Black History month can sometimes feel bittersweet, since once February is over, celebrating blackness seems to end. But while it’s here, artists are representing those women making a difference in black history. Then and now.
The #WeAreBlackHistory series of photographs was created in order to celebrate women today who are using digital space to hone their voices and create a sense of unity in the black community. Using important online voices and pairing them up with legendary historical figures, the photographs link the women and their glory.
“Each influencer has a personal connection to the legend they’re paying tribute to. They were selected because they’re making a tangible impact and shaping our history with their words, actions, and images,” says co-founder Christina Brown. “In no way are we claiming to be the next iteration of these icons. We’re simply paying homage to them for the way they’ve inspired us in our careers and beyond,” says co-founder Jessica C. Andrews.
Natural Hair Vlogger Taren Guy as Billie Holiday:
Initially part of a natural hair and vlogging team on YouTube, Taren has expanded and is the CEO and Co-Founder of AREYA TV: an online Beauty, Health, Self-discovery, and Entertainment site.
Huffington Post Fashion and Beauty Editor Julee Wilson-Wareham as Rosa Parks
Fashion and Beauty Editor at Huffington Post, Julee Wilson-Wareham has an eye for fashion and taste that is all her own.
Ebony.com Senior Editor Jamilah Lemieux as Angela Davis
Digital Editor and all around awesome lady, Jamilah Lemieux has made a voice for herself, especially after being one of the leading voices in the #SolidarityIsForWhatWomen movement (started by Mikki Kenndal), and the #blackpowerisforblackmen hashtag which discussed the concerns of black women that have often been ignored.
Kela’s Kloset Founder and TV Host Kéla Walker as Coretta Scott-King
Nominated for a 2015 NY Emmy Award, Kéla Walker is a current fashion icon, Television Host and producer. Helping to promote beauty in a new and different way, Kéla has made her mark on the fashion world.
Feminist Blogger and Activist Feminista Jones as Betty Shabazz
Blogger, activist, author and badass, Feminist Jones is a sex positive feminist who is unafraid to speak her truth, even amongst sexism and racism. A huge tweeter and blogger she can be found at her blog and on After Dark a podcast, which is part of the organization TWiB (This Week in Blackness).
Glamazons Blog and Style Influencers Group Founder Jessica C. Andrews as Diahann Carroll
Founder of Glamazons Blog and Style Influencer Group, Jessica C. Andrews has worked to create fun, safe spaces for women of color who love fashion, beauty and their skin.
Lexi With The Curls and Style Influencers Group Founder Lexi Felder as Dorothy Dandridge
Creator of the natural hair beauty site LexiwiththeCurls, Ms. Felders celebrated the beauty of black hair and celebrity style.
Essence.com Hair and Beauty Editor Deena Campbell as Maya Angelou
The Essence editor has covered hundreds of styles and beauty tips from Tessa Thompson’s Hollywood Glam to Lacerne Cox’s headband braid, she covers all the realms of black beauty from the stoop to the red carpet.
LoveBrownSugar and Style Influencers Group Founder Christina Brown as Madame C.J. Walker
Wharton educated and NY native, Christina Brown has etched out one of the top lifestyle blogs with, LoveBrownSugar.com. A beauty blog that focuses on multicultural women and self-empowerment, it is no wonder than Brown was named a“30 Under 30 Style Maven” by HelloBeautiful.com.
Styleblazer Senior Editor Danielle Kwateng as Bethann Hardison
This Senior Editor has played a huge role helping to turn Styleblazer into a huge voice in the fashion industry, especially when it comes to the newest looks. With a list of bylines longer than her arm, Kwateng is making her mark and there is no end in sight.
Designer Jessie Adore as Pearl Bailey
Jessie Adore has evolved from a watcher to an active participant in fashion through her blo. A great example of how sticking with what you love can work and using that influence to change the way beauty is shown.
Image by c/o Jerome A. Shaw and Style Influencers Group
