Meet our new columnist, Julissa Garcia. This column is an introduction to Garcia and her personal views. Every column written by Garcia will begin with her name.

Does the color of my skin intimidate you?

This feisty, vocal browness I identify with. It speaks volumes, it alone, but some have tried to turn it down. Into silence.

We are taught to not talk about it. Be oblivious. Work hard and just keep going. Blend in.

Generations of immigrants have worn their browness everyday, working hard to survive. They have taught us to be more than they could ever achieve – get an education. But in order to do this, you must hinder your browness, to please others. Blend in.

I refuse to blend in. Stand out. I am the skin I wear. Judge me not solely by my color, but what it says of the real me.

Generations of immigrants have taught me that this browness that envelopes me, has become my resistance.

A resistance against all factors that says we can’t.

A resistance that won’t stop, until it’s acknowledged.

Does this shade of brown limit your perceivement of me?

I am judged too quickly of stereotypes, not judged enough to be taken seriously. Limited by what others think, then what I have to say.

Does my race scare you?

Generalizations and assumptions are too often believed, that you are too afraid to find out yourself. These stereotypes don’t represent me, it’s time to face reality.

I am the feisty, vocal brown woman you should be afraid of. Can’t be contained. I am the fire that is not afraid to spark.

This spicy culture of browness make others uneasy, uncomfortable. It’s something I can’t turn down. It’s something that can’t be silenced.

I am the skin I wear. Hear my shade of brown.