Naomi Sims: 1948-2009

Naomi Sims -- simply the best. Mahogany carved Barbie doll with the high wattage smile who embodied Black glamour at the height of the Black Power movement. The alternate take of the All-American beauty. She looked like me -- and my friends Tanya, Camille, and Charlotte. She strode away from the myth of the light-skinned Black beauty as desirable. Reminded us that we come in a rainbow of hues, and that the wonder of the blackness can produce people of every imaginable skin tone.

Was super before the term "supermodel" reduced all long limbed beauties to sameness. Paved the way for other dark skinned beauties such as Iman, Alek Wek, Naomi Campbell and Roshumba. With Naomi sistas approached the intersection of the women's movement, the Black Power movement and the redefinition of beauty with less trepidation and an unlocked suitcase full of strength and style.

Thanks, Naomi, for being so fierce, so fabulous, so gorgeous. You left us too soon -- we'll miss you.