Paula A Swearingen

Brown Skin, Curly Hair, I Love being Me! Paula A Swearingen

"Brown Skin, Curly Hair, I Love Being Me", is written as a poem to uplift children who experience the pressures of a society that promotes a specific standard of beauty that isn't always relatable. This book was inspired by my niece who has gracefully navigated through her grade school years embracing her culture while developing into a talented musician, athlete, and dancer. The story is centered around a Nigerian girl who expresses the love and pride she has for her rich African culture from her dad and grandma's side and her African-American culture from her mom and Nana. Learning that these give her the rich heritage and spirit she naturally embodies. By exploring their languages (Yoruba and English) and connecting with her ancestors, she realizes she can be whatever she dreams and believes because of who she already is.