Icons in Black Fashion and Entertainment--
After talking about the diversity void in the fashion industry earlier this week, we wanted to highlight some trailblazers in the industry. These folks made names for themselves when the norm was not to--and have been more critical to today's entertainment landscape than many realize.
Thanks and honors to them!
 |
| Dr. Susan McKinney Steward - 1st black M.D. in NY, the 3rd in the U.S. |
 |
| Josephine St. Pierre Ruffin - Boston Suffragist; 1st Black Newspaper Publisher |
 |
| Oscar Micheaux - 1st African American to produce a feature-length film |
 |
| Nina Mae McKinney - 1st African American performer signed to a long-term contract by a major Hollywood studio |
 |
| Ethel Waters - 1st African American to record and popularize standard songs, 1st black actress to star with an all-white cast on Broadway, 1st to perform on the radio, 1st to be nominated for an Emmy |
 |
| L'Tanya Griffin - 1st African American fashion designer to have a contract with a Hollywood film studio |
 |
| Grace Jones - The original eclectic Black Model |
 |
| Josephine Baker - Multitalented performer, who graced stages in America and overseas |
 |
| Teresa Graves - 1st African American woman to star in her own long-running TV series drama |
 |
| Jeni Legon - 1st African American tap dancer to have a career as a soloist |
 |
| Dorothy Dandridge - 1st African American to be nominated for an Oscar for Best Actress |
 |
| Margot Webb - Known for her fabulous glamour shots, often with fancy nail designs. She also coached beauty contestants. |
 |
| Helen Williams - 1st African-American fashion model to crossover into mainstream |
 |
| Donyale Luna - 1st African American model on the cover of Harper's Bazaar and Vogue, British Edition |
There are so many more to list, but we had to acknowledge these few. Be sure to check out Vintage Black Glamour for more on the leaders highlighted here, and more! The book is a treasure.
