Naomi Sims, first black supermodel, dies of cancer

Naomi Sims, first black supermodel, dies of cancer

Naomi Sims, the first black supermodel, died Saturday of cancer. The former model also had success as a beauty entrepreneur.

NAOMI SIMS, frequently regarded as the first black supermodel, died Saturday of cancer in Newark, N.J. She was 61.

SIMS LANDED her first major magazine cover, for Ladies Home Journal, in 1969. But she still had to hustle to get agencies interested in her and to find more modeling jobs.

LATER SHE launched successful wig and cosmetic collections and wrote beauty books.

THIS PHOTO is still used today on Sims' Web site and in promotion of her products.

SIMS PICTURED in June 1969.

SIMS IN a photograph from May 1970.

IN JANUARY 1980, Sims visited the photo studios of this newspaper.

THIS PHOTO of Sims was taken at the AJC studio.

NAOMI SIMS pictured in 1979.

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NAOMI SIMS, frequently regarded as the first black supermodel, died Saturday of cancer in Newark, N.J. She was 61.

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