Backlash against R&B singer India.Arie’s new cover art re-raises controversial #skinversation on racism/colorism in Black community, including the discussion on Black hair.

Question: In the black community, as in others, we still struggle with complexion. It is believed that light-skinned black people get more privileges than blacks with darker complexions. Of course those perceptions come from the history of slavery in this country. Do white people think about a person’s complexion or even care? Do they make decisions based on whether the person is light-skinned or dark-skinned? In the back of my mind, I’ve always worried that they may be afraid that I’m related to them or something and that’s what makes them hesitate to select me for a job or promotion. These are burning questions for me.