Oct 19

Oct 19 EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Beverly Johnson Dishes on Changing the Industry and Her Involvement with the City of Hope's Dine In for Health Justice

City of Hope’s Health Justice Council will host the inaugural Dine In for Health Justice, a month-long virtual event designed as a CALL TO ACTION to help raise awareness and funds for crucial health care issues facing communities of color. The event will go on throughout the month of October and the Dine In encourages friends and family to organize virtual dine-in parties where participants are asked to contribute equal to or greater than what they would spend dining out.

City of Hope is working to ensure health equity and justice in medical research, clinical trials, and precision medicine. National statistics have consistently revealed health inequalities in hospitals and health systems around the country. Mortality rates in the Black community exceed Caucasians by 40% for cerebrovascular disease, 13% for cancer and diabetes is an epidemic in the LatinX community. It’s estimated that more than one out of 10 people over the age of 20 has diabetes. Although the organization has existed for 107 years, there is more work that has to be done.

The good news is that anyone can hold a virtual Dine-In! Upon registering to host a meal, hosts will receive a brief video to play for their guests with crucial information from City of Hope. Even Model and Actress Beverly Johnson hosted her very own Dine In!

“Funds are being raised to help communities of color. After my Father passing away from Diabetes complications and my Mother passing from Alzheimer’s both diseases are prevalent with Black people. This organization is addressing these issues I knew I had to become involved, Johnson told Identify LA EXCLUSIVELY. “For me and the passions I have for this initiative and other initiatives I’m involved with give me purpose. I believe when one takes the focus off of oneself and focuses on giving to someone and something else it brings me joy.”

Photo Credit: Francesco Scavullo/Conde Nast Via Getty

This isn’t the first time Johnson has chosen to be part of the solution. Undoubtedly, there is a lack of representation in all industries for people of color. Johnson is used to breaking barriers and doing her part to change the industry. The beauty has been modeling since she was in college in 1971 and became the first African American model to appear on the cover of American Vogue in August 1974. In 1975, Johnson became the first black woman to appear on the cover of the French edition of Elle. Her work has continued to shine for years to come.

“I am addressing racism in the industry I grew up in, love and still participates in and that’s the Fashion Beauty and Media industries. I have decided to concentrate on a solution because we pretty much know about the systemic racism that exists,” Johnson states. “I’m presenting “The Beverly Johnson Rule” to companies and fashion conglomerates.”

The beauty recently became engaged to financier Brian Maillian and has no plans on slowing down or stopping soon! "Just finding the love of my life at this point in my life has been amazing," Johnson exclaimed to PEOPLE.“As I was breaking boundaries in the fashion industry, he was doing the same on Wall Street,” Johnson has stated. It seems as if she has met her match.

Through breakthrough research, City of Hope continues to push barriers. Be a part of the solution by hosting a dinner party and reaching out to your friends and family to help raise awareness and funds for this vital cause!