2023 NAACP Image Awards: 5 Things to Know About the Fashion Trailblazer Turned Advocate Bethann Hardison
Former runway model, advocate, and Brooklynite Bethann Hardison is this year’s recipient of the Vanguard Award at the 54th Annual NAACP Image Awards. Hardison, whose career spans over five decades, got her start in NYC’s Garment District, ultimately becoming one of the first Black models favored by European and New York designers. However, she eventually switched gears and went from model to advocate. In 1988, she founded the Black Girls Coalition, and in 2013, she spearheaded the launch of the Diversity Coalition, sparking an industry-wide movement for diversity and inclusion.
Hardison has cemented herself in a prestigious group that includes Black Panther costume designer Ruth E. Carter, Grammy Award-winning entertainer Wyclef Jean, the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, and many others. In honor of the prestigious recognition, get to know this fashion trailblazer and advocate, Bethann Hardison, with these five interesting facts.
Black fashion pioneer Willi Smith discovered her
She was discovered by the late fashion designer Willi Smith and began working for the successful businessman as a fitting model before crossing over to the runway and print industries.
She’s the mother of actor Kadeem Hardison
Hardison and art collector Donald McFadden welcomed their son and only child actor Kadeem Hardison best known for his role as Dwayne Wayne on A Different World. She raised the budding star in Brooklyn, New York.
She appeared in the iconic Battle of Versailles
In 1973 Hardison appeared in the iconic Battle of Versailles, a monumental moment in fashion history in which France's best designers competed against the top American designers of the time.
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She went from fashion model to fashion advocate
In 1981 she transitioned from modeling to activism. Three years later, she created the Bethann Management Agency focused on diversifying the fashion industry. Alongside former model and friend Iman, Hardison co-founded the Black Girls Coalition in 1988 to provide advocacy and support to Black models.
She’s still active
Hardison is still turning heads with her timeless beauty. She is currently featured in GAP’s latest campaign, a collaboration with Black-owned clothing brand The Brooklyn Circus.