Maple Ridge student raises voice at anti-racism youth conference

March 15, 2021

It is common for people to approach Selma Babiker and ask her questions.

Where is she from or what is she mixed with, are two of the most common.

Once someone told her she is really pretty for a dark skinned girl.

Even her peers will say things like “I’m almost as tan as you,” or “You get really dark in the summer.”

These are the subtle comments that perpetuate colourism, explained the Grade 12 student at Thomas Haney Secondary, who was one of nine panelists from the Lower Mainland who spoke at the Lifting Black Voices Youth Conference last month.

Source: Maple Ridge News