my daughter, think of what upsets you, then use that energy to inspire you towards making a change.

I started my humanitarian initiative in 2016 -- after being invited to the FUTURE SCHOOL to speak to the kids about my career. Being able to touch those kids was so inspiring to me.  I was also deeply inspired by my late uncle KOFI ANNAN. I wanted to do more than entertain and touch people with my music/performances. I wanted to make a real difference in the world like he did, so I asked him for advice. He said, "Go home and think of what makes you upset. Use that energy to fuel your drive for change'. A brilliant and unorthodox method. That is precisely what I did lol! I thought about colorism in the entertainment industry and throughout the world. I thought about the psychological, historical and health implications of this phenomenon. I realized this was a huge contributing factor to skin cancer trends in communities of color... I was inspired to make a change. 

This issue is so important to me because my aunt passed from melanoma when I was 11 years old. I have seen the adverse effects of skin bleaching on so many. Cancer is so pervasive; both my parents are cancer survivors. My life has been deeply touched by various types of cancer, but skin cancer due to bleaching was something that really touched me. I am a darkskin woman who understand first-hand the effects of colorism on one's psyche and confidence. My anti-bleaching skin cancer initiative was thus born. I started doing research and I put together a comprehensive proposal. I started getting invited to platforms to speak on this issue (such as: the United Nations, Washington University, Georgetown University, Microsoft Headquarters, etc) 

Investing in this endeavor will mean that you will play an integral part in effecting change in an area that is severely under-reported, under-represented, and under-researched. Your funding will help me conduct critical research, visit areas where access to important medical care is limited, conduct powerful and inspiring speeches for young people around the country, continent and diaspora, and change lives. Click the "get involved" tab on your right to donate and be an important part of this initiative.

#DidYouKnow that MAY was #SkinCancerAwareness month? Established in 1981 by the American Cancer Society this initiative has become global and connects people around the world to discuss their experiences with skin cancer and skincare. As many of you may know, I am very passionate about this issue and I’ve built an entire anti-bleaching initiative on it under my NGO The Panalove Foundation.

It is a misconception that this is a “white man’s disease” — although globally Caucasians do have a higher prevalance of the disease due to lower levels of melanin and vulnerability to the sun. Melanoma is the most common case of skin cancer found in Black and Brown people; one that my aunt passed away from when I was just 12 years old. Bleaching the skin is the act of removing the melanin and darkness of one’s skin over a sustained period of time. This causes major complications, disease, and creates vulnerability of the skin. Taking care of our skin is paramount to a healthy lifestyle. Loving the skin you are in is also very important. Throughout this month, I’ll be giving tips on how to maintain clear, beautiful, healthy, glowing and protected skin! Stay tuned!