H.Res. 1154

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 1154 Introduced in House (IH)]

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119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. RES. 1154

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.

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IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

April 6, 2026

Mr. Espaillat submitted the following resolution; which was referred to 
the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

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RESOLUTION

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.

Whereas the Grandassa Models were a collective of African-American women who, 
through courage, creativity, and conviction, redefined standards of 
beauty and championed Black identity at the height of the civil rights 
era;
Whereas the Grandassa Models debuted in Harlem, New York, on January 28, 1962, 
and emerged as a vital force within the ``Black is Beautiful'' movement;
Whereas the Grandassa Models were conceived by the African Jazz-Art Society & 
Studios (AJASS), a pioneering cultural organization founded in 1956, and 
led by Elombe Brath, with the goal of embracing natural Black beauty 
through the promotion of African traditions;
Whereas Elombe Brath drew inspiration from the ``Miss Natural Standard of 
Beauty'' pageants organized by Carlos A. Cooks, a leader of a Black 
empowerment movement who advocated for replacing the term ``Negro'' with 
``Black'';
Whereas the name ``Grandassa'' was derived from ``Grandassaland'', a term coined 
by Carlos A. Cooks to signify the African homeland and to symbolize 
unity, cultural pride, and heritage;
Whereas, in the fall of 1961, AJASS organized a group of young women, under the 
guidance of Elombe and Kwame Brathwaite, to model African-style clothing 
and natural hairstyles, leading to the formation of the Grandassa 
Models, with support from Bob Gumbs, Chris Acemandese Hall, and 
secretary Shirley Anderson;
Whereas, in 1962, the Grandassa Models presented the first fashion extravaganza 
known as ``Naturally '62'', boldly celebrating natural hair, African-
inspired fashion, and authentic self-expression, challenging Eurocentric 
beauty standards and inspiring self-acceptance across the African 
diaspora;
Whereas members of AJASS, including the esteemed Max Roach and Abbey Lincoln, 
supported and amplified the world of the Grandassa Models, helping to 
popularize images of natural Black beauty through album covers, 
photography, and visual culture;
Whereas the original Grandassa Models, including Clara Lewis, Black Rose (Rose 
Nelms), Helene Nomsa Brath, Priscilla Bardonille, Mari Toussaint, Esther 
Davenport, Wanda Sims, and Beatrice Cramston, became icons of dignity 
and defiance;
Whereas, at a time when embracing African features and natural beauty was 
considered a radical act, the Grandassa Models transformed fashion into 
a form of activism and art into a tool of liberation;
Whereas the influence of the Grandassa Models extended far beyond the runway, as 
they served as educators, artists, and community leaders who inspired 
generations to embrace cultural authenticity and view beauty as 
inseparable from identity, freedom, and pride;
Whereas the legacy of the Grandassa Models continues to live on in museums, 
books, films, and the work of contemporary designers and activists;
Whereas, today, as only one of the original Grandassa Models remains living at 
the age of 99, the movement they ignited continues to shape global 
expressions of Black beauty through every natural hair celebration, 
cultural renaissance, and affirmation of Black beauty around the world; 
and
Whereas the Grandassa Association continues this legacy through its mission to 
improve the lives of Black people, preserve cultural integrity, prompt 
African fashion, provide educational resources, raise scholarship funds, 
and create intergenerational connections within Harlem and the broader 
New York City community: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) honors the Grandassa Models for their historic role in 
the ``Black is Beautiful'' movement and their contributions to 
redefining beauty standards in the United States and around the 
world;
(2) recognizes the Grandassa Models for their fearless 
promotion of African heritage, natural beauty, and cultural 
authenticity during the height of the civil rights era; and
(3) recognizes the ongoing work of the Grandassa Models in 
restoring racial pride and educating and uplifting people in 
the broader New York City community and beyond.
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