Beverly Johnson, the iconic model who made history as the first Black woman to grace the cover of Vogue almost 50 years ago, has recently opened up about the racism she faced throughout her career. In a shocking revelation, Johnson shared an incident that occurred about 40 years ago, where a hotel drained the pool after she had finished swimming.
The revelation came during a conversation at Eileen Ford’s 90th birthday party in 2012, just two years before Ford’s passing. Johnson’s friends were reminiscing about the old days when someone brought up the incident of a hotel draining the pool in the ’80s. To Johnson’s surprise, she had no recollection of this happening and was taken aback by the revelation. However, she firmly believes that it was an act of racism, although she chooses not to disclose the name of the hotel to avoid potential legal repercussions.
This incident is just one example of the discrimination Johnson faced throughout her modeling career. In her 2015 memoir, ‘The Face That Changed It All,’ and a 2020 op-ed addressing persistent racism in the industry, Johnson delves into other instances where she experienced prejudice due to her skin color. While she did not provide specific details in her conversation with Page Six, these writings shed light on the challenges she encountered.
In a surprising twist, Johnson also revealed that fellow model Lauren Hutton always stood up for her when it came to modeling opportunities. Hutton would openly question why Johnson wasn’t featured on magazine covers, emphasizing that she was just as beautiful. Given Hutton’s status as the “it girl” at the time, her support carried significant weight. Johnson’s anecdote serves as a reminder of the importance of allies and friends who actively challenge systemic biases.
Currently, Johnson is busy promoting her new one-woman show, “Beverly Johnson In Vogue,” which will be hitting Off-Broadway soon. Her enthusiasm for the show is evident, as she exudes excitement during interviews and public appearances. Johnson’s resilience and determination to thrive in an industry that often marginalized Black models is truly commendable.
Despite the challenges she faced, Johnson remains unfazed by any attempts to tear her down. Her unwavering spirit and commitment to breaking barriers serve as an inspiration to aspiring models and individuals striving for equality in all industries. As she embarks on this new chapter of her career, we wish Beverly Johnson the best of luck and eagerly anticipate her captivating performance in “Beverly Johnson In Vogue.”
