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Dark Girls
In the tradition of the New York Times bestselling I Dream a World and Crowns comes this full-color companion volume to the acclaimed NAACP Award–nominated documentary Dark Girls—an inspiring and breathtaking photo book that celebrates dark-skinned women.
Black has never been more beautiful, witnessed by this magnificent collection featuring accomplished dark skinned-women from all walks of life. In Dark Girls, celebrities such as Lupita Nyong'o, Vanessa Williams, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Judge Mablean Ephriam, Brandi and Karli Harvey, and over seventy-five other outstanding women share intimate insights into what their dark skin means to them.
Filled with gorgeous photographs, this thoughtful, sophisticated, alluring, and uplifting collection captures the elegance of dark skin—joyfully showcasing that we truly are beautiful for who we are.
Black has never been more beautiful, witnessed by this magnificent collection featuring accomplished dark skinned-women from all walks of life. In Dark Girls, celebrities such as Lupita Nyong'o, Vanessa Williams, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Judge Mablean Ephriam, Brandi and Karli Harvey, and over seventy-five other outstanding women share intimate insights into what their dark skin means to them.
Filled with gorgeous photographs, this thoughtful, sophisticated, alluring, and uplifting collection captures the elegance of dark skin—joyfully showcasing that we truly are beautiful for who we are.
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 4, 2014
19 people are currently reading
184 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
December 8, 2015
"When this [white] man and I have a child, she will be the type of woman black men like you really want to date. So in that respect, I am looking out for you..." ~Peres Owino
BOOM!! She murdered his colorist behind.
Thank you, Bill Duke, for this book!
Growing up being the darkest of my 3 sisters, I grew up believing that there was only light and dark--no in between, and I always fell on the dark end of the spectrum. And although my family never made a difference between my sisters and I, the world never failed to remind me that I am "the dark one" whenever my sisters and I are out together.
If you haven't gathered by now, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. So many beautiful pictures of so many beautiful [dark] women. This book is full of inspirational stories, testimonials, quotes, and wisdom on the issues that us brown/dark girls face on a daily basis. From the prejudice that we face from this color struck world, to the even more painful discrimination and colorism dealt out by our own brothers.
Above I shared a quote from one of the women of whom I most identified with. She married a white man to the "dismay" of some of our black brothers. I most identified with her statements because I know what it is to be rejected by your personal preference (a black man), only to be later berated by that same brother for relaxing your preferences and finding affection elsewhere. It's almost as if some black brothers have the attitude of, "I don't want you, but I'll be damned if you find respect, love, and happiness with another race". What's their logic?
Let me stop, because this is turning into an essay.
Just one more thing, I don't have any children, but I do want at least one daughter, and I hope that she's chocolate so that I might teach her to love herself fiercely, not in spite of her hue, but because of it. I know that I wouldn't be who I am today were it not for my hue.
I would read this book again, and I recommend it to not only dark girls, but our lighter sisters, as well that perhaps they may begin to understand our viewpoint.
BOOM!! She murdered his colorist behind.
Thank you, Bill Duke, for this book!
Growing up being the darkest of my 3 sisters, I grew up believing that there was only light and dark--no in between, and I always fell on the dark end of the spectrum. And although my family never made a difference between my sisters and I, the world never failed to remind me that I am "the dark one" whenever my sisters and I are out together.
If you haven't gathered by now, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. So many beautiful pictures of so many beautiful [dark] women. This book is full of inspirational stories, testimonials, quotes, and wisdom on the issues that us brown/dark girls face on a daily basis. From the prejudice that we face from this color struck world, to the even more painful discrimination and colorism dealt out by our own brothers.
Above I shared a quote from one of the women of whom I most identified with. She married a white man to the "dismay" of some of our black brothers. I most identified with her statements because I know what it is to be rejected by your personal preference (a black man), only to be later berated by that same brother for relaxing your preferences and finding affection elsewhere. It's almost as if some black brothers have the attitude of, "I don't want you, but I'll be damned if you find respect, love, and happiness with another race". What's their logic?
Let me stop, because this is turning into an essay.
Just one more thing, I don't have any children, but I do want at least one daughter, and I hope that she's chocolate so that I might teach her to love herself fiercely, not in spite of her hue, but because of it. I know that I wouldn't be who I am today were it not for my hue.
I would read this book again, and I recommend it to not only dark girls, but our lighter sisters, as well that perhaps they may begin to understand our viewpoint.
February 5, 2017
Great book which gives wonderful insight into the lives of darker skinned women while highlighting their beauty (both inside and out). As I read this book, I was filled with such pride and joy and reminded that "it's who we are, not the hue we are, that determines our destiny" (Toni Gaskins).
February 5, 2015
This is a great book, but I wish the women's words were given more space. Maybe conversational excerpts of the interviews? The quotes really served to make me curious about each of these women, but I did wish for a bit more depth in the coverage. As it is, the book is still satisfying, and Dark Girls is now at the top of my to-watch list because of it.
April 21, 2015
I wish this book had been around when I was growing up. Such a beautiful way to inspire young ladies. I want to give one to all my lovely dark sisters.
July 29, 2016
Dark doesn't equal evil and ugly; Dark is beautiful, soft, and tender.
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August 7, 2020
This book is a winning combination of portrait photography and firsthand quotes. While many of the photos are gorgeous, quite a few are what I would describe as "samey." They're taken up-close and cropped in much the same way, with the same background/lighting and what looks to be some sort of ring light reflected in the eyes. Considering many of the photos were so stunning they actually took my breath away, it saddened me to see other subjects in the book photographed with less individuality and care.
Colorism is such a rampant problem in the Black community and the world at large that I think this book is absolutely necessary, and I've never seen anything like it before. I love that the "paper bag" test was used in choosing candidates for this book; as in, you could not be in it unless you were DARKER than a brown paper bag. Historically, lighter-skinned Black people have always been favored over darker ones, so I liked that this work specifically focused on dark girls and gave them a spotlight and a platform from which to speak on their experiences. In many cases, their experiences were painful, but their resilience, self-confidence, and triumph over a hateful world was evident as well.
Where this book really alienated me was the religious references. As these are personal stories, you can't rightly tell people not to constantly refer to God, but as a Black atheist it did make me feel a bit distant. Sentiments such as "your beauty is a blessing from God" and "God only makes beautiful things, so your skin color is beautiful too" didn't really resonate. I guess what I'm saying is just be aware of that type of rhetoric if you're going into this book and are nonreligious.
Colorism is such a rampant problem in the Black community and the world at large that I think this book is absolutely necessary, and I've never seen anything like it before. I love that the "paper bag" test was used in choosing candidates for this book; as in, you could not be in it unless you were DARKER than a brown paper bag. Historically, lighter-skinned Black people have always been favored over darker ones, so I liked that this work specifically focused on dark girls and gave them a spotlight and a platform from which to speak on their experiences. In many cases, their experiences were painful, but their resilience, self-confidence, and triumph over a hateful world was evident as well.
Where this book really alienated me was the religious references. As these are personal stories, you can't rightly tell people not to constantly refer to God, but as a Black atheist it did make me feel a bit distant. Sentiments such as "your beauty is a blessing from God" and "God only makes beautiful things, so your skin color is beautiful too" didn't really resonate. I guess what I'm saying is just be aware of that type of rhetoric if you're going into this book and are nonreligious.
February 5, 2021
This such a beautiful book.
April 1, 2018
Yes. This made me think about how long it took me to accept myself, and not be concerned with the way others will view me.
August 14, 2018
“My dark skin is like the red clay of the earth: naturally beautiful.”
-Pam White
5 stars. This was beautiful and filled to the brim with Black Girl Magic. I wish this book or something like it existed when I was a young girl and still really struggling with myself and being dark skinned. This would’ve been so imperative to me and seeing that despite what society says there is beauty in being a dark girl. It’s beautiful to be black. It’s beautiful to be dark skinned. That’s a very important message that I hold near and dear to my heart and will pass down to my future children.
Loved the photography in this and that cover is to die for. Lupita Nyong’o is one of my biggest inspirations so seeing her on the cover made this a no brainer to pick up for me. Such a beautiful, intelligent and talented woman.
Overall, I’m glad that I read this and I will definitely be reading it again.
5 stars. This was beautiful and filled to the brim with Black Girl Magic. I wish this book or something like it existed when I was a young girl and still really struggling with myself and being dark skinned. This would’ve been so imperative to me and seeing that despite what society says there is beauty in being a dark girl. It’s beautiful to be black. It’s beautiful to be dark skinned. That’s a very important message that I hold near and dear to my heart and will pass down to my future children.
Loved the photography in this and that cover is to die for. Lupita Nyong’o is one of my biggest inspirations so seeing her on the cover made this a no brainer to pick up for me. Such a beautiful, intelligent and talented woman.
Overall, I’m glad that I read this and I will definitely be reading it again.
December 10, 2015
A great book showcasing the beauty of the brown skinned woman. If I ever have a daughter, this will be one of the first books she reads.
August 17, 2017
I am a fan of table top books that promote interest and conversation. Bill Duke's "Dark Girls" did not disappoint. This book is well written and documented. I simply love this celebration of the various hues of darkness that we African-American women share. This book brings a renewed "I'm Black and I'm Proud" movement for the younger generation to know and embrace.
Awesome book...buy one for you and friend; "I did!!"
Awesome book...buy one for you and friend; "I did!!"
April 29, 2019
I really enjoyed Bill Duke's: Dark Girls. The sad thing is I've never seen this many dark successful women in a book, magazine or movie until now. I could relate to a lot of the stories in the book about being Black in a predominately white America. Its not easy and to see Black girls that look like me was a nice change. But I wished Lupita's story of being a Black girl was shared in the book and not just as a overleaf!
November 29, 2019
My husband bought this book some time ago and proudly displayed for all to see. We’re a family who digs anything “Lupita Nyong’o” who graces the cover. Well, I finally sat down and read the entire book—a compilation of messages and stories from gorgeous, accomplished, dark-complexioned women from the African diaspora. Get this book no matter who you are. It’s a book that will make you think, open your mind and make your heart bloom with love and pride.
January 7, 2025
Excellent Book About the Beauty of Dark-Skinned Black Women
I enjoyed this book so much. Such beauty, self-love and power from dark-skinned Black women. This is the perfect book for our young Black women who will make up the next generation.
I enjoyed this book so much. Such beauty, self-love and power from dark-skinned Black women. This is the perfect book for our young Black women who will make up the next generation.
May 22, 2018
Loved it! Very inspiring to women of color, especially Dark Girls!
February 13, 2019
Outstanding words from exquisite Black women.
June 11, 2023
I haven't seen the movie but this beautiful collection of photos and interviews made me want to.
June 18, 2024
Though I am not viewed externally as a Dark Girl, this book spoke to my Black that exists in every fiber of my being. LOVED it.
February 25, 2020
I really loved reading about all of these women and their relationship to their skin color and how it has impacted them. This was a great introduction for me to women in various industries that I didn't know before.
August 17, 2015
I am definitely in awe of Mr. Duke! His love and compassion resonates from a brother, father, or son whose has paid witness to the great distaste for what many in our society deem unattractive. I was fortunate enough to have had parents to instill in me my blackness was beauty. I never doubted who I was, however I couldn't help but notice the attitudes of men of African descent preference for the lighter hue. It wasn't something dwelled on or gave much thought. I personally feel to each it's own. To my Black Beauties all over the world, allow no one to stop you from loving you! it is your duty to carry yourself with such grace and fearlessness that whatever negative energy comes your way it is meet with unapologetic sympathy for their ignorance and dismissed at once. Love Self First....and the rest will follow.
January 1, 2016
I enjoyed this book mainly because it highlighted so many perspectives from women with different ages and backgrounds. Missy Elliot's feature was my absolute favorite. She is inspiring. I've struggled with self-image during my childhood and even now and it's great to see that I am not alone in my experiences and efforts to move toward confidence. This is a book I will keep and revisit whenever I need some uplifting words.
I removed a star because I thought I'd hear from Lupita. I appreciate the cover, but why feature Lupita's image without her voice? That was SO disappointing. :( I still recommend the book to anyone interested.
I removed a star because I thought I'd hear from Lupita. I appreciate the cover, but why feature Lupita's image without her voice? That was SO disappointing. :( I still recommend the book to anyone interested.
January 17, 2015
"My skin color is not a reflection of who or what I am. Instead, the brilliantly implemented undertones are an indication of God's will for diversity, acceptance; and admiration of something rare. Unconventional, revolutionary beauty is to be appreciated."-Joi Dukes
February 13, 2015
I was expecting photography that was as stunning as the book cover....That was lackluster.
January 23, 2015
This is a fine reminder of how the world is experienced through the eyes of black women and girls. Quick reading too.
January 27, 2015
Great reading, inspirational and motivating
March 28, 2015
Real and beautiful
All women should read regardless of your skin color.
A testament in knowing your true inner beauty in spite of............
All women should read regardless of your skin color.
A testament in knowing your true inner beauty in spite of............
February 3, 2016
This book was alright. It wasn't what I thought it would be. It was more of a collection of quotes and paragraphs rather than a book. It was uplifting though so that's why I give it three stars.
Want to read
December 21, 2016#UnderstandingOppression
Bill Duke's Dark Girls Coffee Table Book Coming November 4th.
Bill Duke's Dark Girls Coffee Table Book Coming November 4th.
June 15, 2015
GREAT BOOK! i love eeverything about it and then some
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews