Flipping through a magazine or scrolling on your phone, you might see a person of color grace the cover of a major publication. Historically, magazine covers subjects a rarely progressive, maybe featuring one black talent every hundred issues. But today, we have entered this new age of “awokening” that can largely be attributed to the foundation created by Black publications, such as EBONY and JET magazine, for showcasing the appeal and joy of black lives.
In honor of black history month, inspired by vintage Ebony magazine covers, this editorial celebrates black female beauty and excellence. Black women are beautiful, no matter their shade, size, height, hairstyle, attire, or tattoos. Under all our beauty is intelligence and creativity that has shaped ourselves and our community.
Three Black female artists in the SCAD community with their own cover and feature dedicated to their life and work.
Marie-Desiree Balandi, a Chad Girl, trying to make it, came to SCAD for Fashion design but quickly fell in love with beauty and fragrance. Growing up, she wasn’t allowed to wear makeup. Her first proper introduction to makeup was by her best friend in high school. However, Marie made sure to take it off before coming home. Coming to SCAD gave her the freedom to experiment more with makeup. Diving more into her field, she realized there weren’t enough people of color in the room. Despite the gaps in the Beauty Industry, Marie takes inspiration from creators such as Jackie Ania and Patricia Bright. Whether modeling, doing makeup, or digital creator, she wants to focus on growing together and eliminating competition within the black community. This idea aligns with her senior capstone. Marie’s project proposes to form a beauty school with a 2-year program for low to middle-income adults.
Ajeya Lanai, can do it all! She can dance, sing, and act. Ajeya recently performed in “BAM!, celebrating black artists in music,” show at the Lucas theater. From the southside of Chicago, Ajeya was raised by two black moms, which she attests shaped who she is today. She started as a dancer, leading her to the theater. Performing became a form of escapism and a way to make friends. As a black performing arts major at SCAD, she believes her blackness 1000% influences her work. Being black helps her stand out and be memorable. She is humble but acknowledges that being a triple threat has allowed her to book different types of gigs. She loves to pull from black creatives that inspire her to build off their ideas. Ajeya also created a viral Tik-Tok dance for one of Megan the stallion songs. In the future, She is looking forward to getting back in the recording studio and releasing some singles or an EP. Ajeya believes the quote, “This world does not move without black creativity,” holds true and hopes that people appreciate our work and the people behind it.
Alexis Broome, is a plus-size Black girl redefining her definition of beauty and art. She started her love for entertainment through high school theater which introduced her to film. Alexis is a senior film and television major at SCAD with aspirations of being a producer. Although she faces challenges being a minority and a woman, she puts her all into whatever she creates. Alexis defines her work as an extension of her blackness. Creating work that represents what she stands for, whether big or small. The most valuable aspect of her work is building connections with others. Currently, she is working on a music video that she directed and conceptualized and producing more films in the spring. She’ll be going into production for her senior thesis in the summer! And she just got hired to work on a feature film with a production company in New York. Looking towards the future, she wants black creatives to feel like they can express themselves to their fullest potential.
Let’s continue to uplift and celebrate black voices! Not only during Black history month or in your community but proactively acknowledging black people’s existence and worth.
Creative Director by Tamia Haskins.
Photography by Emerald Arguelles.
Modeled by Marie-Desiree Balandi, Ajeya Lanai, and Alexis Broome.
Styling by Daniela Guevara and Mia Bovarnick.
Makeup by Marie-Desiree Balandi & Alexis Broome.