black history

Way Back Wednesday-Our Beautiful Models

Happy Wednesday!  Today’s Black History Month fact is Tyra Banks.  We may clown Tyra for various reasons, but Ms. Banks has become her own mini-mogul in the fashion and modeling world.   Tyra was the first African-American model to grace the covers of the “Victoria’s Secret” catalogue, “GQ”, and the “Sports Illustrated” swimsuit issue.   So “KUDOS” to Trya!  Plus, I think she’s great!  In keeping with the model theme, I’m going to highlight some of our beautiful Black models from back in the day, who all happen to be more than a pretty face.

First, Beverly Johnson.  This Buffalo, NY native was the first Black model to grace the cover of American “Vogue” on its August 1974 issue.  She has appeared on over 500 magazine covers, has guest starred on various television shows, and has even started her own wig line.  And at almost 60 years old, she’s still doing the darn thing!

Somali-American beauty Iman is as timeless today as she was when she first began modeling.  During her career, she served as a muse for Yves Saint-Laurent, Gianni Versace, Calvin Klein, and Donna Karan.  Iman started her own cosmetics line and received a Fashion Icon award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America.  It doesn’t look like Iman is slowing down any time soon.

I LOVE Veronica Webb!!! She’s definitely a timeless, ageless beauty.  This Detroit native began her modeling career after moving to NYC and being discovered by a make-up artist.  When she signed her contract with Revlon, Veronica became the first black supermodel to have a contract with a major cosmetics company.  In her photos, she has been seen wearing the clothing of Isaac Mizrahi, Todd Oldham, and Karl Lagerfeld.  Veronica is definitely a multi-talented woman.  She was acted in various movies and tv shows and has written for various publications.  Ms. Webb’s celebrity knows no limit!

I could CLEARLY be here all day naming models (i.e. Roshumba Williams, Naomi Campbell, Jayne Kennedy, just to name a few).  These ladies definitely paved the way for other models of African descent to grace our runways and magazine covers.  We should never forget the contributions these women made to the world of fashion.  They allowed an industry that at one time was predominantly white and waif to embrace a little color and curves.  Until next time, I’m just a Southern girl…in the city!

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This Week in the News

As I will be traveling tomorrow, my weekly news post is coming a day early! (Thank God for family reunions and the beach!)  As usual, here are my musings and opinions of noteworthy things that have occurred this week!

First, Game 7 is tonight!!!  It’s a night we all (well at least some) have been waiting for!  Yes, I am a Celtics fan; Kevin Garnett is my homeboy! (We don’t have each other’s numbers on speed dial, but I did meet him as a teenager at my first job.)  Also, I’m just really not a Kobe fan…but in any event, my money is on the Celtics beating the Lakers. 

For those of you who have been living under a rock, BP is still under fire.  BP testified earlier today in front of the House of Representatives in regards to the ongoing oil spill.  CEO Tony Hayward was very apologetic in his opening remarks to the House Energy Committee.  I really try not to take sides here, lest a political debate be started, but this is a topic that we should all keep an eye on.  So the only thing I will say is just make sure that you are doing your due diligence to keep up with the lastest happenings.

While (briefly) listening to the Tom Joyner Morning Show this morning, I caught the “Little Known Black History Fact”, which was about the African-American slaves who built the Capitol building. (Read details here.)  Democratic and Republican leaders were present to honor those human beings who toiled for 7 years to build the exterior of the Capitol building, and a plaque was unveiled recognizing those people.  I’m happy to know that our current leaders are still acknowledging the work that African-Americans contributed to this country.  As someone who likes to keep up with my Black history, I am glad that I can add this important tidbit to my personal library.

Tupac Shakur would have been 39 years old yesterday.  Various stations in the DC area played select songs the rapper made pretty much all afternoon yesterday.  I enjoyed listening to one mix so much that I told my co-workers that we were going to listen to Tupac in honor of his birthday.  Yeah, not such a great idea.  Unfortunately, the online station we were listening to didn’t play any edited songs, so after one too many, mf’ers, gd’s, and other choice words, I realized that Tupac wasn’t workplace inappropriate, so he had to go.  But we did recognize him!

They did it!!! Just when I thought they would be another couple together forever and never get married, Calista Flockhart and Harrison Ford get married!!!  I am very happy for them!  Yes, being the traditional girl that I am, I love weddings, but more importantly, I love marriages! So I say “Congrats” to Harrison and Calista and wish them many prosperous years together!

Ok, folks, so I know there was something that I missed.  Why don’t you share it with the rest of us!  Just a little FYI, I will be attending the Digital Capital Week 140Tech Party tonight, so I’ll share my perspective with you soon!  Have a great weekend!!! Until next time, I’m just a Southern girl…in the city.

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