Baltimore— In her 1983 book, In Search of Our Mother’s Gardens, celebrated author Alice Walker, defined colorism as “prejudicial or preferential treatment of same-race people based solely on their color.”
This is the central topic in The Color of Pretty, the fictionalized memoir of debut author Michelle Williams. The book’s main character Lola, is faced with many life challenges including an absentee father, bullying, low self- esteem and colorism because of her dark-skinned complexion that follows her from childhood to adulthood. Despite her struggles she chose happiness over self-doubt— she began reflecting as she embarked on her journey of healing.
“I want my book to encourage people to know that it is okay to seek help, dig deep and find out where or when did the feelings start, it may be hard, tough and painful but you have to do the work,” said Williams. “Confidence is like a game, to gain your confidence, you need to take more action.”
Williams’ childhood was both exciting and adventurous but also filled with complicated memories and loneliness because of the colorism she experienced.
She persevered and earned a B.S. in Business and Healthcare Administration, and a graduate degree in Human Resources Management and Public Administration. With twenty-four plus years of experience in human resources, she is seen as a leader in her industry. Michelle Williams will be signing her book The Color of Pretty at the upcoming 1st annual conference for women, “Confidence Looks Good on You” on Saturday, July 24, 2021, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cellar2 @ Parkville, 7631 Harford Road in Baltimore. Registration is $20.
To learn more about The Color of Pretty and the upcoming ‘Confidence Looks Good on You” conference, visit: www.thecolorofpretty.com.