Meet Nyakim Gatwech, the South Sudanese model who’s teaching people not to be afraid of the dark. With her deeply pigmented skin and fierce determination, she’s breaking down the barriers of conventional beauty, and encouraging others to do exactly the same.
The 24-year-old burgeoning fashion icon, who now lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota, has no shame about her melanin, and she makes sure the world is aware. “My chocolate is elegant. So is what I represent… A nation of warriors,” she captioned one of her many Instagram photos, which routinely exceed 10 thousand likes each. In another, she details an experience in which an Uber driver suggested she try ‘bleaching’ her skin – and her only response was laughter. “You won’t believe the kind of questions I get and the kind of looks I get for having this skin.”
Gatwech is not only an advocate for diversity in the fashion industry, but also a voice for Black rights around the world. She’s even been dubbed “Queen of the Dark,” a title she happily accepts. “Black is bold, black is beautiful, black is gold… Don’t let American standards damage your African soul.” Love the skin you live in, no matter what colour or shade it may be!
24-year-old Nyakim Gatwech is making waves in the fashion industry with her sumptuously dark skin
Before the South Sudanese model found success, though, her unique beauty wasn’t celebrated by all
In 2016, an Uber driver suggested she bleach her skin, implying that her deep complexion was nothing to love
She simply responded with laughter, and has fully embraced her striking appearance ever since
“My chocolate is elegant. So is what I represent… A nation of warriors,” she captioned an Instagram photo
Now living in Minneapolis, Nyakim is a voice of encouragement for the Black community
“You are beyond beautiful and the love I have for you is unconditional because you are me,” she wrote
“Let’s show the world how beautiful and intelligent we are apart from just being dark skinned”
The burgeoning fashion icon has now gone viral, with over 100 thousand followers on Instagram
Though she still receives discouraging messages now and then, she refuses to give up her radiant self-love
She has even been dubbed the “Queen of the Dark,” a title she happily accepts
“My skin absorbs the suns rays and my hair defies gravity. Now you can’t tell me I’m not magical!”
