She approached this in such an open and engaging manner. I have no doubt this is not an easy topic or reality to share with others but she made it accessible. Consider my world view a little wider- Thank you for this, Esie. A unique and necessary talk.
What is so beautiful is that Esie acknowledged that she too had to make space to listen to her dancer’s lived experiences. She didn’t assume that because her experience was hard that she could speak for all. This is true compassion and leadership.
Thank you Slava for picking up on that. It is never easy to hold space for someone else when you are in pain. It is an extremely hard thing to do even in today's climate. But I think we all could use that insight in our own lives because I feel we would want someone else to extend that same compassion when we need it.
Pure and perfect example of taking adversity and turning into something meaningful. Not only did you take the reins for your life, you too those reins and strapped on a cart to take others with you and support them! Incredible and inspiring, Esie!
She is amazing!!!! This is an amazing talk, and she is an amazing talent. I am so glad that she has the platform to speak, and chose this topic. Beautiful inside and out. 😍
I see so many comments that y'all are shocked this happened in Canada? Just like every other first world country... Canada isn't some utopia. Esie, your story is powerful. And so are you. I'm grateful that there are strong voices like yours being heard right now. You are a Queen. Thank you.
Yes Kogor! Thankful to have had you find this talk and help show people that these issues are global and that Canada is no exception. Canada likes to make itself out to be something that its not. When people come here they are thankful that the racism doesn't look like lynching but instead are met with intense micro aggressions that are difficult to manage on a daily. I appreciate your words and your compliment. I appreciate it immensely. :)
the growth that comes from a shared purpose and shared experiences... this lady is absolutely magic, i had goosebumps watching this. her spirit is beyond wise. what an incredible talk, sharing right away, so much to learn from this.
I just watched Esie's "Awakenings - A Revolution of Love" and I had goose bumps and tears within the first minute. A Revolution of the mind, of the heart. I know that I have so much work to do to be a better ally and it seriously means the world to me that there are brave hearts like Esie being so up front and honest because I wouldn't have a clue and I need to hear these stories so that I can educate myself and help to put voices like Esie's at the forefront.
“Shadism” is a new word for me (I even had to check how to spell it!). I feel pretty ashamed in myself as this made me realise that even though I support movements but I still have a long way to go in shifting social constructs in my mind. Thank you for teaching me today
We all can do better with the things that fall into our periphery. Nobody sees everyone 100%. We need to take time to ensure that who we see goes beyond who we like and who we choose to make space for. That's how we offer a chance to change to spaces we create for ourselves and each other.
There are so many places around this world that need to see this show! I can only imagine what it would have been like for these individuals to hear one another's stories as the show was being written... I'm envisioning a Netflix adaptation! Please! This is a topic that people will learn so much from, different perspectives bring us to a much better truth.
Kathryn, I've been putting it out in the universe to make that happen. I know it will be on the horizon. It will happen and when it does I hope and know it will have an impact.
This woman is magic. I had no idea people were using products to lighten their skin. I feel so angry that beauty standards have been so pale, considering that vast amount of beauty that touches our species, we need to be celebrating it all. This woman is clearly doing some hard work that must be done, and probably saving lives while she's at it.
Thank you so much for your comment Myles especially the last sentence. You can only hope people resonate with your words and I'm grateful that people are.
I can't even begin to imagine what it would be like to be so passionate and so talented and to not be celebrated because of the shade of my skin. The fact that such a magical human was made to question herself, to be so hard on herself... It's haunting. When someone like this, someone as intelligent and divine, has been made to feel not enough because of her skin colour. Although I am relieved we can finally speak of these injustices and have very important conversations, it still saddens me that such beautiful humans have to live this experience at all, it makes me question our process of evolution. I thank Esie for being so brave and resilient. I will share her story in hopes that it might open these eyes of someone who does not understand.
You just need to look and you can see the inequality - but this gave you amazing strength and an articulation of absolute crazy truths. You cant see discrimination so to speak, you feel it, unspoken yet acted out. This makes me sad.
My hardships helped to make me who I am today. I know that not everyone has the capacity to get past those realities but I always hope that their resilience will pull them through.
I thought you were gorgeous as soon as I saw you. Inspiring and drop dead beautiful to me. I wish I was darker. Many are sick in their own seed, but don’t know it. I needed to hear this talk. The most positive talk I’ve heard in a long time. I was brainwashed as a kid growing up. It took some years to understand how I was groomed to come out of that mentality...of feeling my dark skin was not good enough. 🙏🏾 ☺️ Thank you
Paris! Thank you for your words and honesty. Sending gratitude and love to you. This journey we have isn't easy and it sure built alot of character in me. I'm happy you gained so much from it and can hear your story reflected in my words. I hope you continue to follow my journey.
What a powerful human. Her energy is incredible! I so wish she didn't have to go through this though. It's so hard to comprehend. I remember seeing a doco about people with very dark complexions using skin lightener and it absolutely broke my heart. Fair skin does not equal beauty. I am grateful that this conversation is being had and finally (still not enough though) we are seeing people of all different colours and complexions being represented. We still have so much more work to do though.
Esie, you are radiant and beautiful soul. I can't even begin to imagine how taxing it would be to take on this fight but we are better for it. I see how people are becoming more aware, better at educating themselves. I hope soon you can rest and know that your work is doing amazing things.
Thank you Rafael. I appreciate your words and thoughts on this piece. Shadeism/colorism is a real issue and it will take a lot of time before people are ready to talk about real change. I can only hope that my contribution can shift people in some way to make our futures better than our past.
Oh wow, I never thought about how a person’s skin color would override their skill and ability in their profession. I always subconsciously believed the rhetoric that ‘If you work hard enough you can do anything’- My privilege just became so apparent. I am so sad that this is the world we live in and I am so grateful for people like you who are speaking out and calling this what it is. Thank you for rising above
Please see my colour!!! My colour can never be eliminated and it shouldn’t be. See my colour in all its beauty and fullness because my colour is what makes my character. 🙏🏿
When you find your passion, it keeps you moving forward regardless of what barriers arise along the way. When humans find and show compassion, it helps raise you up beyond the barriers and lets you know that you are not alone.
Powerful message!! I can tell by the comments here many do not realize how deep this discrimination runs. I wish so much that we were past all this and such a resilient woman would not have to use her time fighting for acceptance - but here we are in 2020, still trying to raises awareness, still trying to educate.
I know what it feels like to be over looked and no matter what I always viewed it as something was wrong with me, I wasn't good enough. Its got to extremely painful when it has so little to do with your talent and more to do with the colour of your skin. Thank you for your enlightening talk.
Society likes to remind us there is something wrong with us. I didn’t want to accept the glass ceiling over my head so I kicked it down and watched it fall. Now I know nothing can stop me....
Fair skin beauty products, lighten your skin change your life. I have no words for this. I really had no idea. Goes to show that I need to educate myself some.
The products feed the mindset that many people have been conditioned to believe. Many people pass advertisements on a regular with having no clue about what its for. Many big name companies have a bleaching line because it sells...Revlon, Neutrogena, Vaseline. Those products are banned in Canada but exist in high demands in other countries. Its a complex issue that truly has no easy solution.
I wouldn't have a clue what this feels like but I can only imagine the frustration. Being so talented and so on the ball, knowing your worth and having people shoot you down because of your skin? Like, I think I'd be throwing stuff. But she is doing all that she can, raising awareness, doing the research. And now I have to educate myself. I had no idea about shadeism.
Maaan I remember when Worl' Boss started with the whole cake soap thing and then reading a story from a young man who started following in his foot steps and lightening his skin only to have spend a fortune with a doctor because it was so bad for his skin. It's about time these conversations were had and perception changed. I just wish there was more I could do to help ease the suffering.
I think what's important is that we continue to speak about it. If we become silent we become complacent, so its important we do our best to bring awareness and understanding as we move forward.
Hey Sandy, I 100% agree. Our tribulations give us our greatest voice if we choose not to make it our greatest crutch. I'm thankful I can stand in this skin at this point in my life.
We can make a difference though! The conversation is happening now, people are demanding justice and I am finally starting to understand how I can use my privilege to actually help.
A few years ago on some fb page or something, a picture of a stunning girl was shared, she had just won a beauty pageant and the smile she had was the proudest I had ever seen. The comments though I noticed were very differing in opinion about this little girl's accomplishment. There were a lot of wyt women saying that we needed to celebrate this little girl for more than her beauty and stunning skin, but her Mother pointed out that women of colour have very rarely been celebrated for their beauty and that it is high time we did as such... And I couldn't agree more. I hate the way we objectify but every person deserves to feel represented in this world, to feel beautiful just as we are, accepted and celebrated. I really hope that the conversations that have been had over the years, that are now leading to action - make a long lasting change. To hear Esie's story, to know that such a talented and beautiful woman would be treated like this is not okay. It was never okay. It needs to change now.
Thank you Levsha. We need to take our power and our voices back. Everything that happened to me gave me the courage to stand up and create a new rhythm. I am grateful for that. I hope that the children that are growing up now see many possibilities on the horizon. I hope education on these subjects become the norm so we can stop ostracizing people silently and allow them to exist as their full self.
Thank you Charles. It surely cannot be measured by skin colour but we understand that this isn't the society we live in.We can only do the work to change it.
What people see as beautiful changes because of how they've been conditioned. Our society is now seeing the beauty of the diversity in complexions. We hope that as time goes, other women as beautiful as me with my complexion won't have to encounter the same level of hardships
I wonder if she had any idea what sort of history was in the making when she did this talk. I know in my heart we have swung every which way and it is now time to embrace and celebrate different shades. Finally POC are being listened to and given credit for their amazing skin. But I know there is still so much work to do, more education. Us pale sorts need to hold other pale sorts accountable, we need for history to actually portray what has happened in our history rather than white washing over it.
HI Alison, Thank you for your compliment. I think this is the biggest question. Looking into the why unleashes skeletons from the closest but we need to do so in order to heal.
“Ignorance and prejudice are the handmaidens of propaganda. Our mission, therefore, is to confront ignorance with knowledge, bigotry with tolerance, and isolation with the outstretched hand of generosity. Racism can, will, and must be defeated.” ― Kofi Annan
There will come a day that our movement, our color and our voice will be celebrated because of the difference. Its happening now where majority white is removing color blocking.
I agree that our physical differences shouldn't affect our opportunities, but what is the right way to see our differences, not in judgment just in observation?
The idea of someone becoming ’12 shades lighter overnight’ is alarming - That sounds like something that is unhealthy for the skin and the soul. What kind of world have we created where someone would voluntarily do that to themselves Thankyou for bringing this to my attention.
ITs a multi-billion dollar industry so there are a lot of people who feel this way. I've always been intrigued of why people make this choice just to understand them better. We all make choices others may not agree with but there are real repercussions that can affect one's life with skin bleaching. I hope my words might cause someone to think twice about their choice.
Of course this happens in Canada. Racism and prejudice didn't stop at the Canadian/US border. This issue is deeply rooted into our society and it will take just as much work to build new bridges towards change
@@davidangus6502 In order for us to see a change we have to be willing to break the cycle. They are people just like everyone else that feel entitled to how they feel and why. If we look beyond Alberta we can find the similar mentality all throughout this country. I am often asking what needs to happen for us to see a change...I think very few people are ready to meet people half way.
I am curious to know that after the discussions had in this last 12 months if Esie thinks we are getting any closer to fully understanding the depth of this issue?
@@stewynotthedog @ZakNitsch thank you for finding your way to this page. I hope that now more than ever this discussion gets amplified in the way it needs to be.
You just need to look at the United States and see whats happening, and you understand why this happened and still happens. When our leaders don't call out hatred it happens.
Huge facts. They are making the situation worse not better. We hope people continue to have courage to have the hard conversations so it becomes the catalyst for change.
It definitely isn't. The arts- especially the commercial/entertainment industry are the ones that set a standard many people are being conditioned to consume. The videos, films, stage shows all adhere to a certain standard that promote a certain type of beauty...basically whiteness or lightness.
She approached this in such an open and engaging manner. I have no doubt this is not an easy topic or reality to share with others but she made it accessible. Consider my world view a little wider- Thank you for this, Esie. A unique and necessary talk.
Couldn't have said it better. I've a more understanding now.
@@leotencall 👍
I appreciate your words and insight. I'm really happy you gained something from this talk. 🙏🏿
Working so hard and not thinking it matters. This really matters in uncovering bias.
Absolute facts! Because what we do matters even when it feels it doesn’t make an impact...
@@EsieAKACraige There are so many grateful to you for doing what you are doing
What is so beautiful is that Esie acknowledged that she too had to make space to listen to her dancer’s lived experiences. She didn’t assume that because her experience was hard that she could speak for all. This is true compassion and leadership.
Thank you Slava for picking up on that. It is never easy to hold space for someone else when you are in pain. It is an extremely hard thing to do even in today's climate. But I think we all could use that insight in our own lives because I feel we would want someone else to extend that same compassion when we need it.
Pure and perfect example of taking adversity and turning into something meaningful. Not only did you take the reins for your life, you too those reins and strapped on a cart to take others with you and support them! Incredible and inspiring, Esie!
She's a whole bunch of magic I think.
Thank you so much Zack! I appreciate you seeing the efforts I put into my work/artistry. Wishing you well!
She is amazing!!!! This is an amazing talk, and she is an amazing talent. I am so glad that she has the platform to speak, and chose this topic. Beautiful inside and out. 😍
Mo n the time is now to create change and open up the dialogue. So I’m grateful to do my part 🙏🏿
So agree, she is so lovely, why does this still happen?
Wow, she is so elegant and so powerful!
One of the most beautiful people I have ever seen or heard!
🥰
This is shattering to hear. I can't wrap my head around it but I will do whatever I can so that my fellow human's don't have to feel this same pain.
I see so many comments that y'all are shocked this happened in Canada? Just like every other first world country... Canada isn't some utopia. Esie, your story is powerful. And so are you. I'm grateful that there are strong voices like yours being heard right now. You are a Queen. Thank you.
Yes Kogor! Thankful to have had you find this talk and help show people that these issues are global and that Canada is no exception. Canada likes to make itself out to be something that its not. When people come here they are thankful that the racism doesn't look like lynching but instead are met with intense micro aggressions that are difficult to manage on a daily. I appreciate your words and your compliment. I appreciate it immensely. :)
Spot on Kogor! A lot of these comments are frustrating me too.
she's magnificent! and all that work she's doing to show just how much shadeism exists is so important!!
Thank you Emma!
i had no idea, i'm going to read more about this now.
@@mylescolton good idea
the growth that comes from a shared purpose and shared experiences... this lady is absolutely magic, i had goosebumps watching this. her spirit is beyond wise. what an incredible talk, sharing right away, so much to learn from this.
Thank you so much for your words and for sharing my video. Your words are received with much gratitude. :)
Sis, you SLAYED this Ted talk👊🏾🔥💯
Rolanda Dwyer thank you so much! 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿
One for the history books!! Absolutely BRILLANT!!❤
I just watched Esie's "Awakenings - A Revolution of Love" and I had goose bumps and tears within the first minute. A Revolution of the mind, of the heart. I know that I have so much work to do to be a better ally and it seriously means the world to me that there are brave hearts like Esie being so up front and honest because I wouldn't have a clue and I need to hear these stories so that I can educate myself and help to put voices like Esie's at the forefront.
Gonna go watch it now...
superb!
That's how I found this talk. She's so freaking awesome.
“Shadism” is a new word for me (I even had to check how to spell it!). I feel pretty ashamed in myself as this made me realise that even though I support movements but I still have a long way to go in shifting social constructs in my mind. Thank you for teaching me today
Shake off that shame, we all just gotta do better and educate yourselves
We all can do better with the things that fall into our periphery. Nobody sees everyone 100%. We need to take time to ensure that who we see goes beyond who we like and who we choose to make space for. That's how we offer a chance to change to spaces we create for ourselves and each other.
There are so many places around this world that need to see this show! I can only imagine what it would have been like for these individuals to hear one another's stories as the show was being written... I'm envisioning a Netflix adaptation! Please! This is a topic that people will learn so much from, different perspectives bring us to a much better truth.
It would be an incredible show
Kathryn, I've been putting it out in the universe to make that happen. I know it will be on the horizon. It will happen and when it does I hope and know it will have an impact.
@@EsieAKACraige Is there any way we can be updated about this? Do you use any other social media that we can follow you on?
@@EsieAKACraige I will stand with you!
@@EsieAKACraige it is, trust in your journey girl..
This woman is magic. I had no idea people were using products to lighten their skin. I feel so angry that beauty standards have been so pale, considering that vast amount of beauty that touches our species, we need to be celebrating it all. This woman is clearly doing some hard work that must be done, and probably saving lives while she's at it.
yeah well she defs showed me some light. i had no idea
Thank you so much for your comment Myles especially the last sentence. You can only hope people resonate with your words and I'm grateful that people are.
I think she is beautiful, by looks, by focus, by character, and yes looks again.
She is such a beautiful woman
She is stunning
@@sabahachim Thank you Saba!
@@lollo-lia Thank you Lollo!
I appreciate the compliments Timo! ☺️
I can't even begin to imagine what it would be like to be so passionate and so talented and to not be celebrated because of the shade of my skin. The fact that such a magical human was made to question herself, to be so hard on herself... It's haunting. When someone like this, someone as intelligent and divine, has been made to feel not enough because of her skin colour. Although I am relieved we can finally speak of these injustices and have very important conversations, it still saddens me that such beautiful humans have to live this experience at all, it makes me question our process of evolution. I thank Esie for being so brave and resilient. I will share her story in hopes that it might open these eyes of someone who does not understand.
Thank you Rach for hearing and sharing my story. It is appreciated deeply.
She is so beautiful!
A dancer and an intellect. The work she has done is just amazing, heartbreaking but amazing. What an absolute gem she is.
She's incredible!
Thank you so much Tina! I'm grateful to be both of those things and I do so with great honour.
@@therealjuanschmidt Thank you!
Her passion and determination are incredibly admirable. And this topic, it's one we all need to be aware of and see.
Much appreciated Ezekiel!
Amen.
You just need to look and you can see the inequality - but this gave you amazing strength and an articulation of absolute crazy truths. You cant see discrimination so to speak, you feel it, unspoken yet acted out. This makes me sad.
My hardships helped to make me who I am today. I know that not everyone has the capacity to get past those realities but I always hope that their resilience will pull them through.
What a powerful woman! The way she commands on that stage.... I hope her story travels far and wide, it must be heard.
Thank you Natasha! Anything you can do to help spread the message is appreciated!
@@EsieAKACraige I have sent to many friends..
I thought you were gorgeous as soon as I saw you. Inspiring and drop dead beautiful to me. I wish I was darker. Many are sick in their own seed, but don’t know it. I needed to hear this talk. The most positive talk I’ve heard in a long time. I was brainwashed as a kid growing up. It took some years to understand how I was groomed to come out of that mentality...of feeling my dark skin was not good enough. 🙏🏾 ☺️ Thank you
Paris! Thank you for your words and honesty. Sending gratitude and love to you. This journey we have isn't easy and it sure built alot of character in me. I'm happy you gained so much from it and can hear your story reflected in my words. I hope you continue to follow my journey.
What a powerful human. Her energy is incredible! I so wish she didn't have to go through this though. It's so hard to comprehend. I remember seeing a doco about people with very dark complexions using skin lightener and it absolutely broke my heart. Fair skin does not equal beauty. I am grateful that this conversation is being had and finally (still not enough though) we are seeing people of all different colours and complexions being represented. We still have so much more work to do though.
There is so much work to do and we can only hope people are willing to roll up their sleeves and do the work. Change can start from one person...
Esie, you are radiant and beautiful soul. I can't even begin to imagine how taxing it would be to take on this fight but we are better for it. I see how people are becoming more aware, better at educating themselves. I hope soon you can rest and know that your work is doing amazing things.
She is beyond incredible
Thank you Rafael. I appreciate your words and thoughts on this piece. Shadeism/colorism is a real issue and it will take a lot of time before people are ready to talk about real change. I can only hope that my contribution can shift people in some way to make our futures better than our past.
"No matter where I go, I can't escape my complexion." I don't even know how to respond to this though so worth listening to.
Sometimes a response isn’t needed and it’s enough to know you were heard...
beautiful woman and a beautiful soul.
Oh wow, I never thought about how a person’s skin color would override their skill and ability in their profession. I always subconsciously believed the rhetoric that ‘If you work hard enough you can do anything’- My privilege just became so apparent. I am so sad that this is the world we live in and I am so grateful for people like you who are speaking out and calling this what it is. Thank you for rising above
Good on you for realising and admitting.
Love this, Esie!!! ✨💜✨
you’re an inspiration, a voice that needs to be heard by everyone, and a stunning person!
Thank you sooooo much Annie! Appreciate you!
Sometimes I see TEDs that say the right thing, this is one of them.
@@elaineclouston Thank you very much for your words!
Agree, this happened for the reason that your voice needs to stand strong, you need to help lead this fight for equality.
Good link to send Cedrick, thanks
I agree Cedrick. This definitely did happen for a reason. Thank you for your words and support!
Beautiful, powerful and smart. I don't see her skin color I see her character!!!!
I see her skin color and it is absolutely beautiful. We are all different and should be celebrated as such.
@@natashafederov true, same same but different
Please see my colour!!! My colour can never be eliminated and it shouldn’t be. See my colour in all its beauty and fullness because my colour is what makes my character. 🙏🏿
Sad that she’s experienced so much discrimination due to her skin, it’s absolutely gorgeous.
Thank you Dina ☺️
When you find your passion, it keeps you moving forward regardless of what barriers arise along the way. When humans find and show compassion, it helps raise you up beyond the barriers and lets you know that you are not alone.
Beautifully said!
Powerful message!! I can tell by the comments here many do not realize how deep this discrimination runs. I wish so much that we were past all this and such a resilient woman would not have to use her time fighting for acceptance - but here we are in 2020, still trying to raises awareness, still trying to educate.
Most definitely Dana. We hope that by all doing our part we will see the future that everyone deserves.
Any of us who have the opportunity or privilege must keep space and educate ourselves.
I know what it feels like to be over looked and no matter what I always viewed it as something was wrong with me, I wasn't good enough. Its got to extremely painful when it has so little to do with your talent and more to do with the colour of your skin. Thank you for your enlightening talk.
Society likes to remind us there is something wrong with us. I didn’t want to accept the glass ceiling over my head so I kicked it down and watched it fall. Now I know nothing can stop me....
@@EsieAKACraige that response put a bit of a fire in my belly - keep at it Queen
Thank you for sharing ..
Fair skin beauty products, lighten your skin change your life. I have no words for this. I really had no idea. Goes to show that I need to educate myself some.
It's really heartbreaking to see so many beautiful people not feeling good enough because of this sort of BS.
The products feed the mindset that many people have been conditioned to believe. Many people pass advertisements on a regular with having no clue about what its for. Many big name companies have a bleaching line because it sells...Revlon, Neutrogena, Vaseline. Those products are banned in Canada but exist in high demands in other countries. Its a complex issue that truly has no easy solution.
@@EsieAKACraige forget ads, look at truth!
@@EsieAKACraige Omg.... I had no idea that still these products were being manufactured.
That's awesome! Despite the pressure you had you managed to bring your heritage on the stage!
Thank you!🙏🏿✨
So proud of you Esie! 💜
Myrodance thank you Boo. Love you girl xo
I wouldn't have a clue what this feels like but I can only imagine the frustration. Being so talented and so on the ball, knowing your worth and having people shoot you down because of your skin? Like, I think I'd be throwing stuff. But she is doing all that she can, raising awareness, doing the research. And now I have to educate myself. I had no idea about shadeism.
Start looking it up, you learn so much
@@tinatuvalle I'm going to now
Thank you for taking interest beyond this talk to do research on the subject. I appreciate it.
This is beautiful and it is tragic. But she is simply beautiful.
It is tragic Max. Thank you for taking the time to listen to my story.
Maaan I remember when Worl' Boss started with the whole cake soap thing and then reading a story from a young man who started following in his foot steps and lightening his skin only to have spend a fortune with a doctor because it was so bad for his skin. It's about time these conversations were had and perception changed. I just wish there was more I could do to help ease the suffering.
thanks for sending to me ash, defs have some more reading to do now
I think what's important is that we continue to speak about it. If we become silent we become complacent, so its important we do our best to bring awareness and understanding as we move forward.
Yes Esie!! What a bold and graceful entryway into a conversation which is absolutely necessary. Thank you so much for this.
Thank you Chattrisse! Big love to you!
Very eye opening!!! A must watch.
Matt Finley thank you!!!!
You are a beautiful woman! And clearly beyond capable and strong - using that voice for such good.
Thank you Archie! Appreciate the compliment
she really is beautiful
@@jonasblix Thank you!
You are beautiful - period
Thank you Mary :)
Bravo!
Wow! This is amazing! And you're so inspirational! ❤
Thank you Andre! Appreciate the compliment. Hope you're well.
Absolutely amazing presentation. I want to see this play she put together!
Keep raising the bar.
Tiffany May always sis....always
Somebody else said this too, but Esie you are so beautiful, and maybe this happened so you would step forward and become a voice.
Hey Sandy, I 100% agree. Our tribulations give us our greatest voice if we choose not to make it our greatest crutch. I'm thankful I can stand in this skin at this point in my life.
The shame is, not that it happened, but that it continues to happen.
True words....
We can make a difference though! The conversation is happening now, people are demanding justice and I am finally starting to understand how I can use my privilege to actually help.
You beautiful, courageous and fierce woman, thank you for all that you are doing
Thank you Lolo ❤️🙏🏿
A few years ago on some fb page or something, a picture of a stunning girl was shared, she had just won a beauty pageant and the smile she had was the proudest I had ever seen. The comments though I noticed were very differing in opinion about this little girl's accomplishment. There were a lot of wyt women saying that we needed to celebrate this little girl for more than her beauty and stunning skin, but her Mother pointed out that women of colour have very rarely been celebrated for their beauty and that it is high time we did as such... And I couldn't agree more. I hate the way we objectify but every person deserves to feel represented in this world, to feel beautiful just as we are, accepted and celebrated. I really hope that the conversations that have been had over the years, that are now leading to action - make a long lasting change. To hear Esie's story, to know that such a talented and beautiful woman would be treated like this is not okay. It was never okay. It needs to change now.
Thank you Levsha. We need to take our power and our voices back. Everything that happened to me gave me the courage to stand up and create a new rhythm. I am grateful for that. I hope that the children that are growing up now see many possibilities on the horizon. I hope education on these subjects become the norm so we can stop ostracizing people silently and allow them to exist as their full self.
Rising above shad-ism. This topic makes me anxious because her challenges are real.
Deep breathes Amber 😊. I've transformed my challenges into my superpower.
@@EsieAKACraige very cool!
Your story reminds me of Michaela DePrince. Amazing that you don't give up and move on to your dream.
Thank you Ava! Michaela is pretty amazing!
Talent, elegance, capability can never be measured by a skin co,or.
Thank you Charles. It surely cannot be measured by skin colour but we understand that this isn't the society we live in.We can only do the work to change it.
@@EsieAKACraige and I vow to work, at least in my own little corner of the world.
Has anyone read ‘The colour Purple’? This is a whole new level of the conversation for me.
Beautiful book! Alice Walker speaks on colourism and is the first person to name it officially. I hope this inspires you to do more research. :)
This is so wrong, this woman is so beautiful, how could she be turned away.
B-L-M
What people see as beautiful changes because of how they've been conditioned. Our society is now seeing the beauty of the diversity in complexions. We hope that as time goes, other women as beautiful as me with my complexion won't have to encounter the same level of hardships
She is beautiful
there are still bad people, and right now one has been voted out of office.
I love her, strength through openess, and simply beautiful too.
💥🙏🏾💥💪🏾💥🙌🏾So So POWERFUL. Bless you my sister!! 💓
Someone else said its 2020, but look at people and you think its 1950, I hope the protests finally start some serious change.
We can only hope....
@@EsieAKACraige great talk, hope you come to Oregon and speak one day!!!
James Bowie putting it into the universe!
It still amazes me that this happens.
its wrong on every level
I wonder if she had any idea what sort of history was in the making when she did this talk. I know in my heart we have swung every which way and it is now time to embrace and celebrate different shades. Finally POC are being listened to and given credit for their amazing skin. But I know there is still so much work to do, more education. Us pale sorts need to hold other pale sorts accountable, we need for history to actually portray what has happened in our history rather than white washing over it.
This is so bizarre, it's 2020 and she is so beautiful, why is this happening?
HI Alison, Thank you for your compliment. I think this is the biggest question. Looking into the why unleashes skeletons from the closest but we need to do so in order to heal.
believe me it happens way too much.
@@EsieAKACraige you are powerful, they can see it, thats why they tried to push you away, you keep going.
@@EsieAKACraige represent, thats what you are doing for all of us, thank you.
@@ruperttheprince Thank you Rupert! The strength in my voice comes from the journey of the pain. Adversity really built me up and I'm grateful
“Ignorance and prejudice are the handmaidens of propaganda. Our mission, therefore, is to confront ignorance with knowledge, bigotry with tolerance, and isolation with the outstretched hand of generosity. Racism can, will, and must be defeated.”
― Kofi Annan
Beautifully said... It will be defeated
@@EsieAKACraige thank you!
Yes Esie!!!!!
Mo n thank you!!!!!!!
Such a beautiful woman!!!
Thank you North!! :)
Poweful !!!
songbirdangel thank you so much! 🙏🏿💛
I can't believe she faced this in Canada?
There will come a day that our movement, our color and our voice will be celebrated because of the difference. Its happening now where majority white is removing color blocking.
Most definitely!
I agree that our physical differences shouldn't affect our opportunities, but what is the right way to see our differences, not in judgment just in observation?
to not let prejudice and stereotypes guide our view of differences.
NO NO NO, this is wrong! Man this woman has got it all, why would they say this to her?
The idea of someone becoming ’12 shades lighter overnight’ is alarming - That sounds like something that is unhealthy for the skin and the soul. What kind of world have we created where someone would voluntarily do that to themselves Thankyou for bringing this to my attention.
ITs a multi-billion dollar industry so there are a lot of people who feel this way. I've always been intrigued of why people make this choice just to understand them better. We all make choices others may not agree with but there are real repercussions that can affect one's life with skin bleaching. I hope my words might cause someone to think twice about their choice.
Some else said it too, man this is Canada this happened in. Wow...
Of course this happens in Canada. Racism and prejudice didn't stop at the Canadian/US border. This issue is deeply rooted into our society and it will take just as much work to build new bridges towards change
Canada is littered with racism. I can't believe people are shocked by this.
@@kogordanuk look at Alberta - reneck oil mongers
@@davidangus6502 In order for us to see a change we have to be willing to break the cycle. They are people just like everyone else that feel entitled to how they feel and why. If we look beyond Alberta we can find the similar mentality all throughout this country. I am often asking what needs to happen for us to see a change...I think very few people are ready to meet people half way.
We must maximize negentropy within and amoungst to optimize the rate of adaptation, which is the driving force of evolution.
You know what, this isn't the first time I have heard the entertainment industry being like this, and mostly the get a pass. Thats not right.
how everything industry being like this?
Its been structured like this for decades. Its just not been talked about.
I am curious to know that after the discussions had in this last 12 months if Esie thinks we are getting any closer to fully understanding the depth of this issue?
I hope we are learning more
I would say yes and no, it'll be work for all of us for the foreseeable future
@@RafaelZCruz 🥰 good work
After watching the US president last night I am not surprised, leaders need to take the lead roles in ending racism, not promoting it.
100%
❤️
❤️
Is it about what I got or what I gave? I questions myself on this daily.
Great question to ask yourself....
TEDx Talks has almost 26 million subscribers, but somehow this video is still under 1000 views after 5 months?
thought the same thing, this talk is fitting right now more than ever.
@@stewynotthedog @ZakNitsch thank you for finding your way to this page. I hope that now more than ever this discussion gets amplified in the way it needs to be.
agreed! lets share it! get it out there!
👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Cannot believe this happened in my country! Just wrong.
You just need to look at the United States and see whats happening, and you understand why this happened and still happens. When our leaders don't call out hatred it happens.
Huge facts. They are making the situation worse not better. We hope people continue to have courage to have the hard conversations so it becomes the catalyst for change.
Up!!!
A history of oppression or a future of possibilities
Don't you think protest has brought the discussion forward, much faster!
It has! But this topic has been snowballing over the last few years. Timing is everything and this is a topic that needs to be amplified!
@@EsieAKACraige Agreed 1000000%
You would have thought the arts was much more progressive than this...
It definitely isn't. The arts- especially the commercial/entertainment industry are the ones that set a standard many people are being conditioned to consume. The videos, films, stage shows all adhere to a certain standard that promote a certain type of beauty...basically whiteness or lightness.
Become 12 shades lighter over night? What have we become when this is a standard for success. Its just not right.
this video is aks
abrí una pagina y me apareció esto que es esto