I AM LEGEND: BETHANN HARDISON

What becomes a legend most?

I've been saving the best photos for last and I'm not done yet. Some call her a revolutionary. Some call her a activist. I call her an American "Herstory" maker because she continues to make "Herstory" on a regular basis. Along with supermodel Iman, Bethann Hardison co-founded the Black Girls Coalition, an organization that has pushed for greater inclusion and visibility of Black models and models of color in the fashion industry, one activity that even in this day she's still fighting for.

Today, the former runway model is now the Editor-at-Large for VOGUE Italia's-VOGUE BLACK Website. Long gone is Bethann Management Company, Inc., which was once the international modeling and talent agency headed by Bethann Hardison. Never one to leave a challenge and create newer opportunities in the world at large especially in the fashion industry, Bethann is still a pivotal force in organizing Black models around such issues as equitable Black representation in fashion magazines, runways and catalogues. Bethann is an inspiration and a vision of women's empowerment.

I Salute You, Bethann Hardison for being a major influence to women all over the world by showing the world that we do exists and will no longer tolerate being rendered invisible. And may God continue to bless you with the vision and longevity to continue to empower others!

NOTE: Photos: Runway photos are from my own collections of fashion books
with the exception of those photos belonging to NYM and Getty Images. Share the love by linking back. Thank you.
Divalocity.


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A Woman You Should Know: Dr. K. Aletha Maybank

"STYLISH RIGHT DOWN TO THE DETAILS"

While some people look to the stars for style inspiration and beauty to imitate. I look to real everyday women for their style and beauty, those under the radars of everyone else who eventually end up being on their lips. So far I have picked four beauty's who were under everyone else's noses and now they're the talk of the world.

I have an eye to pick out stylish women who have an imitable style that stands apart from the pack. They don't wear a "uniform" and they don't look like everyone else and Dr.Maybanks style says just that, she stands out from everyone else and she's her own woman. I've seen her photos on the social pages of essence.com and had to find out more about her. The woman is accomplished, not just by her choice of fashion, but how she contributes back to her community as a whole. Giving back by supporting your community is more beautiful than any red carpet look.

Bio: K. Aletha Maybank, MD, MPH, is the Assistant Commissioner in the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, serves as Director of the Brooklyn District Public Health Office located in Central Brooklyn since April 2009. The mission of the District Public Health Offices is to reduce health inequalities and promote health equity across New York City by targeting resources, programs, and attention to high-need neighborhoods in the South Bronx, East and Central Harlem, and North and Central Brooklyn.

To learn more about this fascinating woman click here.

Photos: Darryl Calmese, Jr.