Founder of ‘For Brown Girls’ Passes Away at Age 22 of Apparent Su¡cide

The 22 year old who founded For Brown Girls as a way of celebrating black women has passed away at age 22 of an apparent sυicide.

Karyn Washington founded For Brown Girls, then launched her #DarkSkinRedLip initiative after rapper A$ap Rocky cautioned dark skinned girls against wearing red lipstick.  The mission of both endeavors was to encourage darker skinned women to celebrate their beauty.

She described how she came to create FBG:

When the blog was initially created, my cousin and I were dealing with self-esteem issues relating to our complexion and we would vent to each other. Through talking it out and building each other up, we felt better but also didn’t like the fact that we were even having these feelings to begin with. We also realized that other girls may be going through the same thing and wanted to use Tumblr as a means to vent, encourage others and overcome. Since then, I have gained a greater passion for the cause and helping others.

Although no one has spoken of the factors which contributed to Washington taking her own life, a friend posted a message which alluded to the fact that Washington had been struggling:

When I look at you I see a reflection of myself and most certainly that is why this hurts so badly. From now on I’ll forever remember your big beautiful smile, your charm, ambition, professionalism, entrepreneurship, confidence, humility, your drive, and your beautiful Brown Skin. That is what I’ll choose to remember… because to be honest, I’m a bit angry with you. Indeed I’m being selfish, but my heart is devastated- yet, because I know a tad bit about what you were going through I can understand. I’m guilt tripping because I wish I could’ve been there for you a little bit more. I’m so sorry, but I can’t help but to think that with just a little bit more time or a little less distance, proximity would’ve allowed me to make, maybe the slightest difference…. Forgive me!

We can be thankful that Washington made a difference while she was here. Our hearts go out to her family and loved ones.

According to Madam Noire, Karyn’s struggle with self-esteem issues is what led to the creation of her blog.  She was quoted as stating the following during an interview:

When the blog was initially created, my cousin and I were dealing with self-esteem issues relating to our complexion and we would vent to each other.  Through talking it out and building each other up, we felt better but also didn’t like the fact that we were even having these feelings to begin with. We also realized that other girls may be going through the same thing and wanted to use Tumblr as a means to vent, encourage others and overcome. Since then, I have gained a greater passion for the cause and helping others.

Soledad O’Brien recently produced a segment on CNN about black women and depression.  The conversation is interesting and speaks of how many women of color suffer in silence.  Being the backbones of many families, black women are often the last to speak of their own suffering, and also train their daughters to suffer in silence as well.

Here is Soledad speaking with Terrie Williams, author of “Black Pain” on the matter:

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The story has gotten the attention of those who feel that the African American community can often become fixated on skin color as a way of measuring a woman’s beauty.  Although no one knows if these self-esteem issues directly contributed to Washington’s passing, it is clear that they didn’t make her life better.

“As a father of dark-skinned girls, this story touched my heart to the core,” said Dr Boyce Watkins.  “It is a wakeup call on two levels:  One, that depression is real in our community and must be treated, and two, that colorism must come to an end.”

Dr Watkins, who also wrote “Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about College,” says that this story sends a message to young people and parents about keeping troubling matters in perspective.

“I wish I could have helped this young lady understand that 22 is too young to leave this earth, since there are so many things ahead of you,” he said.  “Parents should look for signs of depression in their children, but young people must never forget that tomorrow opens the door for a brighter day.  Never shut that door too early.”

Dr Watkins was nice enough to do a short video addressing black women, depression and other factors that young people deal with.  The video is here: