Lovette Jallow

Lovette Jallow is currently one of the most vital voices against racism, discrimination and social injustice. She stands unquestionably with the marginalized and disenfranchised, clearly pointing out structural and individual injustices, along with the problems that arise when people are treated differently based on their background, religion, ethnicity, skin color or gender.

Lovette came to Sweden as an 11-year-old, but she was born in Gambia among strong female role models who helped lay the foundation for her exceptional courage and willpower. Even in high school, Lovette would educate her classmates on racism and the equality of all people. She started her struggle from being bullied every day in school for the colour of her skin.

The fiery commitment continued, and as the lacking inclusion of darker skin tones in the beauty industry came clear to Lovette, she started the Facebook group, Black Vogue. Five years later, she also wrote the book, Black Vogue – Shades of Beauty; the first European book on beauty care and makeup for Black and Brown skin tones. Thanks to Lovette and her more than 30,000 Facebook followers, and more than 90,000 Instagram followers, makeup ranges are now larger, more accessible and more inclusive for all skin tones.

Today, with her digital platforms and engaging lectures, Lovette has taken her commitment far outside the beauty industry. Her activism has made her a strong spokesperson in the fight against structural and everyday racism. She advocates justice and uses her voice to guide, enlighten, and emphasize the importance of treating people equally.

As a lecturer, Lovette speaks on xenophobia as well as whiteness and white privileges. She describes commercialized ideal beauty standards and the consequences of being excluded from them. She shares her personal experiences of being an Afro-Swedish woman in a society where whiteness is norm, and discusses the underlying structures behind structural problems. She explains how to dismantle said structures by recognizing and confronting ones biases, and by using a more inclusive language and behaviour.

With fact-based knowledge and personal experience, she provides sharp analyses in a strong and mind-opening voice that guides and educates with commitment and empathy, presenting constructive solutions to create a better future for everyone, belonging to everyone.