The Trailblazers: 5 Facts About The First African American Supermodel (And Why History Names Three)

The question of who holds the title of the "first African American supermodel" is not a simple one, and the answer is more complex—and far more fascinating—than a single name. As of late 2024 and early 2025, the conversation has been reignited, largely thanks to a recent high-profile documentary that brought the true fashion pioneer back into the spotlight, challenging the commonly held belief that another icon was the first. The reality is that three extraordinary women—Donyale Luna, Beverly Johnson, and Naomi Sims—each shattered a different, monumental barrier, collectively forging the path for every Black model who followed, from Iman and Tyra Banks to Naomi Campbell.

The true "first" in the global sense is Donyale Luna, a figure whose ethereal beauty and tragic, short life are now being fully recognized. Her groundbreaking career in Europe predated the major American magazine covers that followed, making her the definitive, yet often forgotten, original Black supermodel. Understanding her story, alongside the equally monumental achievements of her contemporaries, provides a complete picture of the seismic shift these trailblazers created in the global fashion industry.

Donyale Luna: The Original, Ethereal Trailblazer

Donyale Luna is widely credited as the world's first Black supermodel, a title earned through her boundary-breaking work in the mid-1960s. Her career was a whirlwind of international fame, high fashion, and avant-garde cinema, though her legacy was, for decades, overshadowed by her contemporaries. The recent HBO documentary, Donyale Luna: Supermodel, has helped to firmly establish her rightful place in fashion history.

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Biography & Career Milestones

• Birth Name: Peggy Ann Freeman
• Born: August 31, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
• Died: May 17, 1979 (Age 33), in Rome, Italy
• Discovery: Discovered in Detroit by photographer David McCabe in 1964.
• First Major Cover: In March 1966, she became the first Black model to appear on the cover of any edition of Vogue—specifically, British Vogue.
• Early Recognition: A sketch of her likeness appeared on the cover of Harper's Bazaar in January 1965, a groundbreaking moment for a magazine that had never featured a Black person on its cover before.
• European Stardom: Frustrated by the racism and limited opportunities in the U.S., Luna moved to London and Paris, achieving massive fame across Europe where her exotic, waif-like look was embraced by designers like Paco Rabanne and Yves Saint Laurent.
• Acting Career: She appeared in several films, including Federico Fellini's Satyricon (1969) and Andy Warhol's Screen Tests.

The Three Pioneers Who Redefined the Supermodel Title

While Donyale Luna broke the initial barrier on a global scale with her 1966 *British Vogue* cover, the title of "first African American supermodel" often sparks a debate that includes two other equally vital figures: Beverly Johnson and Naomi Sims. Their achievements were crucial in cementing the presence of Black women in mainstream American media and establishing the blueprint for the modern supermodel-as-entrepreneur.

1. Beverly Johnson: The American Vogue Barrier-Breaker

Beverly Johnson's achievement in 1974 is arguably the most famous and is the moment that truly cracked the American fashion establishment. She became the first Black woman to grace the cover of American Vogue, a pivotal moment that instantly catapulted her to international stardom and made her a household name in the United States.

This single cover fundamentally changed the fashion industry's perception of Black beauty and commercial viability. Johnson’s success proved that Black models could sell magazines and products to a mass American audience, opening the doors for countless others. Her status as a businesswoman and entrepreneur—a New York Times bestselling author and active head of Beverly Johnson Enterprises (BJE)—keeps her legacy current and relevant today. Her recent induction as an Honorary Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha and discussions of her new reality show, *The Barnes Bunch*, demonstrate her continued public influence.

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2. Naomi Sims: The Entrepreneurial Blueprint

Often cited as the first true Black supermodel, Naomi Sims's contribution lies in her pioneering spirit and entrepreneurial foresight. After struggling to find representation, she took her portfolio directly to photographers and editors, eventually landing the cover of *Ladies' Home Journal* in 1968, marking the first time an African-American model appeared on the cover of a major mainstream U.S. magazine.

Sims did not just model; she built a brand. She was the first Black model to sign with Wilhelmina Models and, following her modeling career, she launched a multi-million-dollar hair and beauty empire for Black women, establishing the model-turned-mogul archetype that would later be perfected by figures like Tyra Banks. Her move from modeling to successful business executive solidified her status as a true pioneer.

The Lasting Impact of the Black Supermodel Movement

The collective impact of Donyale Luna, Beverly Johnson, and Naomi Sims cannot be overstated. Their careers spanned the tumultuous 1960s and 1970s, a period of massive social change in America and globally. They were not just models; they were cultural figures who challenged entrenched racial biases in a powerful, visible industry.

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Luna's unique, almost alien beauty was embraced in Europe, proving that Black models were not limited to a specific aesthetic. Johnson's *American Vogue* cover shattered the highest glass ceiling in U.S. fashion publishing. Sims created the financial and business blueprint for Black models to control their own destiny and wealth. Together, they laid the foundation for the diversity we see—or continue to fight for—on runways and in magazines today.

The Topical Authority: Entities and LSI Keywords

The history of the first African American supermodel is rich with influential entities that shaped the modern fashion landscape. Recognizing these names provides deeper context and topical authority:

• Key Magazines: *British Vogue*, *American Vogue*, *Harper's Bazaar*, *Ladies' Home Journal*, *French Elle*.
• Pioneering Agencies: Wilhelmina Models.
• Cultural Figures: Andy Warhol, Federico Fellini, David McCabe.
• Modern Successors: Naomi Campbell, Tyra Banks, Iman, Veronica Webb.
• Recent Media: HBO Documentary, *Donyale Luna: Supermodel*, *The Barnes Bunch*.
• Organizations: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Beverly Johnson Enterprises.

The conversation around the "first" is less about a single date and more about a series of groundbreaking moments. Donyale Luna was the initial global trailblazer, Beverly Johnson was the definitive American magazine pioneer, and Naomi Sims was the first to successfully transition from model to entrepreneur. Their interwoven stories demonstrate that the fight for representation was a multi-front war, and each victory was a crucial step toward the inclusive fashion world of the 21st century.

For those seeking the most current information, the life and legacy of Donyale Luna are experiencing a powerful renaissance, ensuring that the original Black supermodel receives the recognition that was long overdue. This renewed focus on her tragic yet brilliant career is a testament to the enduring power of her pioneering image.