Grandassa Models facts for kids
The Grandassa Models were a group of amazing women who helped start the "Black is Beautiful" movement. This movement was created by Kwame Brathwaite and Elombe Brath. It was all about celebrating natural Black beauty.
These models were African American women who showed what "Black is Beautiful" meant. They were active from 1962 to 1979. The Grandassa Models were part of "Miss Natural Standard of Beauty Contests." These contests took place in Harlem, New York City, every year on Marcus Garvey Day, August 17.
History of the Grandassa Models
The first Grandassa Models were Clara Lewis, Black Rose, Helene Nomsa Brath, Priscilla Bardonille, Mari Toussaint, Esther Davenport, Wanda Sims, Beatrice Cramston, and Jean Gumbs. These women wore their hair naturally. This was a very bold choice in the 1950s, when many people felt pressure to straighten their hair. The models also showed off many different body sizes and skin colors.
It was a big step forward. In the 1950s and 60s, it wasn't common to wear natural hairstyles. The models wanted to show that you could be your true self and be proud. They believed you didn't have to follow other people's ideas of beauty.
The Grandassa Models also celebrated the curvy bodies of Black women. At that time, very thin models were popular in fashion. But these women said, "No, we want to embrace our curves!" They wanted to show that full noses and full lips were also beautiful.
The models designed and made their own clothes. They also worked only with businesses owned by Black people.
The African Jazz-Art Society & Studio
The African Jazz-Art Society & Studio (AJASS) was formed in 1956. It was started by a group of young African American artists, designers, musicians, and writers. It was first called the Jazz-Art Society. Later, it became the African Jazz-Art Society & Studios.
Some of the people who helped start it were Elombe Brath and Kwame Brathwaite. AJASS put on jazz concerts, art shows, and other cultural events. They were inspired by the ideas of Marcus Garvey and his Universal Negro Improvement Association.
Naturally 62 Fashion Show
In January 1962, AJASS and the Grandassa Models held a fashion show. It was in the basement of a Harlem nightclub called Purple Manor. The show was called "Naturally 62." It was one of the first shows to feature everyday people as models.
In the early 1960s, many African Americans straightened their hair with a hot comb. But the models in "Naturally 62" wore their hair naturally. They also had dark skin, which was not often seen in fashion shows then.
The AJASS shows traveled to colleges and universities across the United States. They also worked with famous artists like Abbey Lincoln and Max Roach. The models were also part of the Black Arts Movement. This movement created theater in Harlem.
Ann Tripp, a radio news director, said that the Grandassa Models were "forerunners of the natural hair movement." She added, "We tried to make black people feel proud of who they were, no matter what their skin color or hair type."
AJASS continued to hold "Naturally" beauty shows regularly through the 1980s. They also held ten-year anniversary shows until 2002.
In 2018, the Elombe Brath Foundation and the Harlem Arts Alliance honored the Grandassa Models. They were celebrated as pioneers of the "Black is Beautiful" movement.
