Honoring and celebrating the groundbreaking cultural, historical, and social impact of the Grandassa Models in redefining standards of beauty, confronting colorism, and advancing Black cultural pride during the height of the civil rights era and beyond.

Key Points

• This proposal asks the House of Representatives to officially recognize a group of women known as the Grandassa Models. These women were pioneers in the 1960s who used fashion and photography to show that natural Black hair and African-inspired clothing were beautiful.
• The group started in Harlem in 1962 and challenged the idea that people had to follow European beauty standards to be considered attractive. By wearing their hair naturally and using African styles, they helped start the Black is Beautiful movement that spread across the country.
• At the time, many Black Americans felt pressured to change their appearance to fit in. The Grandassa Models used their platform to fight against colorism and help people feel proud of their heritage. Their work was a form of peaceful protest that helped people see beauty as part of their identity and freedom.
• The resolution highlights that their influence is still felt today in museums, films, and modern fashion. It also notes that the Grandassa Association still works in New York City to provide scholarships and teach young people about their history and culture.

Impact Analysis

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