Brown Skin, Curly Hair, I Love Being Me!

"Brown Skin, Curly Hair, I Love Being Me", is written as a poem to uplift children who experience the pressures of a society that promotes a specific standard of beauty that isn't always relatable. This book was inspired by my niece who has gracefully navigated through her grade school years embracing her culture while developing into a talented musician, athlete, and dancer. The story is centered around a Nigerian girl who expresses the love and pride she has for her rich African culture from her dad and grandma's side and her African-American culture from her mom and Nana. Learning that these give her the rich heritage and spirit she naturally embodies. By exploring their languages (Yoruba and English) and connecting with her ancestors, she realizes she can be whatever she dreams and believes because of who she already is.

Paula Swearingen is an author, early education school Principal, consultant, and advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in early childhood. She firmly believes that introducing children to books that reflect their experiences or show diversity can help foster a child’s self-awareness and pride in their identity. By exposing children to different cultures, races, and ethnicities, they can learn to appreciate and engage with people from all backgrounds. Ms. Swearingen lives by her favorite quote: “Our unique differences are what make us beautiful!”