and social activism. The Los Angeles editor, storyteller, and activist has been involved in the behind-the-scenes workings of the entertainment industry for nearly two decades. E.M. attempts to write stories that are compelling while remaining informative and respectful. She's an advocate of lyrical witticism & the power of the pen. Favorites: Motown, New Jack Swing, '90s R&B, Hip Hop, Indie Rock, & Punk; Funk, Soul, Harlem Renaissance Jazz greats, and artists who innovate, not simply replicate.
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