First Black Supermodel dies

[Liberal_in_LA]

http://www.ktla.com/news/landing/ktla-naomi-sims,0,7122808.story



First Black Supermodel, Naomi Sims, Dies

KTLA News

2:46 PM PDT, August 4, 2009
Naomi Sims

Naomi Sims (Getty Images)
NEW YORK - Naomi Sims, whose 1968 Ladies' Home Journal cover shot was a breakthrough for black fashion models, has died.

She was 61.

Sims, said by some to be the first black supermodel, died Saturday of breast cancer in Newark, N.J., said her brother-in-law Alexander Erwiah, the president of Naomi Sims Beauty Products.

It had been decades since she left the runway to become an author and launch her own beauty empire.

Sims attained success at the same time that the "Black is Beautiful" movement was taking hold, and her accomplishments as a barrier-breaking African-American model helped pave the way for the black runway stars of the 1970s, including Pat Cleveland, Alva Chinn and Beverly Johnson.

Sims often spoke of her difficult start - as a gangly foster-care kid in Pittsburgh who towered over the other children in her school.

In 1966, she came to New York City to attend the Fashion Institute of Technology on scholarship.

When she began approaching modeling agencies, she was turned down again and again - with some telling her that her skin was too dark.

Instead of giving up, she pushed forward and approached photographers directly.

[Heidi]

1. Safe passage, Ms. Sims.

:(

[Skittles]

2. she's the first supermodel I remember

a lovely gal

[Liberal_in_LA]

3. Me too

[Number23]

4. Kicked and rec'd

I'm not as familiar with her as I am with Pat Cleveland and Beverly Johnson (who at 50+ could still EASILY pass for 35) but she still gets serious props from me.

Thank you, Naomi!

[heliarc]

5. Rest Easy... nt

[SeattleGirl]

6. How sad. I remember her.

Safe passage, Ms. Sims.

[DCKit]

8. Sucks to be old enough to remember. Damn. n/t

[Maru Kitteh]

7. Good gracious, so young! Self-exams. Early detection. DO IT ladies!

It's a must.

[blogslut]

9. A lovely woman

Rest in peace, dear lady.

[DevonRex]

10. Wow. Was she gorgeous or what? And brave and determined.

RIP Naomi.

[applegrove]

11. Before my time. Godspeed.