The lack of black representation in various sectors is the result of a mental model that has been perpetuated since the post-slavery period, and that, from generations to generations, tends to: first consider blacks only in positions of servitude and not conceive neither allow them in prominent positions and second, the fact that they often do not contemplate what is required by beauty standards, for instance, white is not only exalted but it is also an imposed beauty requirement – and when that sort of prejudice is somehow inflicted upon women, the situation is considerably worse.
Structural racism sabotages the construction of the identity of other ethnicities and fiercely contributes to the development of problems ranging from the impact on self-esteem to the individual's difficulty in developing both socially and professionally.
It is essential that we increasingly build narratives so that whites understand and accept once and for all the black existence in different contexts and aspects.
American actress Kerry Washington, for example, is one of the most relevant figures who have contributed to the construction of this process. She Turns Black History Into #BlackHERstory in honour of Fabulous Black Women.
The project's initial kick-off was when the actress participated in a photo shoot dressed as Beverly Johnson, as a singer, executive and the first black woman to star on the cover of American Vogue magazine in 1974, a representative milestone that proved the world black is beautiful. Daughter of a metalworker father and a nurse, Beverly Johnson, during her childhood, was an exemplary student and athlete, a strong candidate to compete as a swimmer in the youth Olympics and she also dreamed of becoming a lawyer to fight for civil rights.
'BLACK HER STORY', navigates in a universe telling a story of beauty, culture, power, community, resilience, and a lot of ancestral strength.