Subject: What are the advantages of different skin colors ?

I read that it is a common belief that when humans first left Africa they 
were all black skinned and that living in cooler climates caused the 
change of skin color.  I also read that black skin is supposed to be 
better equipped for hot climates, this seems backwards to me, if you want 
something to absorb heat you paint it black, likewise you paint it white 
to reflect the suns heat, what makes skin different than paint?  Are there 
other accepted scientific theories about the reason we humans have 
different races or skin colors ?

Re: What are the advantages of different skin colors ?