Essay excerpt from Beverly Johnson

Without question, appearing on the cover of Vogue in 1974 was a life-changing moment for me – professionally and personally.  All of the hard work and time I had put into campaigns, runways and ads around the world, came together in this one moment.   After the inroads that models like Naomi Sims had made for Black models in the industry, the mainstream was finally acknowledging our beauty.  That yes, brown skin and unique features have an international appeal.  European traits are not the measuring stick that Black women have to live up to.    There were all kinds of emotions running through me – joy, satisfaction, and pride.  Surprisingly, one of them was anger.   I remember thinking, “It’s 1974, and I’m the first? Are you kidding me!”  Don’t get me wrong, it was an honor to grace the cover.  However, it was the 1970s.  I just felt there should’ve been more opportunities for Black models to grace the covers of high-fashion magazines.  Why wasn’t there someone before me? Read more…

OTHER ESSAY EXCERPTS
1. The Family Must Stand – The Honorable Carolyn Kilpatrick (D-MI)
22. Soul Survivor – Isaac Hayes
25. Bridging the Divide – Otis Moss
29. Love, Marriage, and Struggle (from With Ossie & Ruby: OTLT) – Ruby Dee
39. Actionable Pride – Cathy Hughes
53. Something Extraordinary, Something Unique: It’s Up to You – Thurbert Baker
54. The Psychology of Beauty – Beverly Johnson