Karyn Washington, the young beautiful lady who founded the blog For Brown Girls has committed suicide. Karyn killed herself at her home on April 8th. She was just 22.
Her friends say the popular blogger, who founded the blog three years ago to ‘celebrate the beauty of dark skin while combatting colorism and promoting self love’, suffered from depression and mental illness for many months before taking her life. Friends say the depression started after she lost her mum to cancer in 2013.
Karyn, who motivated thousands everyday through her blog, never shared her problems with her fans and readers, who were most shocked when news of her death hit headlines.
Blogger Ty Alexander wrote on his blog
I wanna pout for a few minutes. I wanna bubble-snot cry. I wish someone had told Karyn Washington that she didn’t have to be strong. She didn’t have to hold the world’s glaring eyes on her shoulders. That asking for help was ok. No matter how you ask for it, it’s ok. People say all the time, You’re so strong! That’s so far from the truth. I AM WEAK!!! I think that’s what has gotten me through. I don’t judge myself for bursting into tears in the middle of a meeting. I don’t judge myself for eating the entire pint of butter pecan ice cream (although I just signed up for Crunch)! And I cannot judge myself for not being able to save Karyn.
Karyn spread words of hope to thousands of women everyday. Messages such as this one, which she shared last year while watching her mother deteriorate from cancer:
I am empowered by other strong women and girls. Even by those who don’t necessarily know they are inspiring. Women who are doing what they can to uplift others around them and make a difference in their community motivate me to do the same. I think it is so important for women no matter what complexion, race, or religious background to be united in making sure our voices are heard – that we are being leaders and positive role models to the younger generation.
May her soul rest in peace, Amen.
- DJ Baddo – All Of Me Remix ft John Legend [AuDio]
- Dj Kamol – Crazy Gyration ft Skailey Normal [AuDio]
- Mr. Charis – All Back ft Zouwrah [AuDio]
- Victony, Don Toliver & Rema – Soweto
- Tiwa Savage – One [AuDio]
- Iyanya – Credit ft Don Jazzy [AuDio]
- DJ Enimoney – Shaku Shaku Therapy [MixTape]
- NaijaVibe at 10 MixTape
- Larry Gaaga, Theresa Onuorah, Flavour & Phyno – Egedege
- Zinoleesky – Last Time ft Omah Lay
- BNXN (Buju) – Omo Elewa
- Tekno – Freetown