We're reminded of the lyrics of a famous American outfit that alluded to beauty being only skin deep.

This, of course, means that inner beauty is more critical because it is only through self-love that we are able to project love and warmth to others.

By the same token until you make peace with who you are, you'll never be content with what you have.

This resonates with the speech by Eastern Cape Premier Nosimo Balindlela who lambasted black women who use commercial cosmetics to lighten their skins so they can look like white people.

Speaking at the heritage celebrations in Grahamstown this week, she quoted Black Consciousness leader Steve Biko and urged black women to love their skin and so break the shackles of oppression.

The message is clear: Be proud of your skin.

After all black is beautiful.