Captain’s Inspiration: My inspiration for writing my essay came from the colorism I noticed in everyday life. For a long time, I didn’t know how to speak out about it in a way that would make a difference without facing ridicule. But when I came across the “Stop the Hate” contest, I saw an opportunity. I wanted to shed light on a form of hate that many people overlook, or may not even realize they’re participating in, colorism.

More than anything, I hope my words spark kindness , start conversations, and help others recognize and challenge colorism in their own lives and communities. I am so grateful to be an advocate for this topic. 

The Impact of Colorism and the Power of Kindness

Growing up, I often felt the sting of colorism, both subtle and overt. As a dark-skinned girl, I experienced moments where my skin tone was a source of ridicule. Peers during Black History Month would often use a whipping sound effect to whip darker students throughout the halls.

Some “friends” even advised me to avoid the sun or use cold showers to prevent my skin from getting darker, as if my natural complexion was something to be ashamed of. These experiences often left me questioning whether to hate back or combat the hate with love. Colorism, rooted in the remnants of systemic racism, not only perpetuates division but also erodes self-esteem and creates barriers to kindness and acceptance, which I stand for. As a youth at my mainly white school, I experienced racism from those different from me in the 4th-grade halls. When I moved to a more inclusive school, I never thought my eyes would open to a type of hatred from my own culture.

However, a single act of kindness can pierce through the shadows of hate. I remember a moment when a fair skin cashier took the time to affirm me She said, “Look at Mrs. Chocolata, so beautiful,” as she pointed out my summer tan of chocolate. Her words weren’t elaborate, but they were sincere. That small gesture made a world of difference. It reminded me that my worth isn’t dictated by others’ biases and that kindness has the power to heal. I also learned that words have a lot of power.

This experience taught me that love and kindness are not just responses to hate—they are shields. They have the ability to create a buffer against negativity and provide the strength needed to stand tall in the face of adversity, and to love more and hate less.

I now strive to use acts of love and kindness to make a positive impact on my community and the world. By mentoring younger girls who look like me as well as working on projects with my fellow school scholars, I have a support group to help on the journey of spreading love and not hate.

In a world often divided by hate, love and kindness are powerful forces. They remind us of our shared humanity and the power we hold to create a better, more equitable future. By choosing kindness, we can heal wounds, foster connections, and ensure that no one feels diminished by something like the color of their skin.

Addison is very outgoing. In 2017, she was the primary division winner of the Statewide Martin Luther King Oratorical Contest, where she had the opportunity to meet Martin Luther King III. She is currently a member of the Shaker Heights Minority Achievement Committee as well as Delta G.E.M. Addison was also selected to participate in the League of Women Voters Shaker Heights Legacy Fellowship Program. She loves vegan cuisine, traveling, and mentoring younger students. In elementary school, she started her own online backpack company.

FreshWater is sharing six of the winning poems and essays written by local students for The Maltz Museum’s 2025 Stop the Hate Youth Speak Out and Youth Sing Out essay and poetry contest. Students created essays, poems, and songs reflecting on a quote from artist Marc Chagall.