Presidential candidate Cornel West and fashion icon Bethann Hardison on the forces that drive them....
Bethann Hardison
American model and activist
Bethann Hardison is an American fashion model and activist.[1] Hardison became one of the first high-profile black models after her appearance at the 1973 Battle of Versailles fashion show.[2] She is also known for her activism on diversity in the fashion industry.[3] Hardison has received several accolades for her work, including the 2014 CFDA Founders Award.
From Levi's and Gap to Issey Miyake, global brands are tapping the business potential of khadi, the fabric promoted by Mahatma Gandhi during.
Hardison is the mother of actor Kadeem Hardison.[4]
Life and career
Hardison was born in Brooklyn, New York. After graduating from George W. Wingate High School, Hardison attended the New York University Art School and the Fashion Institute of Technology but did not graduate from either.[5] For a brief period Hardison worked as a corrections officer at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility.
During the 1960s, Hardison worked in the garment district of New York City as saleswoman.
In 1967, she was discovered by African Americ