Page 13 - Legacy Gala 2018

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4. “Don’t get me started! In some respects, quite a lot has 5. “Unfortunately, in the wider world, and sadly amongst
far too many people in our own community, we see that
changed, but as I said in 2007 when Obama was in
even today in 2018, darker skinned black women suffer the
the White House, ‘The American president may be
indignity of being invisible; and anything that can’t be seen
black, but as a black woman, I am still an exception
You are one of the most is never valued.
in this business…I always have to work harder to be
recognised people on the My message is that when you have the self-confidence and
treated equally.’ That was true 10 years ago, and sadly
planet and often use your
Black girls rock, but self-belief that results in you loving your black self, nothing
platform to highlight issues although things have changed for the better, as the #MeToo ‘shadism’ is a real thing
of racism in the fashion can stand in your way and everything becomes possible.
movement, which was started by Tarana Burke, a black in our community. What’s
industry. Tell us how things your message to dark I am passionate that young, dark skinned black girls do
woman, has proven beyond doubt, there is still a long, long
have changed over your skinned black women? not imprison themselves with the worst fears of others’
career? way to go.”
imaginations.

The media and fashion industries have woken up to the fact
that not everything has to conform to a European standard

of beauty and that the most sublime and sophisticated

beauty can be found wrapped in the darkest skins on God’s

earth. Our own community has to bear some responsibility;

I’m from Jamaica so I know. This one has ‘good hair’ and
‘this one has fair skin so she will go far,’ are all the type

comments we hear far too regularly in our own community,

never mind the challenges we face further afield.”

Naomi had received so many international awards for her charitable work
and in recognition of the black excellence she brings to her job as the
world’s best-known supermodel. Nevertheless, though her Mum’s front
room cabinet may be full, she is nevertheless genuinely delighted to be
receiving our Legacy Lifetime Achievement Award. She told us:

“I’ve received many awards throughout my career, but to be recognised by my own community right here

in Britain, for my commitment to black excellence and being a consistent warrior against racism in a

fashion industry determined to uphold European beauty as the gold standard, is particularly pleasing.

I love the philosophy of self-help the Legacy Awards seeks to promote and to receive this Lifetime
Lee Jasper & Naomi Campbell
Achievement Award is really something special and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”