Nyakim Gatwech—How the ‘queen of the dark’ is redefining beauty standards
Nyakim Gatwech, a model known for her dark skin, received unsolicited advice from an Uber driver on how to treat her skin. Gatwech, who is often called the “Queen of the Dark,” responded with laughter and turned the moment into a teaching opportunity.
Nyakim Gatwech moved to the U.S. at 14 after spending years in refugee camps in Ethiopia and Kenya. She initially believed America would be like “heaven,” but faced harsh judgments about her deeply pigmented skin upon arriving in Buffalo, New York.
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Gatwech often felt isolated and cried due to bullying about her skin color. She recalled cruel comments, like being told she didn’t bathe or was asked to smile so others could see her.
Growing up, Gatwech wanted to fit in but faced discrimination. At one point, she considered bleaching her skin, a common practice among some Sudanese women, including her sister. However, her sister strongly discouraged her, emphasizing self-acceptance.
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Now a confident model based in Minnesota, Gatwech uses her platform to promote self-love and acceptance. With over 962,000 Instagram followers, she proudly showcases her rich, dark skin. Gatwech frequently posts about her heritage and resilience, gaining admiration from fans who praise her beauty and strength.
In a notable incident, an Uber driver suggested Gatwech should bleach her skin to make her life easier, arguing it would help her in relationships and job opportunities. Gatwech laughed off the suggestion and shared the story on Instagram, reinforcing her commitment to embracing her natural skin tone.
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Gatwech advises young black girls facing similar challenges to embrace their uniqueness and understand their beauty. She emphasizes the importance of self-love and resilience against societal pressures.
Gatwech’s journey from being bullied to becoming a symbol of beauty and strength serves as a powerful reminder that beauty comes in all shades. Her story encourages others to embrace their natural selves and reject harmful societal standards.
