African American Models

Black American models shattered the first of many glass ceilings during the late 1990’s, when America firmly embraced hip hop culture.  Prior to this, Black models were seen as “exotic” novelties whose dark features could not represent the quintessential “girl next door”.  This century has seen the girl next door adopt a new, multicultural face.  Although Black American models are still underrepresented in the mainstream media, they are carving an ever increasing niche in our culture’s traditional perceptions of beauty.

Is there a difference between African American models and Black American models?  It all depends on who is answering the question.  Models who have emigrated from an African country might say that yes, they are Black Americans, but not African Americans.   Others might not feel there is any difference between the terms.  Among people of color especially, these terms are often blurry.

So… among models which are considered Black American models?  As noted, that can be a tricky question.  Technically speaking, the term “Black” refers to any and all people of African or mostly African ancestry.  “African American”, on the other hand, is generally used to describe people of African descent whose ancestors arrived in the Americas via the Middle Passage during slavery.  There are generational and political differences of opinion and tradition on this matter, but the latter statements broadly sum it up in a nutshell.  Thus, Black American models can be from anywhere, yet live in the Americas, while African American models have deeper roots in North America.

Who’s Who Among Black American Models?  The “A List” of Black American Models and Supermodels is a long one.  Past and present standouts include Sessilee Lopez, Iman, Tyra Banks, Tyson Beckford, Naomi Campbell, Vanessa Williams, Liya Kebede, Beverly Johnson, Jourdan Dunn and Jessica White.  They deserve the attention that they get– they have earned it.  However, in America, Black models with celebrity status often obscure less famous, but working Black American models.

Working Black American models play an important role in society.  This is because the presence of Black American models in the media and advertising ties directly into matters of race, ethnicity and equal representation.  A working model is someone who makes their living by committing themselves modeling on a full time basis.  This feat requires much more than a beautiful physique.  Patience, drive, intelligence, motivation and hard work are necessary components of success.  A model with these qualities is leagues ahead of the competition.

Income opportunities for Black American models include but are not limited to catalog work, trade show promotions, and art modeling for colleges and universities.  Now do you see why the role of Black American model is so important?  Billboards, catalogs and promotional ads are what are truly influential in the “real world”, and Black American models are becoming more visible.  Everyday advertising is where pop culture images become ingrained in the collective mind:  they simply have a broader reach than the homogeneous editorials of elite, high fashion magazines.

Black American models are a fixture within the fashion industry, with no signs of disappearing.  Marketing trends may come and go, but Black will always be beautiful.