HEIGHT MAGAZINE
COAT OF MANY COLORS by Krystal Carr Sancho
Adversity, Fortitude, Perseverance, and Versatility
T
he phrase ,“Coat of Many Colors”, was adopted from the biblical story of Joseph who was gifted a coat as a signet of his father’s undying affection for his beloved son. To re-energize that concept and bring it into the climate of the day, the “Coat of Many Colors” represents the adversity, the fortitude, the perseverance, and the versatility of the AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURE. We are all men and every woman wrapped in one body. Colored is what they called us, BLACK is what we choose to be. However, we should not be offended by whatever they call us. Not because they are intimidating to us, but because they are intimidated by us. Let’s analyze the word “colored”; Miriam and Webster primarily define the base word “color” to mean a phenomenon of light or visual perception that enables one to differentiate otherwise identical objects; the suffix “-ed” means to act in the past. Although derived from derogatory beginnings, the word “colored” suggests that from the beginning the “colored” have been a phenomenon, an unexplainable and remarkable beacon of light set apart from otherwise identical beings. BLACK is defined as the presence of ALL color and the presence of all things colored. Our melanin rich skin is harvested from the richly endowed soils of Africa that contain minerals such as copper, gold, diamonds, and platinum. We were born rich and it’s high time that we begin to recognize our value.
In contrast, white is defined as the absence of color; without hue. These references are not meant to spark pretentious issues of race or importance, but to enlighten some and inform others that we are all of equal relevance. If we would truly unite, there are no limits to what we can become. Come, let us paint this literal and figurative picture together… A painter begins a masterpiece with certain tools and supplies. He has an easel, a blank canvas, assorted paintbrushes, and multi-colored paints. If we tske away the color, what then remains? Without color all that is left is a blank slate. A masterpiece is created through the hands of the artist and the union of the paint with the canvas. One lacks luster and brilliance without the other. We are all important to one another and should build seamless relationships on truths to produce masterpieces of harmony, reverence, and adoration. When asked to mentally conceptualize a garment woven in the “fabric of love” that embodies love, peace, and unity, CLAVON LEONARD- fashion designerpassionately describes, “ the structure of man in a suit to represent dignity and integrity; the lapel saturated with the heart of a woman; the sleeves infused with vibrant colors to symbolize the children, an extension of the family; trousers that exemplify strength in uprising.” “The suit in its entirety is the embodiment of the black family; mended together is the structure of the man, the love of the woman, and the excitement of the youth.”
HEIGHT MAGAZINE
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