I am Qualified, but I am BLACK

Last year, designers were under a lot of scrutiny for the lack of diversity on the runway during New York Fashion Week. Black models expressed their outrage toward designers not selecting enough black models to participate in their runway shows. However, a movement was formed, and the awareness on racial injustice in the fashion industry became a topic of discussion. Ashley B. Crew, founder of #BlackModelsMatter used her voice to speak out against the injustice that was happening in the fashion industry. In addition, designer Zac Posen addressed the need by providing opportunities for black models to walk in his runway show during New York Fashion Week. Black models are facing constant rejection in the fashion industry, which leads to black models working 10 times harder to prove that their qualified for the job. Why do we even have this conversation on racial injustice in the fashion industry? Perhaps, fashion executives need to take the initiative in eliminating racial issue, and take full accountability of black models receiving unfair treatment in the fashion industry.

In addition, hindering black models from opportunities to succeed in the fashion industry, really displays the level of ignorance that permeates throughout this country. Race shouldn't be a factor, but it will continue to hinder the progression of black models, unless change is implemented. As a fashion photographer, I have spoke to many black models that have expressed their frustration with going into a casting and not being selected based on talent, but on race.

Furthermore, black models have great talent, but are being oppressed just for being black. In addition, I will continue to use my platform to showcase to the fashion world that black models should be valued, and will persevere regardless of the lack of opportunities not being awarded to them. Generally, this issue will continue to spark outrage, but it will not destroy black models in their quest to being successful in the fashion industry.

The fashion industry is an open market filled with creative people looking to share their talent with the world. However, the fashion industry is a small community that is very selective on who is allowed into the “circle”. This is why black models are being blocked from the runway and any other component of the fashion industry. Some may agree that the fashion industry is a tough industry to begin your career, but others will agree that the fashion industry is very selective on who will qualify for specific role.

Create your own opportunity! If the fashion industry is not willing to open up the doors for black models to be successful, then black models need to stand together to ignite a platform for themselves. This will require great commitment, and spark a powerful movement for change. Black models should no longer stand for the injustice that is creating division in the fashion industry, but allow their talents to speak volumes. It takes a person with true heart and determination to beat every odd that is stacked up against them.

Change is inevitable, but we must work towards the goal in order to see results actually happening in the fashion community. Black models are not a threat, but a complete enhancement to the fashion industry. You wouldn’t believe the amount of black models that are sacrificing so much just to receive an opportunity to be signed to a top-modeling agency. What is the fashion industry really telling us? That “skin color” is the definitive factor on why black models are not good enough to join the ranks of many non-black models in the industry. The issue on race really infuriates me, because fashion executives continue to be very apprehensive to considering black models for a job based on “skin color”.

In a perfect world everyone “wins”. In the fashion world everyone “wins”. Pride continues to reel its ugly head when racial issues are brought to the forefront, while people abuse their power by blocking another group from excelling. This type of behavior will no longer be tolerated, and I will utilize my voice to callout any display of injustice towards black models. Today, there are many influential black models that still deal with racial injustice in the industry. Trying to comprehend the logic of this issue really make me wonder what is more important in the fashion industry. Diversity brings array of creative minds, also a new perspective to a creative project. Many fashion executives are more concern about how the world may perceive their brand if black models are represented, verse developing creative content. A fight for equal opportunity will be an ongoing issue in the fashion industry, which I hope will impact change on every level.

As a black female photographer, I find it very hard to generate opportunities for myself in the fashion industry. The constant rejections are not always based off talent, but because I am a black woman. In a male-dominated industry, the talent that I have is often overlooked, which leads to a very discouraging feeling. I know what I am capable of, and I fight everyday to eliminate any disparities that prevent me from being successful in the fashion industry. Like black models, I too want a chance at success, and in order to fulfill a goal in being a world-renowned fashion photographer, I must be diligent in letting my talent drown out the injustice. This is no easy task to place on one individual, but the black community must always stand together to promote change.

Can change happen soon? We must put in the work to promote equality in the fashion industry. Black models have suffered enough injustice in the industry, while the issue continues to be ignored. This will be a movement to create better opportunities for black models everywhere. Respect is the ultimate factor in this entire equation for change. Furthermore, I foresee a runway filled with more black models, and this will be a powerful direction for the “new” fashion industry. We have a long road ahead, but the vision will be fulfilled.

Photo Credit: S LYNN FOTO