Phylicia Rashad and Debbie Allen’s colorism story is a reminder that beauty standards start young

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 16: (L-R) Phylicia Rashād and Debbie Allen attend the 16th Governors Awards at The Ray Dolby Ballroom on November 16, 2025 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)Credit: Photo Amy Sussman / Getty Images
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Phylicia Rashad and Debbie Allen’s story reveals how colorism, comparison, and beauty standards can shape Black women’s self-image from childhood into adulthood.

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For generations of Black communities, actress Phylicia Rashad has been seen as one of the beacons of grace and beauty. However, in a recent conversation on the “IMO Podcast” hosted by Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson, Rashad revealed that she once did not see herself as beautiful in comparison to her sister Debbie Allen.

“I think if there was competition that I felt, I always felt that Debbie was beautiful and that I was not,” Rashad shared. “I don’t remember what led to the conversation, but I said to Deborah that I had always wanted to be beautiful, like her, and she looked at me, she said, ‘But you’re the beautiful one, you’re the one. I was always trying to be beautiful like you,’ and then we broke down and started crying.”

For the full story, please visit thegrio.com

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