Project ‘Black Mirror’ Sheds Light On The Modeling Industry’s Lack Of Racial Diversity

Model Deddeh Howard has kicked off a campaign called Black Mirror in the hopes of highlighting the modeling industry’s issue with diversity.

Deddeh launched the initiative with a passionate web-post where she writes, “It is time for more diversity and models of all races being seen.”

The Liberian-born model, who now lives in Los Angeles, says it’s common for modeling agencies to “promote” diversity, but they only reserve one or two spots in castings for darker skinned models.

What do you mean you already have 2 to 5 black models that looks like me? Did you say the same thing to the 50-100 white models you already have? If @kendalljenner can do it, so can me or any other race!! Here is my prof, so open your eyes and see that Fashion is not black or white! Life is not black or white. I'm just like her. #blackmirror #blackmodelsmatter Right guys? Photo credit: @raffaelphoto_com Makeup and hair by: @dgbyjd Hair by: @melissahoylehair

A photo posted by Deddeh Howard (@secretofdd) on Dec 6, 2016 at 11:51pm PST

Deddeh writes how, even though agencies said she had an amazing look, they would turn her away because they already had a black model. “Besides having an abundance of white models. It seemed as if one or two black models on the roster are enough to represent us all,” her post reads.

Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything! Stand up and make progress!!#blackmirror Thanks to @raffaelphoto_com @donlemast1 and @kiwiindianmotorcycles #blackmirrorchallenge

A photo posted by Deddeh Howard (@secretofdd) on Dec 8, 2016 at 9:49pm PST

“When growing up as a girl I always wondered, why the big brands such as Gucci, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Guess and many others rarely seem to use a black model?” questions Deddeh. “There are Tyra Banks, Naomi Campbell and maybe Iman, but they are the exception to the rule.”

“Black girls are almost invisible in the fashion industry,” she writes. “There is the odd one here and there, but it always feels like an afterthought.”

Growing up in Africa, I knew nothing about Black and White, we're all equal, it was United we stand! At least that's what my parents thought me and that's what I believe in. I believe we can be whoever we want to be, so don't let anyone tell you're not what you want to be. If they can do it! So can you. It's about time we stand up together..Dream and Believe. I'm personally fighting for more diversity especially more black models to be seen on bill boards, movies, TV commercials, advertisements etc for us all. #blackmirrow. Full Article now on the blog at www.secretofdd.com ( line in bio). Photo credit: @raffaelphoto_com Makeup and hair by: @dgbyjd Hair by: @melissahoylehair

A photo posted by Deddeh Howard (@secretofdd) on Dec 6, 2016 at 3:56pm PST

On the issue of representation she explains how “visibility on these commercials and billboards matter as much as having elected a first black president.”

Deddeh hopes Black Mirror will inspire the next generation of young black girls from realising their potential. “The next generation can only get inspired and reach for the stars themselves if they believe they can do it too,” reads her blog.

“Let’s give the next generation something to believe in.”

Photo: Secret Life Of DD