It is no secret that Women’s Rights Activists have blamed various groups for the exploitation of models in Hip Hop videos. Due to the questionable video content, women are no longer seen as “models” but have been branded, “video vixens”. As a result, models in the Hip Hop Industry have been seen in a negative light.

Recently, the founder and creator of Ethnicity Models, LaShawnna Stanley, accepted and admitted to her role in how urban models were negatively viewed. “For years, I’ve been blamed for contributing to the negative imagery of women in Hip-Hop, but never felt the need to take the blame until now,” says LaShawnna. It has been a life long goal of LaShawnna’s to provide positive opportunities for urban models of all ethnicities. Consequently, Ethnicity Models is embraced by the hip-hop industry for setting standards for models, exposing a broad range of beauty in the media as well as creating opportunities for beautiful ethnic women.

For more than 10 years, LaShawnna has been responsible for the popularity of models, Melyssa Ford, Nicole Ricca, Tae Heckard, Esther Baxter and many more. Ethnicity Models quickly became the source for top hip-hop video directors, musical artists, and other executives.

Almost two years ago, LaShawnna expanded her offices to Atlanta, Georgia and launched a new era of beautiful urban models. In addition to launching the career of models, Ethnicity Models also offers a model/acting academy. The program travels to cities across the country providing a rigorous weekend hands on training that empowers young women through building self-esteem and confidence.

To learn more about Ethnicity Models Academy, visit www.ethnicitymodels.com/academy 

By: Tiana Ferrell