10 Top Black Super Models Who Paved The Way

Before gracing more than 500 magazine covers, Johnson was a champion swimmer. She was the first black model to make an appearance on several magazines, including French Elle and German Cosmopolitan. Of all the “first black achievement” covers she landed, it would be her 1974 cover for American Vogue that would cement her place in history. The cover paved the way for future black supermodels (like Tyra Banks and Naomi Campbell) who would follow her. Beverly Johnson

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Today is the birthday of former supermodel Beverly Johnson. While the fashion industry has come a long way since Johnson graced the covers of numerous magazines, women of color continue to struggle to be equally represented on everything from the runways to magazine covers and participation in major cosmetic campaigns. Here is a look at the 10 top models who paved the way.