Khoudia Diop: ‘Melanin Goddess’ Overcomes Racist Bullies, Senegalese Model’s Rich Skin Tone Is Breaking The Internet


Khoudia Diop endured verbal abuse and bullying her entire life because of the color of her skin. The 19-year-old Senegalese model, who is now based in Paris, told the Huffington Post how she transformed her tribulations into triumphs. Being called “darky” and “daughter of the night” didn’t stop Diop from thriving.

From the abuse, Diop has learned to love herself more. Khoudia chooses to focus on the positive things in life and disregards the negative words of others. Diop’s story of overcoming bullying and rising to success has touched and empowered thousands.

The self-proclaimed “Melanin Goddess” is taking the internet by storm with her beautifully rich skin tone. Diop has gained a large fanbase of over 304,000 followers on Instagram. Khoudia shares inspirational words of wisdom to empower her followers.

“I was picked on by other kids, when I was a bit younger because [of the darkness] of my skin tone… But this is something that is actually quite normal in Senegal. It’s not a nice feeling and I’ve had to learn to love myself more every day and tune out the negativity, which helps a lot!”

“I was teased a lot growing up, because of my skin tone… And now even online sometimes, people will make comments. Growing up, I faced it by confronting the bullies. As I grew, I learned to love myself more every day, and not pay attention to the negative people.”

Khoudia doesn’t listen to those who attempt to tear her down and hurt her with cruel words.

“I’ve learned to ignore the negative people and just be a living example of confidence and self-love. I let my life, and success, speak for itself.”

Diop isn’t the only Senegalese girl who has been teased for the darkness of her skin. Nosa Akol, a 17-year-old from Binghamton High School in New York, has been called “burnt toast” by students, NBC News reports.

“People can be mean… It started in the 6th grade.”

Although this period in her life was difficult, Nosa says it changed the way she viewed the world and the treatment of others.

“That time taught me to be careful with what I say to others… and to be sensitive to people’s feelings.”

Nosa also looks forward to a bright future. Nosa received a $10,000 scholarship and was honored on April 23 at National 4-H Council’s sixth annual Legacy Awards in Washington, D.C.

African Models In America

Alex Wek is another famous model from Sudan. Wek is a Dinka-born British model who appeared on the catwalks at the age of 18 in 1995. Alex is the first African model to appear on the cover of Elle magazine in 1997. Wek tells The Guardian, when she arrived in the fashion industry, she was the only dark-skinned model. Similar to Lupita Nyong’o, Wek’s successful career inspired many African American women. Their presence forced many to reevaluate the typical standard of beauty.

Model Alek Wek attends the BALMAIN X Collection Launch. [Image by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images]

“There were black models, but no one as dark-skinned, and none with Dinka features, that’s for sure.”

Wek now works with many charitable organizations and is the face of the UN Refugee Agency, which resides in her native country of Sudan.

Khoudia and Wek are not inspirations to all. A 2015 survey revealed between 52 and 67 percent of Senegalese women use skin lightening products.

https://www.facebook.com/blackshouuw.swaag/posts/1254590477926898?pnref=story

Khoudia has inspired many young girls to embrace their physical differences. Diop is currently working with The Colored Girl, Inc., a group that promotes self-love and celebrates women of all backgrounds. Khoudia is set on teaching the younger generation how to embrace their beauty and differences. This summer, she made a stunning appearance in The Colored Girl’s Rebirth campaign.

“We have lots of new offers and amazing projects in the works and I’m excited for the future!… I’m currently also enrolled in school, full time. So I’m pursuing my degree and am going to continue modeling as well.”

Khoudia urges everyone to celebrate their differences and shares words of wisdom for women and young girls who embody an unconventional kind of beauty.

“If you’re lucky enough to be different, don’t ever change.”

[Featured Image by Khoudia Diop/Facebook]

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