This study was designed to examine how colorism affects African American women. The
phenomenon of colorism is not exclusive to African American women, but the
manifestations on this group are diverse, and the effects are unique. Previous research has
shown that the experience of colorism is pervasive within the Black community and that
most Black women have been, either culturally or personally, affected by intra-racial
discrimination. This body of work used a focus group to investigate the experiences of
African American women that were categorized according to their self ascribed skin tone
group. It specifically explored skin tone bias as a three-tiered variable in terms of intraracial dynamics. The findings suggest that women of different hues have unique
experiences based on their skin tone, and that these experiences influence how they feel
about themselves, and how they interact with others. This research should inform the
clinical work of future clinicians engaging with this population. It will hopefully
stimulate critical discussions within academic forums that would promote further
research and better understanding of this group’s dynamics.