Three years ago, the internet was captivated by the infectious smile of a black baby with glossy black skin, sparking admiration and curiosity among many. This little one, with plump cheeks and a radiant smile, quickly gained the nickname “the most beautiful black baby.” But what was even more intriguing was the skin tone of the baby’s mother, which many were eager to know about.
The baby, whose captivating photos took the internet by storm, is the son of a young mother named Joha Kanyamuneza from Australia. Since his birth, Joha has been regularly sharing photos of her son on social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram. Little did she know that these photos would become a sensation, leading to both admiration and, sadly, criticism regarding her son’s skin.
In response to the mixed reactions, Joha once wrote, “My dear son! I hope you never have to care about people who laugh at you because of the color of your skin. This world is not for everyone, your happiness can be lost at any time, but I promise that I will always make your life happy.”
Mothers have an unwavering love and pride for their children, and Joha is no exception.
Joha and her daughter at Port Kembla beach in Australia.
While Joha hasn’t revealed her son’s real name, she shared that his middle name, Rufaro, which means “happiness” in Shona (a language spoken by the Shona people in Zimbabwe), is a name she cherishes. She explained that her grandmother gave her the name “Kanyamuneza,” which means “happy” in Kirundi, and it symbolizes her own journey of happiness despite life’s challenges. In a beautiful gesture, she passed on the middle name Rufaro to her son, hoping that it would always be a source of happiness for him.
Despite facing ridicule and mockery about her family’s dark skin, Joha consistently teaches her children to love the skin they are in and be proud of it. She proudly displays pictures of her daughter and herself, both of whom have unique dark skin tones, and takes joy in the smiles they share. Through these images, it’s evident that her son has inherited their distinctive skin tone. Regardless of any negative comments about their appearance, Joha exudes confidence and freshness in the company of her son, whether they are at home, out and about, or enjoying a day at the beach.
The “happy black boy,” as he was once called, is now three years old and has started his journey in school. He’s grown taller and more mature, but his bright smile and impressive skin tone remain just as recognizable. According to Joha, her son is filled with excitement about going to school, and she happily enrolled him in kindergarten. He displays boundless joy when surrounded by friends, relishing every moment spent playing with them.
This remarkable family’s story is a testament to the beauty of embracing one’s unique appearance, and Joha’s message of love, pride, and happiness shines through, making her family’s radiant dark skin truly extraordinary.
