Naomi Campbell tackles racism as she appears on U.S. Vogue front cover
Naomi Campbell has called for the U.K. to “dig it up” and “deal” with racism, as she appeared on the front cover of U.S. Vogue.
The London-born model has given a lengthy interview to accompany her striking photoshoot for the November issue of the iconic magazine.
Naomi dazzles in a dramatic full-length white couture Dior gown for the front cover standing serenely with her eyes closed, and tells the publication it’s time for her homeland to start addressing the issue of equality.
“I’d rather have racism be right in front of my face and know what I’m dealing with, than to have it suppressed,” she said. “No disrespect to the country I was born in, but we need to dig it up and bring it up and deal with it. No more chucking it down the sides.”
The 50-year-old star has never been afraid to tackle the subject of racism and is often lauded as an advocate for Black models and fashion designers. Although portrayed as an “angry Black woman” at times, Naomi will never apologise for speaking her mind.
“I am quite over it,” she says when quizzed on how she feels about being labelled. “Is it now that we have permission to speak? Well, I have always spoken…
“Now I’m happy that everyone’s all on the same page (when it comes to racism), that everyone feels comfortable to come out about their experiences without feeling some stigma. But for me, nothing’s changed. I’m going to speak the same way.”
Naomi also revealed she was advised not to speak so openly or act in a certain manner in the past, for fear of harming her blossoming career.
“There were a few things that I would do when I was younger that I was told were bad for my race,” she explained. “Now the things I do are not just for me anymore. I think more of my culture and my race, as opposed to thinking about just me.”
Naomi took to Instagram on Monday to share her joy at landing another U.S. Vogue front cover in a year when she reached a milestone age.
“50 has been a year of self Discovery, reflection and surprises…after 27 years to grace the cover of American Vogue again, is beyond my imagination,” she wrote to accompany her front cover shot.