[the original "Melanin Appreciation" book.] ©-blackbillgates 2016.

A book of encouragement, thoughts, and other random things for the uplifting and awakening of black girls.

My name is Melanin Audrey Hayes, but the people closest to me call me Chocolate. Im 15 years old and extremely focused on my education and my dance. I plan to go to Spelman when I'm older and I won't let anything get in the way of it. I live with my parents and my two older brothers Isaiah and Josiah. They make sure that I want for nothing and that I get treated how they feel i should. I don't live in a mansion, but i don't live in a bad neighborhood either, We're an average middle-classed family. At this point boys are not really on my mind, I have more important things to worry about. I'm obviously dark and i love it, I never have, or will be ashamed of who i am. It's just me... Its Melanin.

*sprinkles glitter all over you* well, that there is some guaranteed black girl magic

"Some say the blacker the berry, the sweeter the juice. I say the darker the flesh, then the deeper the roots." -Tupac Young, African-American teen Ebony Brooks is considered an outcast to society. Not because of any disabilities or awkward personality traits, but because of her rich cocoa skin. However, Ebony is still confident with her dark complexion and receives uplifting praise from her family. Ebony travels through her entire life being a target to other kids, but when will she take a stand and stick up for her beautiful chocolate complexion? cover slayed by @aneonsky This story will be entering in the Wattys2016.

We refuse to be muted! For all my beautiful brown sistas who need some uplifting or encouragement. We all need love. ♡ And we shall not be judged by the color of our skin or the gender we are. Black women are beautiful and strong!!! New cover created by @InvincibleWanderer