“A role model is defined as a person whose behavior, example, or success is or can be emulated by others, especially younger people.”

While I waited for my oil change, I noticed the September 2015 edition of Ebony magazine on the rack, and I decided to check it out. The cover read “…And we are having a badass Black Model Movement.” I flipped through the magazine and found the article entitled, “Race & The Runway” by Marielle Bobo. The article is a combination of talks with “runway icons” from 1973-2005, but there was one excerpt that stood out to me the most. Lana Ogilvie spoke about spending power and the Black fashion dollar. Ms. Ogilvie is the first non-white model to be given a contract with CoverGirl. She said,

“…I made a conscious effort not to buy certain designers who…put only one kind of model in their shows. If designers can’t take the time to put someone who looks like me in their ads, why should I support them?”

What an interesting perspective.  Even though this excerpt addresses race acceptance, it correlates with the total acceptance of full-figured and varying body types within the fashion industry. It makes me ponder over the stores that have been getting my money. If a designer doesn’t consider me to be a prospective consumer by not providing clothing I can fit in his or her store, why should I consider giving him or her my money? And if a designer chooses not to use individuals in their ads that look like me, why should I patronize their label? They obviously don’t think that well of me – so why should I think well of them by giving them my money?

I am very appreciative of positive role models that I can relate to, but I am more appreciative of the ones our young girls can look up to and emulate. I realize there are quite a few celebrities who clearly state they are not role models – and I am glad they made that choice, however I think they should be mindful of our impressionable youth when they make choices. But, that is a subject all its own. Which, brings me to another article in Ebony magazine by Marielle Bobo, entitled “Made You Look.” This article brings together six amazing black models who represent the skin they are in proudly. If you have been following me, you know that I am an advocate for self-love and acceptance – and these six women are great role models for such an endeavor.

The beautiful model, Marquita Pring, is featured in this article. I consider Ms. Pring to be a role model because she wants to make a difference and show women we can be beautiful no matter our size. She is a co-founder of ALDA www.aldawomen.com, which was organized by five models that are encouraging the fact that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes.

Another model by the name of Chantelle Winnie is also featured in said article. She is a role model because she displays strength in beauty through her uniqueness. Ms. Winnie raises awareness for those with the rare skin condition like hers, and with individuals who have been bullied. She embraces her uniqueness, which is a part of her beauty. Beauty is not one-dimensional – it is found in various shapes, sizes, colors, and ages.

These women are demonstrating strength and self-love and working to empower others to do the same. They are role models.

I know I sound like a broken record – I’m telling my age here – be yourself and love who you see in the mirror. Embrace her and encourage her. There is only one you, so treat her well. If you don’t, you should not expect anyone else to either.

Until the next time, be you and most importantly…love you

Being uniquely you is being uniquely beautiful.

B.B.