Digital Influencers Recreate Legendary Images of Black History Icons in #WeAreBlackHistory

[sheshe2]

Ferguson was burning and #BlackLivesMatter protests were sweeping the nation when Alexis Felder came to Christina Brown and me with an idea. She wanted to put a spotlight on the positive figures galvanizing our communities—people whose sole aim was to be treated with dignity and humanity, much like the legendary men and women who marched in Selma. And she wanted to do it by paying homage to our painful yet triumphant history. #WeAreBlackHistory was born.

The powerful photo series features some of today's top digital influencers, recreating legendary images of black history icons. It's as much a tribute to pioneers of yore as it is a celebration of the young women making a difference today. "The We Are Black History movement was created to honor our history," Alexis said, "but also to foster a sense of unity among powerful black women voices in the digital space." It's the brainchild of Style Influencers Group, a network we founded to connect brands with influencers of color who are typically passed over in favor of their white counterparts. We hope both projects will give a voice to people who too often go ignored.


Huffington Post's Style and Beauty Editor Julee Wilson as Rosa Parks

We had nothing but an idea when we turned to our network. Celebrity photographer Jerome A. Shaw signed on and even offered his studio. He was followed by hairstylist Seto McCoy, makeup artists Denise Laidley and Kalifa Gordon of KaydenMUA and Gracie J of The Editorial Nail, all willing to donate their time and efforts just to be a part of the #WeAreBlackHistory project.

"I had a vision of a shallow depth of field and a dark background so the subject would pop out," Jerome said of his process. "We did a one light setup, which made it more dramatic and brought even more life to the pictures." Of the women featured he said, "They're the perfect choices to recreate the icons we are paying tribute to."


Feminist Blogger and Activist Feminista Jones as Betty Shabazz

More http://www.elle.com/culture/art-design/news/a26695/digital-influencers-recreate-images-of-black-history-icons-weareblackhistory/?utm_hp_ref=women&ir=Women

[Stellar]

1. Beautiful!

Thanks for sharing.

[Number23]

2. Good Lord, those sistas are gorgeous. The originals and their doppelgangers

K&R

[sheshe2]

3. Those images take my breathe away, they are all gorgeous.

I have one, a doppelganger. I kid you not. My youngest niece sent me a picture of a friend of hers. That was exactly me in college, yikes scared me a bit. I saved the image she sent, I will find one of me and send both to you. Lol~ she was holding an Obama for President sign. Yay! I will live on.

23~

[Number23]

4. That's too cute!

Thanks for all of your threads on Black History Month.

[sheshe2]

5. You are so very welcome Number23...

My pleasure. I say, never forget and never gloss it over. It was never a pretty picture, ever. Some believe it's over and some deny the existence of the atrocities that went on and on. Racism is dead, the atrocities are over? Not by a long shot, we just wear different clothing now, it's what is underneath those clothes that can be the problem. Yes indeed, unclothed well that can bring us to the heart of the matter pretty quickly.

~ lol, when I have a chance I will see if I can find a picture.