Ms. Franco caught the eyes of the world as she debuted for her
native Paraguay in the javelin during the 2004 Olympic Games
in Athens. She's gone on to still compete, as well as be regarded
as one of the more notable beauties in the world. And she was
a part of the 2011 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue to boot.

Ms.Seifu is a well-known plus-sized model of Ethiopian and
Puerto Rican descent with appearances in Glamour and Essence
Magazine under her belt...for more info check out her
website, http://www.elizabethseifu.com/

Ms.Bertin is going to be one of the most talked about contestants
at this year's Miss Universe pageant taking place this Saturday in
Las Vegas. One reason being, she's the first to hold that crown in
22 years. Another reason will more than likely be how she looks;
news of her winning against four other dark-skinned competitors
has raised some ire. But the most important reason is, she is tied
to her country and it's hardships in a dramatic way. Her mother
was human rights advocate Mireille Durocher Bertin, who was
murdered in 1995 as she was about to enter the presidential race.
Sarodj saw the entire thing. The tragedy inspired her to become
a lawyer and the 24 year old has been active in helping with
humanitarian efforts in Haiti in the aftermath of the earhtquakes,
which falls in line with her desire to help make the country strong
once more.

Last week, Vonetta McGee, renowned Black actress
of the 1970's passed away at 65. She was an exceptional
beauty who exuded charm and quiet strenght in her
roles. Originally, her career began in Italian film, and
she got her start in Hollywood thanks to Sidney Poitier
casting her in 'The Lost Man'. Best known for her roles
in 'Blacula', 'Shaft in Africa', and 'The Eiger Sanction'
among others, Ms.McGee was a graceful talent that will
be sorely missed. Rest in power.



Vonetta McGee and Calvin Lockhart - 'Melinda'(1972)

Vonetta McGee interview with Don Cornelius on 'Soul Train'

Larissa Riquelme became the sweetheart of the globe and possibly
tied the BP oil spill as the most Googled subject during the World
Cup. The model and actress was the most visible supporter of her
home nation of Paraguay, and she even promised to run nude
through the streets of Asuncion, the capital if they brought home
the Cup. What a fan.

The unique Ukranian beauty sky-rocketed to stardom as
Camille, the latest 'Bond Girl' from the last 007 movie,
Quantum of Solace. This was after her debut in the bland
big screen adaptation of the video game Hitman. Note to
movie moguls...get her in more movies post-haste!!

Olga Kurylenko on Jimmy Kimmel

Olga Kurylenko for Carte Noire

It's fitting, in a sense, that on Mother's Day Lena
Horne left this world. She gave us so much, from
that winning smile to that grand sense of beauty
and style. She gave birth to a whole new ideal of
Black female sophistication and most importantly,
she did it on her terms so that future generations
could do the same. Ms.Horne, thank you...and
rest in power.

Lena Horne on 'The Flip Wilson Show'

Lena Horne for The Gap(Classic!!!)

Lena Horne's iconic performance of 'Stormy Weather'(1943)