Shakaila Forbes-Bell Becomes the First Black Woman to Obtain a Master’s Degree in Fashion Psychology.

Shakaila Forbes-Bell recently made history by becoming the first black woman to obtain a Master’s degree in Fashion Psychology. This unique field of study focuses on consumer behavior and human behavior in general as it relates to body image, beauty ideals, and the consumption and production of fashion and beauty products.

Forbes-Bell shared the news on Instagram, along with heartfelt message about what motivated her to pursue such a degree,

Today I became the first Black woman in the world to be awarded with a Masters in Psychology for Fashion. I have always and will always fight for the inclusion and positive representation of Black and minority ethnic women worldwide. It is pivotal that the marks we leave on this world are visible for all to see so that future generations of little black girls know that their achievements are boundless. From incidents as severe as Black men and women being executed at home and abroad to something as pathetic as being told that your skin is too dark for a makeup brand (that actually happened to me last week, shout out @clinique ) we face many challenges as a community. With this small step and the many steps, I hope to take in the future I hope to further the narrative of black girls being powerful, beautiful, intelligent and of course – magic!

Forbes-Bell will also be launching a new blog, Psychology Of Fashion, which will be dedicated to exploring many of ideas and concepts that she has studied.