Grandassa Models

Grandassa Models - Pioneers of the Black is Beautiful Movement

The Grandassa Models were founded 1961 in Harlem by members of the African Jazz Art Society and Studies in Harlem.

The Grandassa Models’ goal was to promote African culture and love of Black features within the Harlem community. They were named after “Grandassaland,” a term the black nationalist Carlos Cooks used to refer to Africa. The models wore their hair naturally, which was uncommon at that time, and flaunted beautiful African style clothing.

The original models first performed in 1962 at the Purple Manor in Harlem, in a show called “Naturally 62”. The show was received extremely well in the Black community, and many more “Naturally” shows came afterwards.

In 2018, Elombe Brath Foundation and the Harlem Arts Alliance recognized the Grandassa Models as the pioneers of the "Black is Beautiful" movement. The Grandassa models and African Jazz Art Society and Studies helped amplify racial pride and were “true reflection(s) of natural Black beauty.” (Grandassa Models website.)

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Apply for the Apollo Theater Academy Arts Administration Internship - Deadline January 31st

Interns will have the chance to learn about the impact of arts administration on live and recorded productions at Harlem’s legendary Apollo Theater, and develop a concept for the signature summer event, Teen Takeover.

This is a paid internship, open to those who meet these requirements:

• Have a serious interest in learning about careers in arts and entertainment.

• Are currently in the 12th grade (from September of the current year to June of the next.

• Are a New York City resident in the five boroughs.

• Are available to attend the entire program: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, March 4, 2025 – May 15, 2025 (as well as special event dates, as assigned), including Mandatory Intern Orientation, February 19-21, 2025.

• Are available to attend (with a parent/guardian) a Program Orientation Wednesday, February 19, 2025.

Participants will be paid $16.50 per hour.

Apply and find out more information here.

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