Top model Ajak Deng has always been outspoken about her pro-blackness and her experiences as a dark-skinned woman in the fashion industry.

She frequently shares messages of encouragement, positivity, and triumph on her social media pages, in addition to her feelings about dealing with racism as a black woman in America.

Deng recently took to Instagram, in a series of videos, to recount a terrifying encounter with the police in New York City. As her voice swelled with emotion, she expressed anger over the death of Alton Sterling and also relayed her own feelings of isolation.

“I had to go through this alone. I have to be the strongest black woman I can be by myself,” said Deng.