Beverly Johnson became the first Black woman to appear on the cover of American Vogue in August 1974.
The cover marked a major change in fashion publishing, which had given relatively few opportunities to Black models. Johnson’s appearance helped establish her as one of the most important American fashion models of the 1970s.
Johnson had already built a successful career in magazines and advertising before the Vogue cover. She later became associated with beauty and lifestyle businesses, including a line of hair-care products.
This milestone is sometimes confused with other “first Black model” achievements. Naomi Campbell was the first Black model on the cover of French Vogue, while Donyale Luna had earlier appeared on the cover of British Vogue. The specific American Vogue milestone belongs to Johnson.