I heard about this chick and was disgusted about her feelings about her heritage. But I don’t know what it was like to grow up around that time. But yes she actually would have her white boyfriends tell people she was “mostly white” and she did wear blue contact lenses. Very sad.

J. DAKAR–Can you do a post about our ‘5 BLACK PRESIDENTS’? Many of us don’t know that a few, and maybe even more, had black blood in them.

They should do a autobiographical movie of her. I’s really be interested in knowing her life….I want to know more than the “Tyra Bankses” and the “Naomi Campbells”; I wanna see some REAL history.

some of ypu black americans kill me, what is the differnce b/w what she is doing and some of what goes on today- “why we have to be called african- american, when i’m not african. I am american.” she don’t want to be black and some of you don’t want to acknowledge that you are african- it’s sad

Damn! Sounds like Britney Spears before Britney Spears… confused as hell!

Never heard of her, She broke more barriers then Tyra Bragging Banks did.

She was beautiful but wait a minute. She would walk around with no shoes on her hands and knees saying she was from mars???? Thats nutso and then she died of a drug overdose at 34. Isnt that what the glamorous life is all about, I guess some things will never change.

LUNA MAY SHE REST IN PEACE, BUT SHE IS NOT DESERVING OF THE TITLE AS THE FIRST BLACK SUPERMODEL, BECAUSE IT SEEMED THAT SHE CARED MORE ABOUT HER CAREER, THAN THE PROGRESS OF HER PEOPLE IN SUCH A TURBULENT TIME IN AMERICAN HISTORY. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT SHE SUFFERED FROM SOME SORT OF DISORDER SUCH AS BIPOLAR, OR SCHIZOPHRENIA. BACK THEN PERSONALITY DISORDERS WERE CONSIDERED VERY TABOO, YOU WOULD BE SENT TO A MENTAL INSTITUTION IN THOSE DAYS EVEN IF YOU BREATHED IN A WEIRD WAY.

This Black History post doesn’t seem to have the same moving affects on me as the others did. Maybe it was because all the others actually embraced their blackness instead of trying to deny it. Or maybe it was because the others did something to better the black community as a whole. This girl had far more advantages than most and instead of using them she tossed them away. There’s no tragedy here. A 7 year old boy getting hit by his own school bus while his mother watches on in horror is a tragedy. A woman who’d rather lie about her ethnicity and find comfort at the end of the pipe is not a tragedy; it’s called inevitability.

This is an interesting Black History spotlight. I have never heard of her, and by looking at her modeling photos I can tell she was a natural at posing. Simply fabulous. It’s sad her career wasted away because of self hate. I think in addition to the self hate, it sounds like she had a mental disorder that wasn’t treated. It seems pretty obvious, since she was described as being very weird from a little girl through adult hood.

I agree with the posters that said it would be interesting to see her story translated on film. Her biography definitely isn’t politically correct, but it does present issues that people still battle today, which is denying their heritage. Plus, the fact that her life story is a hidden historical fact makes it even more intriguing.

Great post, J. Dakar. I stumbled upon “Luna” when trying to figure out if Bev Johnson was indeed the f-irst AA to be on Vogue. I’d love to see a Grace Jones post, Nina Simone, James Baldwin, Scipio Moorehead…

This is an interesting read. I’ve never heard of her before. Good looking out on the educational facts Concrete Loop!!

…and Phillis Wheatley

This entry was interesting because it highlighted how devoid of pride, self-worth, and self-knowledge black people (especially black women) must be to ascend that entertainment industry. Her denial of her “blackness” reverberates to this day with black people’s exaltation of their “multi-culturalism”, i.e. Tiger Woods, Halle Berry, etc. A coal-black negro will tell you how their great-great grandmother was 1/4 Japanese because they think it adds an exotic, positive aspect to their lineage. The fact of the matter is that they hope that if they can deny the truth to themselves, maybe the white man will accept them. Also, everything black represents negativity in this society. No disrespect to her, she was an attractive sister, but it’s easy to see how she was the “first black supermodel”. All one has to do is look at the magazine poses that she was doing and see that she was well acquainted with the different poses, i.e. the “eye of Molech” a.k.a. the “ok” sign. There hasn’t been one black woman to ascend into the heights of the entertainment industry that didn’t get turned out or started out turned out. Every last one of them either started out or became whores, drug addicts, lesbians, or married interracialy.

THankS cLOOP .. i never even heard of her!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! this was very interesting !!!

I have to commend Concrete Loop on their professionalism as journalist. I think you guys posted some informative information. I also love the links attached. Great Stuff! You guys are on your global grind.

Very good information. I had her of The Luna Year but never knew who she really was.

You can’t really judge her for not wanting to be black. I’m not saying that she was right but that was a totally different day and age with a completely different racial climate that most of us couldn’t even imagine. That’s why I get so upset when people dog out Michael Jackson.

Today we are fortunate enough to have so many blacks to look to and be proud of however, this woman and others like her were the pioneers. They lived in a time when it was rare for blacks to be successful and accepted by the mainstream. Now perhaps some of these people weren’t strong enough to handle the overwhelming hardships that blacks had to endure and therefore wished that they could disassociate themselves from it. But who are we to judge them? THEY were the pioneers, THEY suffered the hardships of discrimination, THEY kicked down the doors making it easier for the generations that followed so that WE are able to hold our heads high today.

Look a little closer. After that cover, the industry would not allow the photographer responsible for that beautiful shot, to shoot her again. So, where is the break through. The Labron James vogue cover is thought to be inspired by a famous WWI recruiting poster from 1917, depicting a big black gorilla running off with a little white woman. You will be surprised at the simularities.

WoW! I loved this piece. She was so beautiful…she kinda reminds me of a throwback Erykah Badu, Naiomi Campbell mix. Great post.

I’d love to see a movie based on her life!!!

This was a very interesting and great Spotlight. I have never heard of her. There are so many interesting people in our history that people do not talk about and do not mention.

thanks concrete loop for going deep into the history of all kinds of people in our history

The sad thing, back then this was the thing to do. But today 2008 there are celebrities still passing. Paula Abdul, refuses to mention she is black. I don’t see how that goes over people heads. Katherine Zeta Jones is mixed too. I could only imagine being this woman back in the 60’s. Black wasn’t “beatiful” yet. This is a very interesting story. I’m going to do some research and find out as much as I can on ms. Luny, I meant ms. Luna.

if you want to see what her daughter looks like “google” Dream Cazzaniga” that’s her daugher name. she has very exotic features..

@45 I agree. I think it would be a great movie as long as they find the right person to direct and the right person to play her. For example that movie Gia with Angelina Jolie was terrific!

I definately see a great movie coming from her life story

From reading some of these post, it sounds like some are downing their blackness. By shouting out how beautiful she is sans black. You know the type. Always claiming to be indian or half of something else. Until they get that reality check, and find out there is no such thing as half when it comes to discrimination.

I think it’s important that we know about Luna. BUT, I don’t think she should be considered the 1st Black Model/Supermodel (Comment 41) anymore that Carol Channing (the Hello Dolly star who recently revealed her father was Black) should be considered the 1st Black person to star in a major Broadway production. This woman did NOTHING to lift, encourage or educate our community. She instead ran. She turned to a string of white men to “save her.” And when they didn’t, she turned to drugs. At least Ms. Channing has finally admitted to who she is!

I think the Luna story expertly highlights the “lunacy” (no pun intended) that accompanies self hatred. This should be a lesson for anyone who can’t accept who they are.

thank you conreteloop, this is amazing I think for us african americans out there and always hearing about prominent black successful people, I think she was overlooked, and misunderstood. In modeling we hear a great deal about Ms.Tyra Banks, and others…I think it is great!But I am shocked that I have never heard Ms.Luna’s story.Wow Hollywood should come running and make a tv movie this would be a great story..but to not damage Ms.Luna’s image and legacy but to recall some successful events for minorities in the ent. field of modeling and seeing what not to do with drugs…
GOD BLESS you all and feel free to hit me up

KEEP CHRIST FIRST ALWAYS as he has done with you

What is so amazing about a person who was mentally ill yet pretty? Hell Maia Campbell is pretty but mentally ill. Are you going to think that is amazing? Good Lord. This is some info that will not make any impact on anyone’s lives except to affirm how lots of blacks hate the fact they are black. Unless she lived during slavery I don’t see any reason why she would flee her own ethnicity.

judah you are on point brotha

LMAO & SMH @ THE FOLK WHO THINK HER “GLAM” LIFE SHOULD BE MADE INTO A MOVIE…

Donyale Luna’s daughter, Dream Cazzaniga, looks like a mix of both her parents. Here are two photos of her:
http://i26.tinypic.com/j7b6g6.jpg
http://i29.tinypic.com/15egrc8.jpg

This is such a sad story, thanls for sharing CL!

i’m sure her mommy is proud she looks like a white girl

Just because she has issues with her blackness doesn’t mean we should reject her. As proud black people it does hurt when someone who we see as a brother or sister rejects what we are so proud of.

Something to keep in mind when dealing with people who don’t claim blackness is that not everyone was born proud of their skin color. I think just about every black person has had their own personal struggle with their skin at some point in their lives. Not just being a black person, but being “the darkest one” or “the lightest one” or “having a big bottom lip” or whatever.

Some people come out on the other side of that struggle stronger, and some come out more confused. Don’t resent her for hating the way she was born. I can’t imagine how it must have felt for her to so strongly dislike herself.

Thanks Concrete Loop I love the spotlights.

well kick rocks. black is beautiful.

and why is every model described as tall and awkward?

or wierd

sad but very interesting.

I sat down and read the headline and proudly pumped my chest out. I thought I was going to have one of those many moments I’ve had before to be PROUD and to learn about my black history. Unfortunately, this wasn’t one of those times. Instead, I got the opposite. I can’t quite say that I appreciate what she “accomplished”. To me it’s almost like she something for the white folks to show off as their very own Mutt! She would claim everything and anything but black. Wow!!! That breaks my heart to hear that. But to those who comment about the time difference, Don’t kid yourself becauce the same thing is happening now in front of our faces in this day in time. Plastic surgeons are making a killing from blacks as well as, others. More of my sisters abandon their features for that of European features, And don’t get me started about the hair or bleaching cream….Lawd help us, please. This is why I this bit of “Black History” disappointed me . And fortunately for me, I can find out on my own and don’t have to solely depend on other resources

Why is her story so new or interesting? Her story can be seen in many of the black entertainers today. As Judah points out, there hasn’t been one black woman that ascends to heights of the entertainment industry that hasn’t been turned out.

In fact, you can spot a black women who been indoctrinated in the Eurocentric philosophy. Her kinky hair is more relaxed; if short, she extends them with weaves and lightens her hair. Her outfits become more conservative. If she lacks breast, she gets them augmented. If she has too much hip, she gets them liposuctioned. If her back side is too big, she gets them slimmed down or toned up. Her complexions lightened and she tries her best to masked her afrocentric features, through cosmetic surgery.

On rare occasion you will find a black woman who adopted the Eurocentric creed, without changing her appearance. However, they too are easy to spot. They are often called bohemian. They are eclectic in their views and opinions. They hide under the guise that everyone should be loved and live peacefully. But, these women harbor strong resentment for their kind. They are heavy into drugs and all types of sexual deviances. This is the way of Eurocentricism…

The history of blacks is one or self-hate, deceit and mistrust. Many of you bloggers suffer from that same disease. You just don’t realize it.

I think this woman was absolutely stunning. However, she did have alot self hatred issues but there could be reason that drove her to be that way. I’m not trying to make any excuse for her but there are alot of celebrities who really didn’t want to be label as black because it was too painful mentally to take in. I wish she had someone to teach her to love and accept herself because she is absolutely beautiful. I also want to say that some people on here truly amaze me with their comments because most of the ladies and gentlmen on here criticize other black women and men who have very broad features. Such as Teyana. The comments on this young lady was heart wrenching. About her nose and lips and most of all her hair. Even with Estelle. So some of you guys trip me out rejecting Donyale Luna because she was out spoken about her self-hatred but some of you guys on here subconsciously don’t like yourselves. Shoot even fine ass Idris said that there were women who had didn’t want to date him because he was too dark. Black people make fun of each other’s afrocentric features and that is real talk.

@ BarbaraB, I cosign with everything you said. I personally don’t know how she felt and can only empathize for her. A Lost Soul, who grew up hating herself. Can you really blame her? This still goes on today and disowning someone is not resolving the self hate. Luna probably tried to use her odd behavior and quirkiness to hide her inner demons. I understand why they highlighted her as the first African American top model. The same type of odd behavior and quirkiness is what you see in today’s model and in fact the life of drugs.

What makes a person hate their reflection in the mirror? I bet this poor child was physically and mentally abused? Do any of you think she grew up in a loving, healthy, supportive enviornment? The majority of people who are weak and have endured abuse escape the harsh reality they live in by creating a world of illusion and fantasy. In addition, viewing her beautifuI pictures, I would have to suspect she was creative, which would have catogorized her as being different. Unfortunately, it is easier for us to accept someone like her in today’s society, than it would have been for our grandparents generation. To call her crazy as bat shit is cruel, God put her on this earth for a reason. Maybe it was to birth her daughter, maybe it was for the beautiful pictures she took, maybe it was to enlighten someones consciousness reading this article on CL. Whatever the reason, who are we to judge and criticize?

#88 Judah -
to your statement …..”There hasn’t been one black woman to ascend into the heights of the entertainment industry that didn’t get turned out or started out turned out”….

I have to acknowledge that I better understand your view on Oprah - you shared your opinion, I started to pay closer attention — and I completely understand where you were coming from…

Like I said, you have a deeper understanding that many folk can benefit from.

This woman clearly had some mental illness issues -
trying to be somebody other than who you are will always drive you crazy…
Her own family acknowledges that she was “weird as a child, even from birth”, and the LSD certainly didn’t help when she was older.

KUDOS!

Oh man, this was interesting, but very depressing.

Personally, one thing I like most about myself is being black. I love it. I’m black.

I feel bad for her, imagine not being happy about being black?

I know back in the day, being black wasn’t the best thing, but she disliked it to a point where she went crazy and died.

Fuck this bitch. She didn’t even admit to being black.

didn’t know this

@dats_da_truth wow prejudiced much? there’s nothing wrong w/being bohemian. it doesn’t mean you’re being white. if anything, bohemian nature is closer to native american than white but that’s beside the pt. you can’t go around generalizing. not all bohemians take drugs or have “sexual deviances”. most of the ones that i know don’t.

@tabby sorry to break it to you but paula abdul never was black. ppl thought she was and she probably didn’t say anything so that she could get black support but she’s syrian. and katherine zeta is white. she’s welsh.

I can’t believe so many of you are being so harsh on her for not owning her blackness. From what I’ve researched, her father beat her, as did an ex-boyfriend who was black, so that could be why she never wanted to be with a black man.
She did have mental issues, and she was a long-term heavy drug user. She died, broke and addicted to heroin, in 1979.

Let me also say that the “groundbreaking” issue of Vogue is nothing Vogue should be proud of - for Christ sakes, they’ve got her covering more than half of her BEAUTIFUL face with her hand. Ashamed to have a black woman on your cover, Vogue?

And Tyra Banks - can I come over and borrow a cup of EGO?
Donyale could out-model Tyra any day of the week.

I just come from her website. She was a beautiful woman! But why do so many fall into drugs? Sad.

agree w/ 7 & 1O
why should we honor her
she FRONTED on being black….

the nicest thing I can say is that the story WAS interesting….

She did appear to onloy be 1/2 black. She looks mixed with Mexican.

Wow! I’ve never heard of this woman before and I see alot of others havent either. She was goregous!

Oh, and she reminds me of Keri Hilson in some her photos.

Some of you need to consider the time period she grew up in, and why she felt they way she felt. It’s no excuse but it is something to be considered. Im sure during that time due to racism alot of ppl wanted to jump out their skin even if they didn’t want to admit it. Thats why people use to “pass”. This was very interesting Thank you Concreteloop im always open to learning more about history.

Thanks, this really was interesting. God made us how he wanted us to be. I hate to hear of people who do not want to be who they are.

Great job again CL!! J. Dakar great work!!

judah, are you refering to tyson?lol

Wow, and I always thought Iman was the first…

@97 she’s not half black she just a pretty white woman look at

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paula_Abdul

@97 again catherine just another pretty white woman

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catherine_Zeta-Jones

i read that eryka smokes marijuana. she is crazy as hell herself. that stuff is probably laced with something. she wears crazy clothes and the crazy hair. she claims she does not smoke marijuana, that it is another herb they found. “yeah, marijuana.” i hear it goes by many names. i hear the young kids talk about the many names. it all sounds sick to me. anything that will add on to your craziness, you should leave alone. actually drug abuse has been known to bring mental illness to the forefront in some people. it was already there, but the drugs made that person’s mental instability clear to others. btw mentally disturbed people think they are just fine and that everyone is just jealous of them or batty themselves.

Thank u for this info CL! Love the site and the focus on Black history makers.

I co-sign with #27.
This chick hated her heritage and NEVER claimed to be black so we shouldn’t celebrate her. I would rather call Beverly Johnson the first black model because at least she did it with pride.

iF YOU DO NOT CLAIM TO BE BLACK OR ARE ASHAMED (TIGER) SHOULD YOU BE CONSIDERED APART OF BLACK HISTORY?

Cl Thank you for these posts! They are educational…you all have stepped up your game.

PS

Black Girls Rock……..

I went to her website and she wasn’t all that to me. Her pictures are a work of art though. Her statement was right, she’s an artist not a model. I just see a skinny women with an overbite. Nothing striking about her at all. She could dress her ass off though. It’s funny to see the same thing they wore back then, they are wearing thi in 2008. I have a few of her outfits and wigs.

@Thinkaboutit

Sis, Oprah is a topic all to her own, lol. She had an episode highlighting and praising the white man’s newest abomination, transgender impregnation, but she cannot have an episode highlighting the government induced gang, drug, education, housing, and crime problems in the black community. Whatever money she donates is for interference purposes to hide the fact that she MUST follow the orders given to her by her caucasian backers or her closet will be opened.

wow, she reminds me of one of my friends. down to the face, the weird actions, and drugs, with the exception of the racial denial part. she is very interesting though. I would have loved to meet her. her daughter is very pretty.

That CHICK PEGGAH WASN’T LIGHT SKINNED. I WISH SHE COULD READ THIS NOW

IN THE WORDS OF HAPPO FROM THE COLOR PURPLE….YOU BLACK , YOU PO’ AND YOU UGLAH!

@144 Oprah is doing the something for the black community, she is a positive role model. Oprah had Bill Cosby on her show a few months ago. She is a Bill Cosby supporter. We all know the controversy Bill sparks. There where more blacks against his realness than for him. And with that said, Oprah is doing the right thing. The people that YOU, and I once thought, where the “black community” don’t want to do better. The ones that do, they go out and get what’s out there for them. There is all sorts of help concerning, gangs,housing and jail. You have to want to do better. I’m hittin all over the place, because I’m trying to say this nicely. Every nigger can not be saved. Nor do they want to. I’ve tried for years. You can try and try until your blue in the face. Some will get it and most won’t. I know one black person Oprah helped, that person is I. Now, I hear some of the same things people say about Oprah, minus her money being said about me. You can’t win. I hate the fact that some Black Americans think Oprah is the answer or problem because she has money. She is doing alright by god and that’s all right with me. Now the ones that should be blasted (black politicians) for not helping black aren’t. Oprah isn’t a politician, it’s not her job to make America a better place for blacks. And what’s wrong with following orders? In order to become a success, sorry, you have to listen to someone.

I think many of you missed the point. This women created her own elaborate heritage in an attempt to deny her blackness. She was not accepting all of cultural background (Mexican, Chinese, Indian etc); she down right lied about her background.

Even if she “tried” to hide her background, any one not on LSD at the time could tell she was black. It was all in her head. I don’t see Mexican when I see her. I see a black women with Indian in her family. Just like every other black with southern roots.

never heard of her, but interesting bio.

I think should would have sustained a successful career and life had she only took time to be comfortable with herself.