February marks the start of Black History Month! To celebrate, we are bringing you Black Beauty Firsts featuring Ted Lawless, the first African American dermatologist; Donyale Luna, the first black supermodel; and Madame C.J. Walker, the first African American woman to become a self-made millionaire. 

As the first African American dermatologist, Ted Lawless' study of troubling skin conditions made him an international figure. In the 1920's, Lawless opened his first practice in South Side Chicago.

Although he was located in a predominantly African American community, word of his expertise on extreme skin conditions led to Lawless treating a wide range of patients across racial and economic demographics. 

Born Peggy Ann Freeman, Luna was the first black supermodel. She graced the cover of the British Edition of Vogue in March of 1966. Luna is said to have enabled a diverse and inclusive breakthrough in beauty paradigms.