Nyakim Gatwech, famously known as the “Queen of the Dark,” has captivated the world with her extraordinary beauty and resilience. She once found herself in a surprising conversation with an Uber driver who offered unsolicited advice on caring for her striking skin. Gatwech, known for her vibrant confidence, responded with laughter, turning the moment into a powerful lesson. Read on to discover more about this inspiring woman and her journey to self-love and acceptance.
Nyakim Gatwech’s early life was marked by hardship, having spent her formative years in refugee camps in Ethiopia and Kenya. At the age of 14, she moved to Buffalo, New York, with visions of America as a “heaven on earth.” However, reality was starkly different, and Gatwech faced relentless bullying because of her deeply pigmented skin. Now based in Minnesota and originally from South Sudan, the model recounts the hurtful comments she endured, such as being told she didn’t shower, making her skin appear dirty, or being asked to smile so she could be seen.
In school, the bullying was particularly harsh. Gatwech recalls moments when classmates pretended they couldn’t see her because of her skin color. “I would just cry,” she shares, reflecting on the pain of those experiences. These challenges pushed her to the brink, considering skin bleaching to escape the torment.
Despite the adversity, Gatwech’s story is one of triumph. Her sister, who had bleached her own skin, firmly advised against it, helping Gatwech embrace her natural beauty. Today, Nyakim Gatwech is celebrated as the Queen of the Dark, a title she wears with pride. She has faced discrimination in the fashion industry from designers, makeup artists, and fellow models, yet she remains empowered by her resilience and self-love.
Gatwech’s confidence shines through her social media, where she has garnered over 962,000 loyal Instagram followers. She often shares messages of self-acceptance and pride in her deep chocolatey skin. “My chocolate is elegant. So is what I represent… A nation of warriors,” she writes, inspiring many with her words.
A few years ago, Gatwech had an encounter with an Uber driver that highlighted the ignorance she often faces. The driver asked if she would ever consider bleaching her skin, suggesting it would make her life easier. Gatwech’s response was both dignified and defiant: “Even if being lighter would make my life easier, I’d rather take the hard road.” She shared this story on Instagram, receiving overwhelming support from her followers who praised her for standing up against such absurd questions.
Nyakim Gatwech uses her platform to uplift and inspire young black girls facing similar challenges. When asked what advice she would give, she said, “You are beautiful, you are unique, and there are people who love you just the way you are. They say the darker the berry, the sweeter the juice. Embrace your darkness!”
Gatwech’s journey from a bullied teenager to a celebrated model is a testament to the power of self-love and resilience. She continues to break barriers and redefine beauty standards, proving that true beauty lies in embracing who you are.
