Tyra Banks Role Model Essay

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There are a lot of African American role models in the world and throughout history. One major role model in the black community and for all Americans also happens to be a model, Tyra Banks. She stands as a role model because she is ambitious, persistent, and encouraging. If you don’t know already, Tyra Banks is the first African American woman to be featured in a Victoria’s Secret catalogue. She is also the first African American woman to appear on the covers of both GQ and the Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition. Tyra Banks is a great role model for young girls and women due to her belief that society should not dictate what is an acceptable weight. These are a few reasons why Tyra Banks is one of the most inspiring African American …show more content…

(Banks, 2012) Her persistence and refusal to conform to a weight considered the norm and necessary for modeling ultimately led her to additional success and fame! She modeled at a weight she was comfortable with for Victoria's Secret and as a result the bras and panties she modeled sold more than any other model. She was the first black model to be featured in a Victoria's Secret catalogue. Tyra was also the first black model to appear on the cover of GQ as well as the cover of Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition. (Jacobs, 2010) Tyra has also been on People's magazine 50 Most Beautiful People list several times. Tyra has also hosted several television shows including America's Top Model which even after 20 seasons still draws a large viewing audience. Tyra is just as persistent in her personal life. After failed bouts of fertility treatment, in January of this year Tyra welcomed her son, York Banks Asla, to the world via a surrogate. Tyra sympathizes with the many women that struggle with infertility issues saying " I gaze into the beautiful eyes of my son, I think about all the people who struggle with fertility or carrying a child and continue to pray for them every day. My hopes and dreams are filled with well wishes that they get to feel what my little treasure, York