the white angels

…even though i couldn’t define it i knew there was a difference…

Photo by Hayk Badalyan on Unsplash

When I was a kid, I would always see people my age, sometimes older, some I was even older than. But, they all had this unique trait.. white skin, gold colored hair, some brown or blue eyes.. I’d also see them squint their eyes more frequently than usual. At first, I was surprised or lets say curious, because I had not seen something like that before.

One thing I’d always hear from some adult is the word “Albino”. They either say this in mockery, pity or just during random chit-chat. I was a still a kid, I didn’t know the meaning of that word or anything… Even during children gathering or plays, some kids laugh at the strange looking person.

I said this because back then, they felt strange to me, more like aliens. I’d stare at them with so many questions in my head even though I didn’t alter any word.

Those kids would always use these words:

albino.. albino… albino… Laughing and clapping

The truth is, I wasn’t present in these children gathering or plays because my mom would always lock us inside our home anytime she’s going out. So, I’d just watch from the window or listen because their voices were so loud.

… they’d sing, clap, laugh and even troll them using some insultive words like: you no dey see for night, blind bartimaeus, ghost of the night… so many words that I can’t even remember.

If these were only peculiar among kids, it could be easily managed. But even adults now did same to kids and fellow adults too… so those kids actually learned those behaviors from adults.

even the ones being trolled mostly laugh about it… but that doesn’t excuse the behavior from those guys, they were bullies even though they knew what they were doing or not.

I would always wonder how they cope in school settings or anywhere else because most people act out of ignorance, while others just follow the crowd. Asides the aspect of bullying, seeing them use glasses, sometimes squint their beautiful eyes made me actually wonder if they could see clearly… It was a whole lot of experience for me.

I was just a curious and inquisitive little girl

If I could feel this way, even sad for them and how they were being treated. Now imagine how the actual person actually felt.

Every child will always notice the difference between themselves and their peers. Imagine being born into a home where all your siblings are dark skin including your mom and dad, and you’re the only one with a different skin tone and physical traits. For sure, you’re going to notice the gap.

This is the reality of so many people all over the world, at first they couldn’t explain it.. till they learned to accept their uniqueness and embrace their authenticity.

Some hasn’t still yet accepted this fact, they still live in fear, shame, and isolation

Hello there! It’s me again.. and it’s currently 12:34pm Saturday (June 13). Today is International Albinism Awareness Day.

Now let’s dive right in…

What is albinism?

finally found answers to some of my questions..

Albinism is a rare genetic condition. It means a person is born with very little or no melanin (the pigment that gives colour to the skin, hair, and eyes. It occurs when a person inherits certain gene changes from their parents that affect the body’s ability to produce melanin.

individuals with albinism are often referred to as albinos.

Photo by santiago gomez on Unsplash

Common features of albinism

• Very light skin and hair
• Light colored eyes which could be blue, green, gray, or light brown.
• Sensitivity to bright light (also known as photophobia).
• Nystagmus: Involuntary eye movements.
• Reduced visual acuity
• Increased risk of sunburn and skin damage due to reduced skin pigmentation.

Albinism has different types and most albinos look different, some appear red looking with gold hair. It varies…

The history of albinism in Africa

I’d say albinism in Africa is a story of survival, rich cultural mythology, and resilience. Long ago, African societies held different views on albinism. Some blend naturally with them, while some were afraid of them and treat them as outcasts.

Some didn’t even know if they were albinos, they just saw them as aliens who has come to invade their village.

Some say they were ghosts, cursed or children of the god’s with some sort of spiritual powers.

These were all speculations and myths… But, some people took it to the next level. They were called witch doctors who claimed that the body parts of people with albinism could bring wealth, power, and good luck. This isn’t true, just a dangerous way to make money.

Lot’s of innocent lives were lost

Studies shows that, since the early 2000s, hundreds of brutal attacks have been reported across several countries, heavily concentrated in East Africa like Tanzania and Malawi. There was even a black market where criminals who hunt and murder people with albinism sell their limbs and organs for high prices.

Such ungodly and inhumane behavior. But to what end?

Did you know? British physician Sir Archibald Garrod is credited with discovering the scientific and genetic basis of albinism in 1908.

or is it the innocent kids that were sacrificed, or abandoned simply because they were different and no proper awareness. Parents were scared of the stigma associated with being seen with such children…

I once watched a movie, more like a documentary of a woman who her husband abandoned in the hospital simply because she had an albino baby… He told her to abandon the child, she refused and he walked away from the hospital. The marriage ended that instant.. the woman was left to take care of her baby alone, she even had to leave that community….

I wish I could remember the name of this movie, I’d have been delighted to share with you guys. Maybe I would remember soon.

Albinos face a high risk of skin cancer because they lack melanin

The International Albinism Awareness Day is observed globally every year on June 13 to celebrate the human rights of people with albinism and to stop unfair treatment. This year’s theme (#iaad2026) is “Proudly my skin — celebrating all skin tones”.

I’m really glad that we’re in a constantly changing world, where everyone is learning to accept one another just the way they are.

Image source: Bored Panda

Some ancient non-biblical texts describe Noah as being born with an unusually white appearance.. but this doesn’t really prove that he was an albino.

No one should be bullied just because they’re different. Every skin tone is beautiful. Albinism is not contagious or something we should scare away from.

I call them white angels because, they are angels here on earth.. They are beautiful, and should be treated properly.

I look forward to a better tomorrow!

It’s currently 3:11pm Saturday

Thanks for reading.

Please help to raise awareness by sharing with your family, friends, and loved ones.

Have a blessed day.