"Nous ne faisions pas la promotion de Black is beautiful. Nous l'avons juste montré."

The core idea here is pretty straightforward: Instead of preaching about the beauty of Blackness, they simply demonstrated it. Actions spoke louder than words. They didn’t need to convince anyone or argue their case because the evidence was right there—in their presence, their style, their excellence.

Think back to the 1960s and 70s in the United States—a time of intense social change and activism. Civil rights movements were gaining momentum, and Black Americans were fighting for equality on all fronts. Amidst this, the Black is beautiful movement emerged. It wasn’t about shouting slogans or holding up signs. It was a quiet, powerful resistance to centuries of racism and Eurocentric beauty standards. Instead of merely talking about their worth, people lived it. They showed their pride in their natural hair, their dark skin, their cultural heritage. It was more impactful than any speech or written word.

Picture this: You're walking down a street in Harlem during that era. You see people with afros and dashikis, women rocking bold, natural hairstyles, and men dressed sharply, exuding confidence. Each person you pass isn’t just dressed; they are making a statement. They are embodying the very essence of beauty and pride in their Blackness. They don’t need to tell you; it’s evident.

Now, let’s transport this idea into a practical example. Think about the fashion industry today. Brands like Fenty by Rihanna haven't been pushing diversity through endless campaigns or press releases. Instead, they featured diverse models, showcased a wide range of skin tones in their makeup lines, and celebrated inclusivity through their choices. They just showed it. Through their actions, they conveyed a powerful message: beauty comes in all shades and forms.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? The key is to lead by example. If you believe in something deeply, live it out. Let your actions be the proof of your beliefs. Don’t just talk about kindness—be kind. Don’t just advocate for sustainability—practice it. Show the beauty of your ideals through the way you live, and people will notice. They’ll be inspired by the authenticity and the integrity of your actions.

Imagine you're passionate about environmental conservation. Instead of constantly lecturing others about reducing waste, you start by making small, visible changes in your life. You carry a reusable water bottle, use cloth bags for groceries, and compost your kitchen scraps. Your friends and family see these actions—they see you living your values. Over time, they might start asking questions, maybe even follow your lead, all because you demonstrated your commitment without saying much at all.

This approach builds credibility. It’s genuine and often more persuasive than any argument or speech. People are drawn to authenticity, and they’re more likely to be influenced by what they see than by what they’re told.

So next time you feel the need to convince someone of something important, remember this: sometimes, the most powerful way to communicate is just to show it. Live your truth sincerely and consistently, and let others witness the beauty and strength of your convictions firsthand.