Racism is easy to spot these days; we know its script, its favorite media tropes, its legislative tactics, and how it makes us feel. But there is another societal ill hiding in racism’s shadow: colorism. Colorism is a social hierarchy that favors people with lighter skin tones and stigmatizes people with darker skin tones. More than a debate on social media about who’s most attractive, colorism frays the fabric of our homes and communities and jeopardizes the lives and livelihoods of individuals most impacted.

In Colorism, Dr. Sarah L. Webb shows us how colorism goes unrecognized by most even as it contours our everyday lives. She leads us through cultural myths, client testimonies, and her own personal stories to demonstrate colorism’s global stronghold on communities of color and white communities alike. She dissects how dating and pop culture can be hotbeds of discrimination. And she lifts the veil on how colorism can determine our access to education, work, social services, and politics. Soulfully told and richly informative, Colorism rounds out with revisions we can all make to show up for one another. After all, bias may be based on what’s on the outside, but true healing starts from within.

Webb is joining us on the Busboys stage alongside Marita Golden to share how we move toward a world free from harmful stigma. Copies of Colorism will be available for purchase, and Webb will be signing following the program.

This event is free and open to all. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Our program begins at 6 p.m. and will be followed by an audience Q&A. We ask that guests RSVP in order to receive direct updates about the event from Busboys and Poets Books.

Hosted by Busboys and Poets @ Brookland, 625 Monroe St., NE, Washington, DC. Learn more here.