#USA #New York #Ready to Beauty #Whitney Museum #Amy Sherald

A Cultural Partnership: Celebrating Black Beauty in American Art

In a groundbreaking collaboration, READY to BEAUTY, recognized as the industry’s first think tank dedicated to multicultural entrepreneurs, has teamed up with the Whitney Museum of American Art. This partnership aims to celebrate and explore the profound cultural significance of Black beauty, coinciding with the highly anticipated exhibition 'Amy Sherald: American Sublime,' which runs from April 9 to August 10, 2025.

The Exhibition

'Amy Sherald: American Sublime' marks a significant milestone as Sherald's debut solo exhibition in a New York museum. It showcases rarely seen early works alongside new pieces specifically crafted for this exhibition, including her iconic portraits of Michelle Obama and Breonna Taylor. Through her art, Sherald redefines the presence of Black individuals in portraiture, creating a narrative that emphasizes the beauty and richness of the Black experience.

Art Meets Beauty

As the strategic beauty partner of the exhibition, READY to BEAUTY has launched 'American, Black & Beautiful.' This multi-layered activation investigates how Black beauty has influenced American culture, art, and aesthetics. Brianna Lowndes, the Chief Marketing Officer at the Whitney Museum, expressed excitement about this partnership, highlighting its importance in acknowledging the transformative power of representation. She stated, "This collaboration not only recognizes the impact of Black beauty but also celebrates the dialogue between art and beauty as cultural expressions."

Corey Huggins, Founder and CEO of READY to BEAUTY, shared insights on the significance of beauty in the Black community: "For Black Americans, beauty transcends mere aesthetics; it serves as a powerful assertion of identity, resilience, and historical significance."

A Panel Discussion

On April 25, 2025, a thought-provoking panel discussion will convene industry leaders from beauty, media, and culture, moderated by Victor Vaughns, Jr., the Beauty and Fashion Lead at EBONY. The panel will include influential figures such as Desiree Verdejo of Hyper Skin Care and Robyn Atwater of CURLDAZE Hair Care, who will engage in an honest examination of Black beauty's role in society and its complexities beyond the white gaze.

Through discussions about beauty standards, cultural preservation, and self-expression, the panel aims to dive into what it truly means to be Black and American in today’s society.

Curated Experience

In addition to the discussions, READY to BEAUTY is curating a unique 'behind-the-portrait' guided tour, designed exclusively for Black beauty professionals. This intimate gathering will honor their contributions while laying the groundwork for a legacy initiative, which seeks to preserve the cultural history of Black beauty in America. Huggins emphasized the need for this legacy project: "At a time when Black history faces rising erasure, this initiative will ensure that the contributions of Black beauty are not only acknowledged but celebrated in the cultural record."

Marketing Campaign

READY to BEAUTY is executing a comprehensive marketing campaign to support the exhibition, which includes a podcast series, targeted email storytelling, and impactful social media engagements. These efforts are designed to ensure that Black beauty’s cultural significance remains visible and honored.

Through this partnership with the Whitney Museum, READY to BEAUTY is set to make a significant cultural impact, reminding us all of the beauty and importance of representation in art and beyond.

The Whitney Museum stands as a pillar of modern art, and with programs like 'American, Black & Beautiful,' it continues to push boundaries, advocating for the recognition and celebration of diverse narratives in American art.

This collaboration is more than an event; it is a movement toward embracing and uplifting the multifaceted beauty of Black identity, ensuring it is both seen and celebrated in American history and culture.