I Am Big, Black, Bold and Beautiful

Dianne Dunchie-Coley

I tried to move through the world with a quiet grace, often holding back my full radiance to ensure everyone around me felt at ease. I practiced a gentle stillness, softening my voice and keeping my vibrant joy tucked away like a precious secret. But I’ve come to a beautiful realization: I am meant to shine brightly and live out loud. Shining brightly has always been my path.

I am big. That isn't just about my physical stature; it’s about my spirit. I carry a legacy of stories, ancestors, and dreams, both the ones that came true and the ones still waiting. I am big because of the Dunchie genes: strong, resilient, and full of dignity. Walking around Ghana, I heard four words that brought me to tears: "Welcome home, my sister." For the first time, I felt a sense of belonging that crossed every border. Everywhere I turned, I saw my own reflection, people with that same striking presence I see in my father, Rennie Dunchie.

My strength comes from that lineage. It’s built on plates of brown stewed chicken, ackee and saltfish with boiled dumplings, the smoky heat of jerk chicken, the sticky sweetness of sugarcane on my fingers, and Julie mangoes that melt in your mouth. My soul is fed by my culture.

I am Black. Not just Black, but unforgettably, gloriously so. My skin is a map of resistance and survival. It holds the warmth of the Jamaican sun, the rhythm of my ancestors, and the strength of generations who fought for the right to stand tall. Looking at the faces in Ghana, I realized I don’t need anyone’s permission to exist exactly as I am.

I am bold. You’ll find me moving to ’90s dancehall beats, my hips unafraid and my feet rooted in their own power. I lean into the revival tunes of home, the kind of music that takes me back to altar calls and fiery sermons under zinc rooftops. I wear colors that scream life: black, green, and gold, but also scarlet, orange, and deep purple. I refuse to live in gray tones just to fit someone else’s bland expectations. My thoughts are raw and my truth is unedited. I move with intention, never offering an apology for my space.

I am beautiful. I don’t fit into some narrow, societal template, I am beautiful because of the truth of my being. My curves hold history, my features tell our story, and my style reflects every obstacle I’ve ever climbed. 

I am beautiful because I am big, black and bold, for these are the very qualities that define my identity and elevate my radiance

This isn't an explanation; it’s a manifesto. This is for the girl trying to make herself small to fit into a box that wasn't built for her. This is for the woman told she’s too loud, too confident, or that her dreams are simply too much. If you’ve ever been made to feel like your fullness is a flaw, hear this:

You are not too much. You are more than enough, exactly as you stand.

As for me?

I am big.

I am Black.

I am bold.

I am beautiful.

I am unapologetic.