Supermodel Beverly Johnson Honored By Down Syndrome Foundation

DENVER (CBS4) - Forty years ago Beverly Johnson was the first African-American model to be featured on the cover of Vogue magazine.

"It's every model's dream to be on the cover of Vogue and quite honestly I didn't know there hadn't been a woman of color on that cover at that time," she told CBS4. "It was most certainly a defining moment in my life.

Johnson, who recently accepted an award from the Denver-based Global Down Syndrome Foundation, says modeling opened all kinds of doors for her.

"I made a conscious decision first of all to find out about my roots, who I am, where I came from -- and what's this whole race thing about," she said.

The Global Down Syndrome Foundation gives out the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award to "those who have championed people who are differently-abled, including people with Down syndrome, in several categories such as humanitarian work, self-advocacy, and public service."

LINK: Global Down Syndrome Foundation's Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award

Johnson's niece Natalie has Down Syndrome and she traveled with her to Denver to accept the award. It was Natalie's first time away from home.

Johnson said she enjoys helping Natalie and other children with the syndrome better their lives. That includes doing self-esteem building fashion shows.

"When you see these young adults and kids walk down this runway, I mean, Natalie, my niece, she's been transformed," Johnson said. "Each one has this special gift.