Colorism: Help The Youth Learn About It
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Award-winning Chicago Tween Continues Educating About Colorism and Launches Fundraiser to Donate Lupita Nyong’o’s New Children’s Book to Local Elementary School
Anah Ambuchi, writer, producer, director of bullying prevention film, Made in His Image, to donate 50 copies of Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o’s, book Sulwe to the Saving our Daughter Cinderella Girls at Willa Cather Elementary in Chicago, IL
Ambuchi, recently was named a “Celebrity Godparent” as part of actor Keke Palmer’s “Saving Our Daughters” program, hosted at Willa Cather Elementary School. Ambuchi will spend several hours a month as a mentor to the students at the school while being mentored by Ford model Jacki Hydock. She joins an impressive list, including Grace Gealey Byers, star of the hit TV series, Empire; Yara Shahidi, star of the hit shows, Black-ish and Grown-ish; Quvenzhané Wallis, star of the hit movie Annie, and Beast of Southern Wild; Tatyiana Ali, best known for her role in The Fresh Prince of Bel Air; and many more!
“I’m excited about the book Sulwe and its message and really feel every kid should read Ms. Nyong’o’s book,” said Ambuchi, whose short film, Made in His Image, is based on a true story about Ambuchi experienced colorism and bullying from her classmates. “Being bullied for my dark complexion was tough to deal with, colorism is a topic that is near and dear to me and I strongly feel that it’s a topic that we need to continue to discuss.”
Nyong’o’s book chronicles the story of Sulwe whose skin is darker than everyone in her family and in her school. Nyong’o paints a whimsical story that helps Sulwe embrace her inner beauty and raise her self-esteem. Ambuchi’s story is very much the same. As a student in middle school, Ambuchi is hurt and confused as her classmates call her names. She later finds strength from her mother’s constant reassurance and taps into her faith to channel her anger into writing, directing and producing the short film, with nationally acclaimed acting coach, Jossie Harris Thacker, as executive producer and co-director. Ambuchi cast the film and shot it in various locations in Chicago during a cold weekend in 2018.
This year, Ambuchi’s film Made in His Image made a special international premiere at Cannes Film Festival - Diversity in Cannes Short Film Showcase and also received the inaugural Rising Star Award. Made in His Image has also gone on to be accepted into 10 film festivals between Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Washington DC, New York, New Jersey and has won Best in Show Middle School and Best Young Talent.
Saving Our Daughters, a 501(c)3 organization works with girls from different backgrounds through theater, film, culinary and literacy, to help them overcome obstacles they face growing up such as bullying, dating abuse, domestic violence and other esteem issues. Saving Our Daughters creates the tools to encourage teen girls to take the power away from negative issues of bullying, as celebrity supported art programs, educate girls beyond the borders of a traditional classroom.
So please donate and share because girls deserves to know that they must embrace their inner beauty despite the naysayers.
Any remaining or exceeded funds will go towards purchasing more books to give to other girls who are in the Saving Our Daughter program.
To learn more about Anah Ambuchi visit www.anahambuchi.com
Anah Ambuchi, writer, producer, director of bullying prevention film, Made in His Image, to donate 50 copies of Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o’s, book Sulwe to the Saving our Daughter Cinderella Girls at Willa Cather Elementary in Chicago, IL
Ambuchi, recently was named a “Celebrity Godparent” as part of actor Keke Palmer’s “Saving Our Daughters” program, hosted at Willa Cather Elementary School. Ambuchi will spend several hours a month as a mentor to the students at the school while being mentored by Ford model Jacki Hydock. She joins an impressive list, including Grace Gealey Byers, star of the hit TV series, Empire; Yara Shahidi, star of the hit shows, Black-ish and Grown-ish; Quvenzhané Wallis, star of the hit movie Annie, and Beast of Southern Wild; Tatyiana Ali, best known for her role in The Fresh Prince of Bel Air; and many more!
“I’m excited about the book Sulwe and its message and really feel every kid should read Ms. Nyong’o’s book,” said Ambuchi, whose short film, Made in His Image, is based on a true story about Ambuchi experienced colorism and bullying from her classmates. “Being bullied for my dark complexion was tough to deal with, colorism is a topic that is near and dear to me and I strongly feel that it’s a topic that we need to continue to discuss.”
Nyong’o’s book chronicles the story of Sulwe whose skin is darker than everyone in her family and in her school. Nyong’o paints a whimsical story that helps Sulwe embrace her inner beauty and raise her self-esteem. Ambuchi’s story is very much the same. As a student in middle school, Ambuchi is hurt and confused as her classmates call her names. She later finds strength from her mother’s constant reassurance and taps into her faith to channel her anger into writing, directing and producing the short film, with nationally acclaimed acting coach, Jossie Harris Thacker, as executive producer and co-director. Ambuchi cast the film and shot it in various locations in Chicago during a cold weekend in 2018.
This year, Ambuchi’s film Made in His Image made a special international premiere at Cannes Film Festival - Diversity in Cannes Short Film Showcase and also received the inaugural Rising Star Award. Made in His Image has also gone on to be accepted into 10 film festivals between Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Washington DC, New York, New Jersey and has won Best in Show Middle School and Best Young Talent.
Saving Our Daughters, a 501(c)3 organization works with girls from different backgrounds through theater, film, culinary and literacy, to help them overcome obstacles they face growing up such as bullying, dating abuse, domestic violence and other esteem issues. Saving Our Daughters creates the tools to encourage teen girls to take the power away from negative issues of bullying, as celebrity supported art programs, educate girls beyond the borders of a traditional classroom.
So please donate and share because girls deserves to know that they must embrace their inner beauty despite the naysayers.
Any remaining or exceeded funds will go towards purchasing more books to give to other girls who are in the Saving Our Daughter program.
To learn more about Anah Ambuchi visit www.anahambuchi.com
Organizer
Anah Ambuchi
Organizer
Chicago, IL
