Dark Girls Documentary Review

This past Friday night at the historic Apollo Theatre, I previewed a documentary that was buzzing amongst black women on the internet for some time now. I thought to myself “not another black woman down film please.”

Inspired by producers and award winning directors D. Channsin Berry and Bill Duke’s experiences growing up, Dark Girls shines light not only on society’s issue with colorism but African-Americans’ issue with skin color within their own culture.

The film delved into colorism and racism by addressing the history dating back to slavery, the impact that it has had on society and global cultures (the brown paper bag test, skin brightening creams, etc), familial influences, men and women’s views on dating and skin color preference, the stereotypes and stigmas associated with skin color, and the media’s role in perpetuating this. Featured in the film were various industry experts on race, actor and comedian Michael Colyar, Academy Award nominated actress, Viola Davis, along with varying interviews with Black women [and men] of various hues, expressing their biases and disdain for racism that has permeated their lives for so long.

Read the rest of the review via The Rebel Mag.