STREAM EXCLUSIVE ORIGINALS

#WeAreBlackHistory: Black Digital Influencers Re-Imagine Icons

The powerful photography series features top bloggers and digital mavens recreating legendary photos of Angela Davis, Diahann Carroll, Maya Angelou, Billie Holiday and other Black history icons.

(Ebony.com Senior Editor Jamilah Lemieux as Angela Davis. Photo: Jerome A. Shaw of Photosbyrome.com)

A powerful editorial campaign entitled #WeAreBlackHistory set the Internet abuzz this week thanks to its innovative twist on the February holiday.

The stunning series showcases top bloggers and digital mavens recreating legendary photos of Black history icons, like Angela DavisDiahann CarrollMaya AngelouBillie Holiday and others.

Motivated to make an impact amid the unrest in Ferguson and the nationwide #BlackLivesMatter protests, the masterminds behind a new network for multicultural digital influencers decided to start within their own circle.

“Each influencer has a personal connection to the legend they’re paying tribute to,” said Christina Brown, co-founder of Style Influencers Group LLC along with Jessica Andrews and Lexi Felder. “They were selected because they’re making a tangible impact and shaping our history with their words, actions, and images.”

From online activists to beauty editors, a diverse mix of influential Black women were selected to participate: natural hair vlogger Taren Guy, Huffington Post fashion and beauty editor Julee Wilson-Wareham, Ebony.com senior editor Jamilah Lemieux, Kela’s Kloset founder and TV host Kela Walker, feminist blogger and activist Feminista Jones, Essence.com hair and beauty editor Deena Campbell, Styleblazer senior editor Danielle Kwateng and style blogger and designer Jessie Adore.

On Tuesday, co-founder Andrews debuted #WeAreBlackHistory on Elle.com, where she shed light on the making of the project. Photographer Jerome A. Shaw, hairstylist Seto McCoy, makeup artists Denise Laidley and Kalifa Gordon of KaydenMUA and Gracie J of the Editorial Nail all donated their time and efforts to help bring #WeAreBlackHistory to life.

It's as much a tribute to pioneers of yore as it is a celebration of the young women making a difference today, said Andrews.

“In no way are we claiming to be the next iteration of these icons," she added. "We’re simply paying homage to them for the way they’ve inspired us in our careers and beyond."

For a look at the entire series, visit Elle.com.

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