With Black History Month coming to a close, we wanted to celebrate Black influential leaders in the plus size industry who continually push for change.
There are so many Black pioneers, industry leaders and changemakers in our community that are making major moves in so many areas, from fashion and fitness to activism and education.
Here’s 30 African American individuals (in no particular order) on our radar who continue to inspire and empower others while pushing for change in the plus size industry – click next to start the gallery.
#1: Liris Crosse
Website: http://www.lirisc.com/ | Instagram: @liricc
The first plus size model winner of Project Runway, Crosse has been in the game for over a decade and has not looked back since. Dubbed the Naomi Campbell of Plus, Crosse has parlayed her modeling and acting career into a brand, where she is also now an author, educator and mentor to up-and-coming models with her modeling bootcamps.
She continually pushes for change in the modeling industry from spearheading campaigns such as The Model Diversity Project to speaking to audiences nationwide about the importance of self love, body positivity and diversity. She is currently the plus size ambassador for Maggie Sottero Designs, breaking size and racial standards in the bridal market, including being the first plus model to walk Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week for the brand.