“Hiding meant comfort to me. I would find different ways to not to be noticed. Often I would wear sunglasses to be low-key. It’s easy to avoid eye contact behind a pair of shades. Why the eyes? The eyes are vulnerable, and they tell what words can’t seem to say.

Like, I actually do care or I’m sad today. And that’s okay but it’s easier to just hide it. Let your light shine, you’re wonderfully and fearfully made. These are the words that God has spoken over me. I often imagine God smiling while creating me.

Now I  give myself permission to stand out, to take up space, to be present. Cannot be hidden. Sunglasses are now just a fashion statement to me. I choose not to be just hidden, but to just be here.”

—

Imaged and conceptualized by Dondre Green

Subject and story by Darline Janiver

Makeup: Natasha Vinson

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