For decades, fashion magazines served as cultural gatekeepers, shaping standards of beauty and influencing perceptions worldwide. Yet, for much of their history, these publications overwhelmingly featured white models, marginalizing Black and other non-white faces. Vogue, the iconic fashion authority, was no exception, serving as a powerful platform whose covers symbolized mainstream acceptance and prestige. In 1974, this narrative experienced a historic shift when Beverly Johnson became the first Black model to grace the cover of American Vogue. Her groundbreaking appearance wasn’t merely a personal triumph—it challenged entrenched racial barriers, reshaped beauty ideals, and signaled a critical turning point in fashion inclusivity.