If you wouldn’t mind, I’d like to take some authoritative leverage here and name today a holiday. I mean, who says only predetermined, special people get to name holidays?
So, here we go:
Drumroll please!
Today is Inspirational African Model Day!
Aren’t you excited? Today we get to honor five African models who inspire greatness. The models who are not afraid of who they are. They aren’t ashamed of their unconventional beauty, and they certainly are not afraid to show it. But most of all, these fashionistas are doing more with their beauty than lavishing in it and using it to make them millions.
They are using their prominece to reach and change the lives of people across the world. They’re building partnerships and making a difference in Africa. These beauties are speaking out against injustices that would ordinarily be silenced, and in doing so, they are changing the world as we know it one day at a time.
Their efforts have won them an honor on Inspirational African Model Day. Spread the word. These women are great!
Alek Wek, a Sudanese supermodel, who has modeled for Victorias Secret and Clinique, is a member of the U.S. Committee for Refugees’ Advisory Council. She works to bring attention to the crisis of Sudanese refugees and refugees worldwide.
(Photo by Hello Magazine)
Ethiopian Supermodel Liya Kebede, who has had various photo spreads in Vogue and has modeled for Gap, Revlon and Victorias Secret, is a major force in the modeling industry. But, when she’s not modeling, she’s serving as an activist. Liya is the World Health Organization Goodwill Ambassador for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health. She is also founder of the Liya Kebede Foundation, which advocates support for maternal, newborn and child health programs.
(Photo by Don Ashby and Oliver Claisse)
Supermodel Iman Abdulmajid is from Somali. She is often credited as one of the first African models, who paved the way for others. Iman is dynamic and very versatile, as she is fluent in five languages, including French and Italian.
In addition to her diverse background in modeling and acting, Iman currently hosts Project Runway Canada. She is founder of Iman Cosmetics, a make-up line for women of color. Iman is also a representative for Keep a Child Alive, which provides therapeutic assistance and support for children and families with HIV.
(Photo by The Insider)
Katoucha Niane was a French supermodel from Guinea. She modeled for a number of top designers including Yves Saint Laurent and Christian Lacroix. Katoucha later stopped modeling and dedicated her life to the battle against female circumsion, which is a common practice in some remote African countries and villages.
She experienced the same form of genital mutilation when she was 9-years-old. Her bravery to speak up about her experience and speak out against female circumsion, has earned her an indelible position on the Inspirational African Model Hall of Fame.
(Photo by AP)
Okay, you know I had to save the best for last. All of these women have done outstanding things. What makes Supermodel Oluchi Onweagba the best however, is simply the fact that she is from my country, Nigeria. So, you know I have to represent!
Oluchi is not only an extremely successful supermodel, who has modeled in Sports Illustrated, but she’s using her accomplishment to help others. She tries to be a role model for aspiring young prospects in Nigeria. She has also founded OModel Africa modeling agency to assist aspiring African models to reach their goals.
(Picture by New York Magazine)
Sophisticated African 
