A Sports Illustrated-inspired photo shoot making its way around social media is the epitome of “Black Girl Magic.”
Twenty-eight women from Florida A&M University’s Spring 2007 line of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority traveled to Costa Rica to commemorate 10 years in the forever-organization with a photo shoot that celebrated their melanin.
"We wanted to do something that celebrated not just ourselves, but black excellence, beauty and womanhood," said Amanda Bryd, now a pediatric occupational therapist.
The "Melanin Illustrated" photo shoot took place on a private Liberian beach surrounded by stunning mountainous views and sun-kissed skin.
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The sorority sisters posed in nude-colored bathing suits, incorporating all of their styles, to show that women can be comfortable and beautiful in their own skin.
"We are individually unique, but as a unit we are complete," Bryd said.
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The message of the natural-themed shoot is simple: every woman, no matter shape, size or skin tone, is beautiful.
Fulfilling their lifetime pledge of sisterhood, the women reconnected over the three-day trip with zip-lining, horseback riding, mud baths, and bouts of relaxation in pure water hot springs.
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The sisters – now a collection of successful business women, entrepreneurs, mothers, wives, and more – left the trip with a greater bond of sisterhood and an accomplishment of spreading a viral message of black female excellence.
The Delta sorority was established in 1913 and is committed to service, leadership and empowerment.
