Two days in a row and Tyra had me sitting on my butt watching her show.  Day one I watched Bleaching For Beauty.  This show had me mad, sad and happy that I know better.

Day  two,  had me sitting on the edge of my seat.  This show was all about a Special Issue that Italian Vogue did on Black Models.  It is cover to cover with Beautiful Black Women.  I first read about this issue June 27, 2008, online when Bethann Hardison was interviewed.  I started  looking for it then on news stands, no one had it.

Unless you had people around you who taught you that your Deep Rich Dark Chocolate, Carmel Colored, Pecan Tanned Skin was Beautiful, for Black Women, the issue of beauty has always been the lighter you are, the more ‘acceptable’ you are.  Well that was until James Brown came out with  “Say It Loud, I’m Black And I’m Proud.” Oops, did I just date myself.

Why is this such a big deal?  Because when you pass by a magazine stand, you’re overwhelmed with people who don’t look like you.  This could give you a ‘Huge” self esteem problem.    Essence and Ebony are the longest running magazines that cater to Black Beauty.  Other Black magazines have come and gone and it appeared as though the same thing was about to happen to Black Models in the business.

I’m a product of the times when models like Naomi Sims, Pat Cleveland, Beverly Johnson and Iman ruled the runway with Elegance and Grace.  Long gone are those days.

Black and I’m talk’n True Black, always was and always will be, Beautiful.

Thanks Tyra

Juliette Samuel

Esthetician/President – NYRAJU Skin Care

www.nyrajuskincare.com