Photo by Oladimeji Odunsi

It's no secret that Black people have been oppressed and undervalued for hundreds of years. Even with all of the progress we've made, for African-Americans, it can be hard to hold on to our sense of worth when we receive opposing messages from all sides. The media, our places of work, and perhaps especially our government shout at us that we're less-than every day. Cultural appropriation attempts to convince us that our features, our culture, our art are beautiful only when viewed on whiter skin. It's exhausting. So on those days when you've had enough, and those voices begin gnawing at the edges of your self-worth, here are some accounts to remind you that #BlackIsBeautiful.

Duckie Thot

Duckie Thot is a gorgeous Australian model taking over the high fashion world. She’s walked in Rihanna’s SavageXFenty line, in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion show, and most recently has been named the new face of L’Oreal Paris. In an industry where companies still refuse to launch a foundation darker than tan, and designers like Marc Jacobs slap dreadlocks on white models and then try to place the blame on us for cultural appropriation, it’s refreshing to see this #DarkSkinnedBeauty killing the game.

My pride apparel

My Pride Apparel is a clothing brand that’s all about black empowerment, and especially black women’s empowerment. Their Instagram appears to feature the black beauties who wear their clothes, which range from amusing pieces like this “Moisturized, Hydrated, and Minding My Own Business” top, to more simple “Black and Proud” pieces. If you can’t get enough of this brand like me (#notspon), check out their website here.

@naturalhairlovez

The politics of black hair are too much to get into in such a short post. But I think the best way to sum it up is to turn the tables. To all my naturally straight-haired allies, can you imagine being told that your hair, as it naturally grows out of your head, is not professional enough for the workplace? Can you imagine being compelled to spend hundreds of dollars a year on curling treatments to feel accepted in society? Our hair is attacked simply because it is unique, and this affects our collective sense of beauty and self-worth in a myriad of ways. I personally continue to struggle to love my natural hair, but when I’m feeling low it helps to look to my fellow kinky-curly goddesses. @naturalhairlovez has it all, from styling posts, to gorgeous photos like the one on the left, to natural hair humor. It’s the perfect pick-me-up for a rainy day.

SouKeyna

Soukeyna Diouf, @soukeyna on Instagram, is a petite model who demolishes stereotypes about what looks good on dark skin every day. This photo of her in this electric pink dress at the Louvre absolutely stole my breath away. If you’re looking for makeup inspiration on dark skin, Soukeyna’s skills are off the charts. Her highlight is heart-stopping, her lipstick soothed my anxiety, and her eyeshadow did my taxes for me. I can’t wait to watch this young model continue to grow.

Black man Black Tie

If you’re looking for some male inspiration to cleanse your timeline, @blackmanblacktie is the way to go. I don’t think I can describe them any better than they’ve described themselves, as “A visual cocktail for the well-dressed, modern gentlemen of color with a taste for the finer things in life.” Sounds appealing, no?

Jackie Aina

Where do I begin? I’ve been following Auntie Jackie on YouTube for several years. Her makeup artistry is to die for, she’s always first to lift up and advocate for her people in the beauty community, and she never fails to make me laugh. She is a veteran and a true self-made success (I’m looking at you Forbes), with 2 million and counting subscribers on YouTube as of writing this post. There aren’t a ton of people I can confidently call role models in the YouTube world, but Jackie Aina is absolutely one of them. She has made it her mission to fight for black people in the beauty industry, and I’m here for that!!!

Who do you follow when you need a reminder that #BlackIsBeautiful? Or if you're of another culture, who do you look up to on social media? Leave me a comment down below, or tweet me @lightweightlux. And if you’re looking to support one more black sister on Instagram, feel free to throw me a follow @lightweightluxury.