Naomi Campbell Graces the Cover of Giant

The May 2009 issue of Giant magazine features supermodel Naomi Campbell—digging the ‘fro.

Paper Cover Features Janelle Monae

I thought it important to mention that the cover of the June issue of Paper magazine features artist Janelle Monae. Important because it’s rare to see a black woman on the cover of a magazine that isn’t Essence, Hype Hair, or King. Important, furthermore, because Janelle Monae chooses to style her hair conspicuously natural. I strongly desire alternatives to the standard depiction of black female beauty—the prepackaged light-skinned female with straightened hair—think Halle Berry, Beyonce, or Rihanna (just to name a few). In the words of bell hooks, “we live in a society where we are daily confronting negative images of blackness.” It’s critical that black women are depicted in ways that affirm our existence, worth, and beauty.

Although I’m not in love with the chosen picture—she looks like a deer caught in headlights—I can only imagine it was chosen to keep in line with what the interviewer refers to as Janelle’s “Afro-futuristic-alternative sound.” Nonetheless, I am happy and encouraged to see the image. And if you haven’t done so already, you may want to check out her song Lettin’ Go. It’s a favorite of mine.