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United Colours of Melanin

United Colours of Melanin

“Love Black Women ” by Buju Baton, “Say It Loud-I’m Black and I’m Proud”- James Brown, “Brown Skin Girl” by Beyoncé, Ari Lennox’s “Shea Butter Baby” and Lady of Rage “Afro Puffs” are some songs that celebrate the beauty of being Black. These anthems amongst others speak out against racism, resisting concepts of beaut, value and purpose through a core belief that Black is Beautiful.

“Love Black Women ” by Buju Baton, “Say It Loud-I’m Black and I’m Proud”- James Brown,  “Brown Skin Girl” by Beyoncé,  Ari Lennox’s “Shea Butter Baby” and Lady of Rage “Afro Puffs” are some songs that celebrate the beauty of being Black.  These anthems amongst others speak out against racism, resisting concepts of beauty, value and purpose. These hoodies are statement that Black is Beautiful. 

Show off your unique beauty with the United Colours of Melanin T-shirt and Hoodie Collection! This bold collection will let you make a fashionable statement, whether you choose to rock one of the classic logo T-shirts or make a stylish bold statement in an eye-catching hoodie. Show them your pride for all the colour that is found in Black and Brown skin with this trend-setting collection.

It’s not just about looking good, it’s also about doing good: proceeds from the United Colours of Melanin Collection go towards our community arts programs, enabling everyone to experience art no matter their background. So get ready to stand out and look good while doing it – now available in the JBG Marketplace!

In its various forms, melanin fulfills a variety of biological functions, including skin and hair pigmentation and photoprotection of the skin and eye. This is diagram of the structure of Melanin.

National Library of Medicine National Center for Biotechnology Information

Music is always a reflection of our society.
Thanks to a few artist, these are 6 amazing songs that celebrate melanin to add to your play list. I hope these 6 amazing songs inspire, motivate and activate you to celebrate melanin more. May these songs remind you just how beautiful melanin is and also, may it reveal the beauty lying within you.

James Brown – Say it Loud

James Brown’s “Say it Loud, I’m Black and I’m Proud” is arguably the most unapologetic song that celebrates blackness. Released in August 1968, months following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the single landed at the top of Billboard‘s Rhythm and Blues singles chart, and remained there for six weeks.

Nitty Scott- “La Diaspora”

Nitty Scott‘s “La Diaspora” is a proclamation for the proud Afro-Latina rapper who ends the track by saying “Yo soy Negra y Latina,” which is Spanish for “I am Black and Latina.” The Black Puetro Rican artist honors her indigenous roots on the record which is featured on her 2017 album Creature!.  In fact, the entire album was also dubbed a “rich proclamation of Afro-Latina womanhood” by Remezcla.

Wale’s “BGM”

Wale’s “BGM” from his 2019 album Wow…That’s Crazy is an ode to black women from a black man’s perspective. The D.C. rapper talks about the inequalities that black women face in America and how he feels obligated to honor them on the song. The video for the track also highlights many different shades of black women.

Solange’s “Don’t Touch My Hair” ft. Sampha

Solange’s “Don’t Touch My Hair” is another celebratory black hair anthem. The single came from Solange’s highly-lauded 2016 album A Seat At the Table. On the record, the Houston singer talks about how her hair is so much more than just hair, it’s a part of her soul.

Beyonce “Brown Skin Girl” ft. Blue Ivy Carter, Wizkid, and SAINt JHN

Beyonce’s “Brown Skin Girl” featuring her eldest daughter Blue Ivy Carter, Wizkid, and SAINt JHN is from the Houston singer’s compilation album The Lion King: The Giftwhich served as a companion record to The Lion King‘s 2019 soundtrack.  The song is a beautiful ode to brown skin black girls, and on August 3, 2019, it peaked at No. 1 on Billboard and garnered the Ashford & Simpson Songwriter’s Award at the 2019 BET Soul Train Awards.