When Playmate JenniferJackson walked into PLAYBOY’s offices in 1964, she was originally seeking clerical work.
But before she knew it, she was donning the famous bunny costume and going to work at the Playboy Club in Chicago.
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Jackson was the first Black woman to pose for PLAYBOY in a time when segregation was alive and well (fortunately, the Civil Rights act of 1964, passed later that same year, changed that). A few years later in 1971, Darine Stern graced the cover, marking the first time a Black woman was on the cover of PLAYBOY.
PLAYBOY has continued to feature women of color over the years, and we’re proud to resurface many of them today to kick off Black History month. Learn more about them all in the gallery below.
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Sisters Janis & Jennifer Jackson first appeared in PLAYBOY in the 1964 pictorial roundup 'The Bunnies of Chicago.'
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Bell was one of the first African-American Playmates, first appearing in October 1969.
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Gina Byrams, 1969 Bunny of the Year.
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Lynda Moore appeared in PLAYBOY's 'Bunnies of 1970' feature in PLAYBOY Magazine.
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Lacey worked for PLAYBOY for 54 years and was a 'Bunny Mother.'
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Darine Stern made history as the first African-American woman to be on the cover of PLAYBOY in October 1971.
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February 1982 Playmate Anne-Marie Fox poses behind the scenes of her Playmate shoot.
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Jackson appeared on the cover of PLAYBOY Magazine three times, the first in 1989.
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2019 Playmate of the Year Jordan Emanuel poses in a stunning gold dress.
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Neferteri Shepherd was Playmate of the Month in July 2000.
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Chasity Samone was the Playmate for the February 2020 issue.
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Tanerelle was the Playmate of our December 2020 issue.
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