If you have seen Black Panther, which I suspect you have, then you’d know about the lead actress Nakia or in real life, Lupita Nyong’o. Disney/Marvel’s Black Panther is set in a fictional African country called Wakanda. The country, however, showcases the truly rich and diverse part of African culture that is inspired by actual existing African tribes.
Black Panther’s Lupita Nyong’o has now focused on a new venture as she strives to create an impact on children as she is now officially a children’s book author.
The Marvel actress debuted the cover that showcases her book, “Sulwe,” and she explains in on Twitter as to why she decided to write that particular story.
The story is about a young girl named Sulwe, a Luo term for “star”, who apparently “has skin the color of midnight.” Sulwe has the darkest stone in her whole family and in her school, so she has struggled with acceptance and has longed for lighter skin in order to look like her mom and sister. Despite her insecurities, she goes through a magical journey across the stars which gives her another perspective and changes her outlook and how she views herself.
In her tweet, she shares:
I wrote a book called #Sulwe! This is the cover, illustrated by @VashtiHarrison! Available for pre-order now & out Oct 1 ➡️https://t.co/O04OLMf5XX
I wrote Sulwe to inspire children (and everyone really!) to love the skin they are in & to see the beauty that radiates from within. pic.twitter.com/z0gpC2neOX— Lupita Nyong’o (@Lupita_Nyongo) April 1, 2019
Immediately after the tweet, her followers have given her plenty of support and praise regarding how Lupita has represented the beauty of dark skin.
Even Nyong’o has had her own battles with accepting the skin she’s in. She has discussed the past about her personal struggle with comparing herself to the standard of European beauty.
“That’s OK because it will keep me grounded,” the “Black Panther” star said. “I don’t need to be so full of myself that I feel I am without flaw. I can feel beautiful and imperfect at the same time. I have a healthy relationship with my aesthetic insecurities.”
Vashti Harrison is a New York-based author, illustrator and filmmaker who created the books cover art. The 48-page book has already been published by Simon & Schuster and will be released on October 1.
Any thoughts about her book about accepting your skin color? Share it with us!
