By Bridgette Bartlett Royall ·Updated March 12, 2026 < /> Getting your Trinity Audio player ready… “She’s pretty for a dark-skinned girl.”
These seven words strung together carry an indescribable weight. So heavy that multiple generations have not just carried them but been encumbered by their heaviness. These seven words, and the ugly colorism they are anchored in, crushed the spirits of too many of our mothers, aunties, grandmas and other matriarchs both known and unknown. Treasured books, including Don’t Play in the Sun by Marita Golden, have stood the test of time because they illustrate the weight of these comments through powerful storytelling that painfully resonates.
Whether it is memories of our enslaved ancestors being divided with labels of “House Negros” and “Field Negros” based on complexion. Or the shame triggered by brown paper bag tests. Or the humiliation (not to mention severe health risks) of skin bleaching. Or older family members breaking their necks to check the skin tone behind a newborn baby’s ears to predict how dark the child will eventually be—and the visible disappointment if those tiny precious ears are darker than expected (especially if said baby is a girl). Or the void felt when peering through popular magazines (sans ESSENCE of course), watching music videos or looking at billboard ads on public transportation and never seeing anyone with a darker hued complexion represented.
Colorism is a thing. Colorism has been a thing.
But bay-beee. There are a growing number of young Black women in entertainment who are unquestionably brown, indisputably talented and are unapologetically confident about the skin they’re in. The labels of “starlet” and “ingenue” seem far too limiting for these phenoms. They’re not begging for anyone’s validation. They do not shrink to fit into stifling, manufactured spaces that attempt to make them feel less than. They own red carpets not only with their beauty but also with their intellect and wit. Shut down front rows at the world’s biggest fashion shows. Make history as leading ladies on streaming services and at the box office. Break records on the musical charts. They blaze trails in six-inch stilettos and Adidas Sambas; sometimes in the same day. And they’re doing all of this, and more, while being fine AF. Dammit, it is a joy to witness.
Lola Brooke. Danielle Brooks. Olandria Carthen. Ryan Destiny. Isan Elba. Coco Jones. Jayme Lawson. Wunmi Mosaku. Aya Nakamura. Lovie Simone. (L to R): Jayme, (Julian Hamilton/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images), Wunmi: (Photo by Jamie Simonds/BAFTA via Getty Images), Lola: (Photo by Carlo Paloni/Getty Images), Danielle: (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images).
We would be remiss not to acknowledge the stunning stars who broke molds in similar ways years ago. Naomi Campbell. Regina King. Gabrielle Union. Lauryn Hill. Kelly Rowland. Tika Sumpter. Lupita Nyong’o. Let’s be clear that these sisters are still shutting ish down. And there are so many others worthy of recognition who paved the way for them even earlier like Yves Saint Laurent model and muse, Mounia and the beloved groundbreaking actress and all around force, Cicely Tyson.
We acknowledge that where people land on the brown shade spectrum is often in the eye of the beholder. The difference between milk chocolate and dark chocolate can be subtle and left to interpretation. No matter. You get the point. These women and their wide range of deep, rich skin hues are making the world sit up and take notice. They are not begging to sit at any tables set with archaic stereotypes that never benefited the culture. They exude a carefree aura that showcases their collective self-assuredness. They’re building their own tables without Hollywood or Fashion Avenue’s permission. Everyone else should catch up.
Coco: (Photo by Ferda Demir/WireImage), Joy: (Photo by Brianna Bryson/WireImage), Isan: (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images), Aya: (Photo by Stephane Cardinale – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images). From Olandria embracing bold pink blush to Lovie shining in metallic gold gowns, these non-racially ambiguous women don’t subscribe to silly notions about what Black women of darker shades can’t rock with ease and look amazing in to boot. Also important to note is the unbotheredness of it all. It is giving: Does me being chocolate and wearing fuchsia makeup or brightly hued clothing bother you? Too bad. Your colorist theories are none of my business. Now, watch me get this work. Sometimes the most profound political statements are made without saying anything at all. It is a new day.
Brown Skin Baddies Lovie, Olandria and Ryan are helping to spark important conversations surrounding colorism. / Lovie: Earl Gibson III/Deadline via Getty Images, Olandria: Francois Durand/Getty Images, Ryan: Photo by Savion Washington/Getty Images In a world that once pretended chocolate brown women were invisible—and sometimes still does—this moment is refreshing, empowering and heartwarming. Casting agents, talent bookers, music, film and television executives have no choice but to notice too. This is not a trend or a flavor of the week. This is a long-overdue reckoning of sorts. It is both quiet and loud. Yes, there is still a whole lot of collective work to be done. But let’s enjoy this time and the beautiful, talented young women who are defining it.
Celebrate the achievements of these and more entertainment talents by enjoying our 2026 Black Women in Hollywood celebration. The 2026 awards show is available to stream: Watch Here.
TOPICS: black beauty Colorism lovie simone Olandria Carthen ryan destinyThe post Melanin-Rich Black Women In Hollywood Are Owning The Red Carpet—And The Moment appeared first on Essence.