We are sad to report that Karyn Washington, founder of “For Brown Girls” (FBG) and the #DarkSkinRedLip Project has passed away from an apparent suicide. Washington, from the Baltimore area, received kudos from so many black women after launching the #darkskinredlip project after rapper, A$AP Rocky, said red lips on dark girls don’t mix.
Thousands of women posted photos of themselves proudly rocking their red lips.
Washington’s mission behind FBG was to celebrate the beauty of dark skin while combating colorism and promoting self love! FBG was created to celebrate darker shades of brown- to encourage those struggling with accepting having a darker skin complexion to love and embrace the skin they are in.
A long-time friend of Washington’s wrote a heart-felt post for her:
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!
Your MOTHER raised you so well. She’s been proud of you and I know she’s happy to have you by her side now. I’m so blessed to have met you and I’m so grateful that there is a God so merciful and graceful enough to supply us with what we need just when we need it- And so like I told you the last time we shared words, I love you, you’ve been in my prayers, and God is with you even in your darkest hour- and I’m most certain that He was last night. I’m glad you have found peace and happiness. You deserve it. God bless you, your family, and friends. You are Loved and Missed my beautiful brown girl extraordinaire! Thank you for being kind. Thank you for sharing your dream. Thank you for your courage and all the love you’ve poured out of your soul. Now you’ll receive divine restoration- 10 fold! (tears)
Although we didn’t personally know Washington, we stood behind her mission. May she rest in peace.
http://www.forbrowngirls.com
Young girl….R.I.P
I hope it’s not the same stigma that she was fighting cause her to take her own life. I had no idea there was an organization for dark skinned women….is it that bad?
Heard something this morning don’t know if it’s her. RIP babygirl
rip young lady some ppl hide their demons n some can’t bare it n jus give up so sad that dark skin is not consider beauty in black community
Many times it seems that we cannot get passed certain things …and we always think that we are the problem ,,,some people in the way could be mother father sister uncle friend etc …once they are in your life and you have not yet reach your state of self respect and self love ..whatever you accomplish will be null and void ….poor girl were fighting her self when she should be staying away from certain ppl
I read that she was dealing with depression from the loss of her mother. May she RIP