Black Models Making a Difference

Vogue Magazine (May, 2008 issue) featured an article and photo essay about black models in the history of fashion. The article discussed trailblazers, diversity and individuality as well as landmark achievements of black models. The article mentioned IMTA alum Beverly Peele and showed a shot from her iconic nineties Vogue spread "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" that appeared in the December, 1991 issue. Beverly Peele competed at IMTA when she was only 13 years old in the late eighties causing a sensation amongst the agents who were scouting the striking beauty. She became one of the world's foremost Supermodels.

In 1993, Beverly was voted one of the 50 Most Beautiful People by People Magazine. She has appeared in over 250 magazines and covers worldwide. She was the first black model on the cover of Mademoiselle Magazine in 1989. During the height of her career, Beverly walked for all the top fashion designers and was featured in ads for designers such as Ralph Lauren, Donna Karan, Versace, Prada, among others.

Roshumba Williams is also mentioned in the Vogue article for her accomplishments as a model. She is featured in a shot from the January, 1989 Vogue shot wearing a shimmery Calvin Klein dress. In 2004, Sports Illustrated selected Roshumba as one of their Hall-of-Fame models along with Tyra Banks and Elle McPhearson.

Roshumba is also a television host, correspondent, supermodel, and actress who’s appeared on the covers and in the pages of Vogue, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, and the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition, among other magazines. She’s been an on-air personality for VH1 and Fox Style News, a correspondent and anchor for Entertainment Tonight, and a recurring guest on Oprah, Politically Incorrect, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, and Late Night with Conan O’Brien. Roshumba is the author of the best-selling in its subject The Complete Idiot's Guide to Modeling which is now in its second edition.

The legendary Roshumba is a frequent VIP speaker at the IMTA Conventions hosting seminars and workshops as well as giving guidance and advice to the aspiring models at IMTA.

Congratulations to both women for being recognized by Vogue for their accomplishments.