Leave it to the youngest voices to speak the loudest — these kids are Black and proud!

Promise Sawyers, a fifth-grader from Nashville, Tennessee, recently went viral after sharing a powerful message about self-love and pride in her natural hair, following a troubling experience with school bullying (Fox 17 News).

Promise had just started at a new school this year. During the first few days, she wore her hair in braids, but when she returned to her natural afro — a style she loves and had been complimented for at her previous school — she was met with teasing and negative comments from some classmates. Her mother, Qui Daugherty, told reporters that she consistently teaches Promise to face negativity with positivity and resilience.

When Promise shared how the teasing made her feel, her mother asked a simple but powerful question: “How did you feel when you left for school this morning?” Promise answered, “I felt confident and pretty.” Daugherty reminded her daughter that no matter what others say, she shouldn’t give anyone that much power over her self-worth.

Taking her mother’s advice to heart, Promise created a video the very next day to encourage not only herself but other students as well. In the video, she stands proud in her school uniform, her afro beautifully framing her face. She recounts the previous day, explaining: “A lot of people had a lot of mean things to say about it,” admitting that it “made me feel some type of way.” She continues by sharing her mother’s guidance: “Remember who you are and whose you are.”

Promise concludes the inspiring video with a heartfelt declaration, touching her afro and delivering a message of resilience: “I am returning to school bigger and better. Don’t allow anyone to steal your joy.” Then, placing her hand on her heart, she says with confidence: “I AM PROMISE MIAMOR SAWYERS.” The video has resonated widely, amassing nearly 2 million views and over 100,000 likes and shares across social media platforms.

Promise’s story draws parallels to Kheris Rogers, the young girl who was teased for her rich melanin complexion but went on to launch her own clothing line, walk in New York Fashion Week, and star in a Nike ad (ABC News). Stories like these highlight how early experiences of embracing one’s identity can transform into platforms for empowerment, visibility, and opportunity.

In a time when young Black girls often face societal pressures to conform, Promise’s courage reminds us that self-love and confidence are revolutionary acts. Her story is a testament to the power of encouragement, parental guidance, and speaking out against negativity.

A little motivation and self-love can go a long way — and Promise is proving that being unapologetically yourself is always worth celebrating. Keep shining, Promise!