Black Women, Beauty, and the Media

Rapid-fire change is happening, and the perception of Black women is transforming from the negative images historically portrayed in the media to well-respected style and cultural icons such as Michelle Obama and Oprah. With leading industry insiders and image-makers, this will be a provocative and honest conversation that explores the complicated issue of beauty within Black communities including: the politics of complexion and hair; the underexposure of black models within the fashion industry; who controls the image of black women in major media; and other relevant, timely topics.

A SPECIAL EVENT and BOOKSIGNING
Saturday, October 24, 2–5pm
09FSA42M
$20 (No Member Discount)

Location: Community Church of New York, 40 East 35th Street (between Madison and Park avenues)

Michaela Angela Davis, cultural critic and writer has been exploring urban style, race, beauty, gender and hiphop culture in media with editor in chief, beauty editor and fashion director positions at Honey, Essence and Vibe magazines and most recently as a consultant at BET.

Susan Akkad is the Senior Vice President, Corporate Marketing, Diversity for the Estée Lauder Companies Inc. In her position she works in partnership with the 29 brands of the ELC in marketing, product development, consumer insights and communications to identify and expand business opportunities to increase relevancy to the diverse consumer. A veteran in the beauty industry with former high profile positions at MAC, Lancôme and entrepreneur in her own design firm in the fashion industry, she has a keen and unique awareness of global and cultural concepts of beauty.

Tricia Rose is a professor and chair of the Africana Studies Department at Brown University. She studies, teaches and speaks widely on issues related to Black culture, racial imagery, gender issues, sexism, popular music and social justice.

Veronica Webb is an influential supermodel who broke barriers with an incredibly successful career as the first African-American woman to sign a major cosmetics contract in 1992. She has since had remarkable success as a TV personality, journalist, actress and a prominent supporter of a number of important causes.