Teunice Curtis
- Howard University
- Young Women’s Leadership Academy, San Antonio, TX
From a very young age, Teunice was aware of the difference in treatment received by dark complexioned African Americans versus light complexioned African Americans. She describes the prejudices and discrimination disproportionately affecting dark complexioned African Americans. However, Teunice realized the full severity of the issue when one of her three-year-old relatives inquired of the seemingly innate “ugliness” of his dark skin. Teunice partnered with Blended Designs to create The Backpack Swag Kidz to provide school supplies and backpacks featuring African Americans of varying complexions to allow children with dark skin tones see their complexion and characteristics celebrated and positively depicted. Teunice serves as president of the National Art Honor Society.