We often forget that there’s “something just as sinister and subtle as racism” plaguing our community — colorism. In this TED Talk, Stanford Graduate Business School student Chika Okoro recalls her personal experiences with colorism as a dark skin black woman.

She begins with coming across a “Straight Outta Compton” casting call for “D-girls”, but it doesn’t end there. Okoro gives the audience a history lesson, explaining how the “pencil test”, “shadow test” and “paper bag test” dictated membership in black organizations. Stepping forward into today’s practices, Okoro discussed the widely advertised campaigns for skin brightening features.

Watch the Ted Talk above and share your thoughts on her history lesson in the comments below!

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