Sulwe
| Industry | Publishing |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Kenya |
Sulwe is a New York Times bestselling picture book for children, authored by actress Lupita Nyong'o. The narrative centers on a young girl who longs for lighter skin, confronting issues of colorism while encouraging self-acceptance and pride in one’s natural skin tone.
In 2020, translations into Kiswahili and Dholuo were published in East Africa by the Kenyan company Bunk Books.
Synopsis
Sulwe, the child with the darkest complexion among her family and peers, desires to have lighter skin. After experiencing a magical journey, she discovers how to appreciate and love her own deep skin color.
In media
| Year | Platform | Segment |
|---|---|---|
| October 8, 2019 | The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon | "Lupita Nyong'o Discusses Her Experience with Colorism Through a Children's Book" |
| October 8, 2019 | Newsnight | "Lupita Nyong’o Addresses Racism, Colourism, and Justin Trudeau" |
| October 15, 2019 | Live with Kelly and Ryan | "Lupita Nyong'o Shares Insights on Her Book, Sulwe" |
| October 15, 2019 | Good Morning America | "Lupita Nyong'o Reveals the Meaning Behind Sulwe" |
| September 1, 2020 | Netflix Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices | "Lupita Nyong'o Reads from Sulwe" |
Film adaptation
Netflix revealed plans in February 2021 to create an animated musical movie based on the book, with Lupita Nyong'o serving as one of the producers.
Controversy
In September 2021, the book Sulwe was banned from use in classrooms within Pennsylvania's Central York School District and subsequently removed from Duval County schools in Florida in January 2022.