Black History Month is always a time I celebrate my heritage and rejoice in discovering individuals whose contribution to our culture can never be overstated. When I hear my name on these Black History Month specials, even after 40 years, it still surprises me -- it still surprises me to see my name in history books, and my life and work chronicled and celebrated. It is an honor.
A lot of times making history, especially for African Americans, includes breaking barriers. I never set out to make history by becoming the first African American on the cover of Vogue, but I knew as a young black model there were going to be a lot of barriers I'd have to break not only to make it -- but to just be seen.
It was only when the August 1974 Vogue cover came out that I realized that there hadn't been a black model on the cover yet, that I was the first -- at that moment I realized I had made history. At that moment, a major responsibility was thrust upon my shoulders and I knew I was forever to be the guardian of that place in history. I dedicated myself to live a life of significance to honor it. I set out to achieve more -- to make sure that no model that came behind me had to struggle like I did, or be subjected to the rejection I had faced just because of the color of my skin.
That cover and its contribution is the cornerstone to my career, and I couldn't be more grateful. It enabled me to work with some of the most talented people in all parts of the industry and entertainment, meet some of the most captivating personalities of our time, and, most importantly, help change the perception of beauty in America. I am so proud of those who followed in my footsteps -- however, I'd like to see more.
There is a disparity in the modeling industry that bothers me when it comes to black and white. When I am at fashion shows, sitting in the front row, I notice how few models of color there are on the runway. Similarly, when I read through fashion magazines, there are few black models used in editorial spreads and ad campaigns. Getting an editorial spread is a massive moment for an emerging model; it's usually what brings her to the attention of the brands that provide the ever important contract that will put her face on products and in advertisements which will allow her to continue living her dream. I'd like to see more spreads featuring black models. I'd like to see more black contestants on model challenge shows. And, I'd like to see more black models in major campaigns.
I am blessed to be in a position to meet these young women who are just looking for a shot. Because these shots are fewer and farther apart, sadly, many drop out of the industry -- the odds are against every model, but when you're a young black model and you only see one black model in a magazine, or one in a show of 20 girls, or one in a group shot for a brand -- it's disheartening. Not to mention, the sacred ground for all models -- the cover. The cover has always been a hard get for any model, especially black models, and it's getting harder.
Models are talented and some even gifted in the way they present clothing designs and products to the world. That is what I did best and what they do best. I do think actresses are great and I truly admire their performances in movies and television but there is something to be said about a high fashion model wearing the designs of Alexander McQueen on a runway, or in photographs in a magazine -- it's almost like bearing witness to the manifestation of perfection.
As Black History month draws to a close, we should remember it is not only a month of reflection, but a time to re -address our priorities to find ways to further our contributions to society -- to see where we can improve our presence in order to help those who follow in our footsteps so they can break some barriers of their own.
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May God Bless every 'good' thing she puts her hand to.
Definitely and thank you for being one to carry that torch in your industry. I appreciate all that you've done to always be a beautiful woman of class, grace, and intelligence, this along places you at the top of many lists as a role model for all industries
Fashion magazines are the same. Too often they choose white and pale skinned persons to represent the African American community. This is unfair because the white community dominates everything anyway. When I look at Latino shows and websites they are mostly represented by white or "creme" colored skins.
Unless the person is extremely rich or famous, like Oprah, Beyonce, or the new favorite Jennifer Hudson or First Lady Michelle Obama we don't see anyone. It is unfortunate because they are not models.
Yesterday, I saw a still of a Milan show, where there were a dozen models, in a diagonal to the camera, and each could have been the sister of the next one, all made up the same, same hair.
OF COURSE, THERE IS DISCRIMINATION, AND IT STINKS
But if one is getting a job as "a walking clothes hanger", the person styling the show may want uniformity
In TV commercial and print work, I believe I see noticeably MORE Black models, because these are about diversity and personality --
So, when I read an article by Black models and actresses feeling left out -- my reply:
"Yes, you are correct that it is tough, and it sucks. And rather than taking it as racial discrimination, think about the White guys who would die to be in the NBA and NFL, but are represented in dramatically fewer numbers than Blacks"
Not to mention the Grammys, which looks like the Hood, pretty much, if you leave out the country artists
SOMETIMES, IT'S THE WAY IT IS, NOT DISCRIMINATION OR HATE
The Grammy awards have many categories and in many of them,such as country and western music it's always an all white affair.I'm sure if the tally was given,the majority of the winners are white.
There is no doubt racism is rampant in the fashion industry and it needs to be brought out and looked at like any other industry.
There can be racism AND factual reasons at play (as in the sports), but it is TOTALLY FALLACIOUS to assume that each endeavor will have a proportionale amount of Race A, Race B, etc. I think there are no fashion models who are Native Blood Mexicans or Central American women, due to the height.