Woke Model Bae: 10 Things To Know About Model Ebonee Davis

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Setting the Tone

In her open letter, Davis wrote: “As artists in the fashion industry, we are the embodiment of free speech. We set the tone for society through the stories we tell—fashion, the gatekeeper of cool, decides and dictates what is beautiful and acceptable. And let me tell you, it is no longer acceptable for us to revel in black culture with no regard for the struggles facing the black community.”

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Systemic Racism

Davis also said in her open letter that the fashion industry implicitly aids systemic racism. “Systemic racism began with slavery and has woven itself into the fabric of our culture, manifesting through police brutality, poverty, lack of education, and black incarceration,” Davis said. “The most dangerous contributors? Advertising, beauty and fashion.”

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Make That Change

Davis called for those in the fashion industry, from makeup artists and hair stylists to publicists, designers and models, to show their support and to speak out against injustice, instead of being silent.

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Natural Hair

In 2015, Davis made the decision to embrace her hair and go natural. When she started modeling five years ago, she didn’t see as many natural hair models as she does today, and hopes that she will continue to see others. But Davis disputes the notion that because her hair is natural she is somehow more enlightened. In a Huffington Post interview, she shared, “… I love my afro but sometimes I want 32-inch wavy Brazilian weave and I’m no less ‘woke’ than I was before I got it.”

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Teen Vogue

Davis made her Teen Vogue debut with natural hair, which made the occasion all the more special. Here’s what she had to say about the momentous occasion: “The work of expanding beauty ideals to be inclusive of all types of people, therefore eliminating them all together, is so important. We should continue to showcase the wide spectrum of beauty that presents itself in so many different forms.”

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Role Model

“I want to be someone who encourages people to take risks and stick to what you believe in. Be your own person,” said Davis in an interview with Huffington Post.

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Working with Kids

This summer, Davis started a reading camp called Honey Bees for fifth grade girls. Located in Brooklyn, the summer camp takes its name from her book club, Apis Mel, and is ultimately aimed at promoting both literacy and travel in underprivileged girls and women of color.

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On Success

Davis has said that success came for her in the fashion industry when she started doing what felt comfortable for her and finding her own identity.

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Meditation

Davis takes time to meditate. Finding peace and clearing her mind through meditation is something she learned at an early age. Both of her grandmothers are practicing Buddhists.

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Future Plans

While she’d love to walk the Victoria’s Secret runway, Davis has said that in the future, she’d also like to act.