From Slavery to Self-Hate: Unmasking the Roots of Colorism in America

For over four hundred years, the shadow of slavery has shaped the realities of Black life in America. While the chains of bondage were physically broken generations ago, their psychological and social effects remain deeply embedded in modern society. One of the most painful legacies is the division within the Black community itself—particularly the colorism that pits light-skinned Black people against their dark-skinned brothers and sisters.
This book explores the modern-day effects of slavery, tracing how systemic racism, internalized oppression, and the so-called Willie Lynch Letter created a blueprint for division that still echoes today. From the plantation fields to present-day classrooms, workplaces, and media representation, this work uncovers how these manufactured hierarchies fuel distrust, self-hate, and fractured identities.
But this is more than history—it is a call to healing. By understanding the roots of colorism, internalized racism, and generational trauma, readers will see how these forces continue to affect Black families, relationships, and communities. At the same time, the book highlights paths toward unity, empowerment, and cultural restoration—breaking the cycle of division and reclaiming the collective strength that has always defined Black resilience.
Powerful, unflinching, and deeply necessary, this book is for anyone seeking to understand not only the lasting psychological impact of slavery in America, but also how to dismantle the barriers it created within the Black community itself.