The Maybelline Story

BEVERLY JOHNSON FIRST BLACK COVER GIRL 1970

By Sharrie Williams · Written December 2011 · 1 min read

 By the 1970’s, African-American models became mainstream, when the phrase, Black is Beautiful was coined.

BEVERLY JOHNSON FIRST BLACK COVER GIRL 1970

 Beverly Johnson, made history when she rose to fame as the first black model to appear on the cover of American Vogue in 1974 (August issue). A year later, she became the first black woman to appear on the cover of the French edition of Elle magazine.






BEVERLY JOHNSON FIRST BLACK COVER GIRL 1970

 32 years later, Beyonce, one of the most beautiful women in the world, is sought after to grace the covers of magazines everywhere.


And it all started with Tom Lyle Williams and Maybelline. I believe that Tom Lyle, deserves The Medal of Honor, for his tremendous contribution to the American Spirit!

Coming soon · Next from Sharrie Williams

Maybe She’s Born With It

The next chapter of the Maybelline family story. Get a text the day it’s out.

Where it began: The Maybelline Story — Amazon · Ebook · Signed copy