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Breakthrough Black Model Naomi Sims Dead at 61

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 3, 2009 4:10 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Naomi Sims, the first black model to grace the cover of Ladies Home Journal—and arguably the first black supermodel—has died at 61, the New York Times reports. Her family says the cause was cancer. Sims burst onto the scene in the late 1960s, but chose in the ‘70s to focus on a successful line of beauty products for black women. “There is nothing sadder than an old, broke model,” she once said.

“It’s ‘in’ to use me,” she said early in her career, “and maybe some people do it when they don’t really like me. But even if they are prejudiced, they have to be tactful if they want a good picture.” Sims was born in Mississippi, grew up in foster care in Pittsburgh, and went on to mingle with the glamorous elite, including Andy Warhol and Salvador Dali.

Naomi Sims.
Naomi Sims.   (naomisims.com)
Some of Sims' covers.
Some of Sims' covers.   (NaomiSims.com)
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Naomi was the first. She was the great ambassador for all black people. She broke down all the social barriers. - Designer Halston in 1974

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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
sache
Aug 5, 2009 5:03 AM CDT
Sad to hear the news.
Shannonals
Aug 4, 2009 3:09 AM CDT
Best wishes to her family

 
African Americans • Andy Warhol • obituary • black women • supermodel • magazine cover • Jay-ZTV • designer fashion • Salvador Dali • Naomi Sims • cover girl

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