Supermodel Beverly Johnson has long been an advocate for people with Down syndrome, but she recently has taken on a bigger role as the new spokeswoman for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation. “We are deeply moved by Beverly’s determination to create a better world for her niece and the millions more who have Down syndrome worldwide. Her celebrity, poise and articulate manner will certainly help us to raise research dollars that will allow us to close the lifespan gap between blacks and whites,” Michelle Sie Whitten, executive director of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, told Yeas & Nays on Tuesday afternoon.
Johnson isn’t wasting any time. The cover girl will be in Washington on Wednesday to walk the runway along with several members of Congress at the Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s inaugural D.C. fundraiser, the Be Beautiful Be Yourself gala at the JW Marriott.
“I learned early on in my modeling career that to succeed you have to be yourself, and everyone is beautiful. Be Beautiful Be Yourself is a life lesson I was grateful to learn, and it is a mantra and campaign I am thrilled to share with others,” Johnson told Yeas & Nays,
Johnson participated in a fundraiser last month in Denver where she modeled with her niece, Natalie Fuller, who has Down syndrome, and said it was on of the most inspiring events she had ever attended. “To see the light in my niece Natalie’s eyes and all the beautiful children’s beautiful faces is all the incentive I need.”
Gladys Knight is also scheduled to attend the gala.
