A Heartfelt Journey Through Ro Williams’ Inspiring Career in Beauty
Roshumba Williams, who gained fame as the first Black supermodel featured in Sports Illustrated, continues to inspire at 56, embracing her journey and encouraging other women to do the same.
Photo by Patrick Demarchelier
Reflecting on her teenage years, Williams recounted a significant family move from Chicago to Peoria, Illinois. “When I was going from junior high to high school, my family moved from Chicago to Peoria,” she said. “My brothers were gang age, and my parents wanted to get us out of there. I was devastated watching the city get smaller and the cornfields getting bigger.” In Peoria, she struggled to fit in, describing herself as “a size zero and 5’10” at 13.”
Initially inspired by a magazine cover featuring Iman, Williams’s aspirations shifted when she spotted Elle at a local grocery store. “I saw girls that looked like me. They’re skinny, and they have dark skin. I begged my mom to buy it and started decorating my room with their pictures,” she shared. This inspiration led to her pursuit of modeling, despite not knowing exactly what that entailed.
Steve Eichner/ Getty Images
Her pursuit led her to a local boutique where, after persistent requests, she stood in the window as a mannequin. “I bugged her so much,” she recalled. “My mom went in and said, ‘Please help her because she won’t leave me alone.’” This moment marked the beginning of her journey into modeling.
After high school, Williams moved to Chicago, visiting various modeling agencies, but found rejection due to her unique look. “The lucky thing was that I met guys in the area who had a modeling troupe. They encouraged me to do runway shows,” she explained. She saved her earnings from a call center job with the aim of heading to Europe within a strict timeline set by her mother.
Courtesy of Marcellas Reynolds
With just $150 to her name, Williams took a leap of faith, landing in Europe where her journey as a model truly began. “I was such a kid, and I just had this ‘I can’t fail’ attitude,” she recalled. Upon arriving in Paris, she felt a surge of confidence, convinced she was destined for success.
Reflecting on the modeling industry over the years, Williams emphasized the importance of self-identity. “When I was coming up, it was more about art… Now, you have that whole other element with social media,” she noted. She advised future generations: “Don’t put your eggs all in one basket,” reaffirming the significance of maintaining one’s values amid the pressures of the industry.
Pierre VAUTHEY/ Getty Images
Williams began her formal association with Sports Illustrated in 1989, marking a significant milestone in her career. Reflecting on that experience, she recalled, “I thought: ‘You closed the book, you did it, check the box.’” However, in 2023, she received an unexpected request to walk in Sports Illustrated‘s Miami swim week. “I’m 50-plus at this point,” she noted, yet felt a strong connection to the brand, leading her to participate and reconnect with her roots in the industry.
Astrid Stawiarz/ Getty Images
In March 2024, Williams was once again surprised by Sports Illustrated, this time with an invitation to feature on the cover for the Legends edition. Despite a packed schedule, she made it to the shoot, reflecting on the frantic journey with a sense of humor. Her career milestone continued when, in December, she was called to shoot for the 2025 issue amid challenging circumstances, including the California wildfires.
Michael Tullberg/ Getty Images
As Williams reflects on these recent endeavors, she acknowledges a powerful message about aging. “This rebirth and acknowledgment of women in their 50s and 60s still being viable, beautiful, and celebrated… I could cry. I’m just so grateful,” she expressed, emphasizing her pride in her enduring career and relevance in an ever-evolving industry.
