Beverly Johnson, Vogue’s First Black Cover Model, Calls on Anna Wintour to Make “Structural Changes”

Beverly Johnson is demanding change from the fashion industry in a new article published by the Washington Post.

The model made history in 1974, when she became the first Black woman to be featured on a Vogue cover. She writes in the Washington Post that she believed her debut on the cover would “usher in a current of change in the fashion industry.” However, she says that racial inequality and discrimination continues as an “ugly part of the beauty business”. Even as Black women like herself demanded diversity and inclusion. 

She reveals that on numerous occasions when she asked for Black photographers, makeup artists and hairstylists; the idea got chastised. Johnson, now 67-years-old, explains,

“Silence on race was then—and still is—the cost of admission to the fashion industry’s top echelons.” 

Moreover, the star says that even when people like Beyoncé are able to advocate for roles for Black artists, their inclusion is a one-off, not a spark. 

The model notes that since Tyler Mitchell historically photographed the singer for a September cover, there have been no other Black photographers to shoot for Vogue. 

Johnson suggests that Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour, who she describes as most powerful person in the world of fashion. And needs to hold her peers in fashion accountable for making structural changes. 

In addition, she presents the adoption of a new policy, which she explains saying that similar to the Rooney Rule in the NFL. It mandates that a diverse set of candidates should be interviewed for any open coaching and front office position.

The ‘Beverly Johnson Rule’ would require at least two black professionals to meaningfully interview people for influential positions.

Johnson is not alone in her demands for meaningful change. Last week, Joan Smalls called out companies who “claim to be all about ‘diversity and inclusivity’,” but do not champion Black voices “behind closed doors.” 

Smalls implored, “This industry that I love has profited from us but has never considered us equal. This. Stops. Now. It’s time for the fashion industry to stand up and show their solidarity.”

Wintour acknowledged that Vogue has a history of making “hurtful” decisions in an email to staff. She admits it saying she knows Vogue has not found enough ways to elevate. And also to give space to Black editors, writers, photographers, designers and other creators. 

Additionally, Condé Nast, the media company that owns Vogue, Bon Appètit. Which Wintour is the artistic director for explained in a statement. They said as a global media company, Condé Nast, dedicates to creating a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace. They went on to say that they have a zero-tolerance policy toward discrimination and harassment in any forms. Consistent with that, they would do anything to ensure that employees are paid fairly. In accordance with their roles and experience, across the entire company. They clarified that they take the well-being of their employees seriously and prioritize a people-first approach to their culture.