Aaliyah Dana Haughton was a singer, actress, dancer, and model. Aaliyah was born on January 16, 1979, to Diane and Micheal “Miguel” Haughton in Brooklyn, New York. Growing up, her mother got her involved in vocal lessons. She performed at weddings, churches, and charity events. … Read MoreAaliyah Dana Haughton (1979-2001)
Naya Marie Rivera was an actress, singer, and model. Rivera was born on January 12, 1987, to Yolanda Previtire and George Rivera in Valencia, California. Rivera is of African-American, German, and Puerto Rican descent and was the oldest of three siblings, including Mychal Rivera and … Read MoreNaya Marie Rivera (1987-2020)
Mildred “Millie” Virginia Jackson, R&B singer, playwright, model, lyricist who is often called the “Mother of Hip Hop,” was born on July 15, 1944, in Thomson, Georgia. Her parents’ names are not publicly known. Her mother died in a fire when she was two years … Read MoreMillie Jackson (1944- )
Kimberly Denise Jones is a rapper, model and actress best known by her stage name Lil’ Kim. She was born on July 11, 1974 in Brooklyn, New York to Ruby Mae and Linwood Jones, both from Trinidad. Her parents divorced when she was nine years … Read MoreLil’ Kim/Kimberly Jones (1974- )
Judy Pace was born on June 15, 1942, in Los Angeles, California. Her father was an airplane mechanic and her mother was a dress maker. Her parents raised her and older sisters in the back of their retail shop, Kitty’s Place, said to be the largest … Read MoreJudy Lenteen Pace (1942- )
Veronica Webb is an African American model, actress, writer, and television personality. Webb was the first African American to have a major cosmetics contract when she signed with Revlon in 1992. Webb also appeared on the covers of Vogue, Essence, and Elle magazines and had … Read MoreVeronica Webb (1965- )
Before the Civil Rights Movement in America, African American models were visible in Black magazines such as Jet and Ebony, but non-white models were never seen on the covers of Western fashion magazines, on the runway, or in advertising. With that movement, and especially the … Read MoreDonyale Luna (1945-1979)
Beauty pageant queen, model, and actress Denny Andreina Méndez de la Rosa was born on July 20, 1978 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Her mother, Lidia Chavez, who had divorced her biological father, met a vacationing Italian, Sergio Casabianca, who became her stepfather. At age five, … Read MoreDenny Méndez (1978- )
