African American Hero of the Day

Tyra Banks (1973-)

Model, Talk Show Host

Tyra Banks, a top fashion model who has become a multimedia personality, was born December 4, 1973, in Los Angeles, California. Banks's extraordinary modeling career began in 1991 when her impressive runway performance in Paris, France, earned her a spot in numerous other shows. Banks's career in modeling earned her attention as one of the 50 Most Beautiful People in 1994 and 1996 and Supermodel of the Year in 1997.

In 2005 Banks retired from modeling and began an acting and movie career. With experience as a producer for the television show America's Next Top Model, Banks launched The Tyra Banks Show, a daytime talk show. The show was very successful and won several daytime Emmy Awards. Banks has started a scholarship at her alma mater for African American girls, founded a camp for teenage girls, and written the book Tyra's Beauty Inside and Out. She shares her experiences as a young woman and as an entrepreneur in her role as a motivational speaker. Her talents and burgeoning role as media mogul continues to earn attention.

From African American Almanac: 400 Years of Triumph, Courage and Excellence by Lean'tin Bracks, (c) 2012 Visible Ink Press(R). A wealth of milestones, inspiration, and challenges met . . .