Honoring and celebrating the groundbreaking cultural, historical, and social impact of the Grandassa Models in redefining standards of beauty, confronting colorism, and advancing Black cultural pride during the height of the civil rights era and beyond.

Summary

Recognizes and honors the Grandassa Models, an African-American women’s collective that debuted in Harlem in 1962 and helped promote the “Black is Beautiful” movement and natural Black beauty. The text notes the group’s origins with AJASS (African Jazz-Art Society & Studios), cites the 1962 “Naturally ’62” fashion event and influences like Carlos A. Cooks, lists cultural collaborators, acknowledges the original models (names are listed in the resolution), and recognizes that the Grandassa Association continues cultural, educational, and scholarship work in Harlem with only one original model still living at age 99.

• Formally honors the Grandassa Models for promoting the "Black is Beautiful" movement and natural Black beauty.
• Highlights the Grandassa Models' debut in Harlem on January 28, 1962 and the "Naturally ’62" fashion event.
• Connects the group to AJASS (African Jazz-Art Society & Studios) and to influences from Carlos A. Cooks.
• Notes participation and support from notable cultural figures such as Max Roach and Abbey Lincoln.
• Records that the resolution names the original models and that only one original model is still living at age 99.
• Recognizes the Grandassa Association’s ongoing cultural, educational, and scholarship activities in Harlem/NYC.
• Is purely honorary and does not create or fund federal programs, mandates, or policy changes.