Tracey "Africa" Norman on Clairol Box

Tracey "Africa" Norman, also known as Tracey Africa, is a pioneering American fashion model and the first African-American transgender woman to achieve prominence in the fashion industry. Born in 1952 in Newark, New Jersey, Norman made her mark as a model in the mid-1970s after being discovered by fashion photographer Irving Penn, who photographed her for Italian Vogue. Despite her remarkable success, Norman faced adversity after her transgender identity was revealed during a photo shoot with Essence magazine in 1980, leading to the suspension of her career due to social unacceptance. However, in 2016, Norman's life took a transformative turn when Clairol, the brand she had previously worked with, reached out to her for a new campaign. This campaign revitalized her modeling career, and she once again became the face of Clairol's 'Nice 'n Easy Color As Real As You Are' campaign. Her journey of resilience and authenticity continues to inspire others, making her a true icon in the LGBTQ+ community and the world of fashion.