Divine Women Of Our Time: Beverly Johnson

Beverly Johnson (born October 13, 1952) is an American model, actress, and businesswoman. She made history when she rose to fame as the first black model to appear on the cover of American Vogue in 1974 and has been on 500 magazine covers since then. Johnson paved the way for black women in fashion, and future models like Naomi Campbell and Tyra Banks. She was honored in 2006 at Oprah Winfrey's Legends Ball along with Coretta Scott King, Rosa Parks, Tina Turner and other female African Americans in entertainment, civil rights, and the arts. The New York Times named Johnson one of the 20th century's most influential people in fashion.

In addition to modeling, Johnson has also authored a book, Beverly Johnson's Guide to a Life of Health and Beauty, and embarked on an acting career. She has also had roles in Ashanti (1979), The Meteor Man (1993), Def Jam's How to Be a Player (1997), and Crossroads (2002). She has also appeared in guest spots on several television series including Law & Order, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, and The Parent 'Hood. She had a brief singing career releasing one album in 1979 on Buddah Records.

Johnson serves as a celebrity judge on the TV Land series, She's Got the Look, a reality series where women over 35 compete for a modeling contract and magazine spread.
As an entrepreneur, Johnson partnered with Amekor, owns the Beverly Johnson Hair Collection a popular line of wigs, and hair products for the African American market. Source:Wikipedia

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Divine Women of Our Time is a series to remind us of the rich culture we come from and to celebrate black history month. I will profile strong women that have been apart of building a culture, paving ways for those after them and who have made a memorable impact within their industry. These women were not only leaders, but they were role models for many people at an appointed time. Most of these women are still with us thankfully. Rightfully so, I want to celebrate them while they are here and can understand that there relevance is appreciated as apart of our rich history.