It’s no secret that certain magazines show no love to brown skin beauties, but it still stings to see such discouraging statistics concerning black women on covers. According to Huffington Post, 82% of the magazines predominantly featuring women in the past year had white women on the cover while only 18% featured black women.
Although Teen Vogue proved to be the most diverse with its black to white women ratio split down the middle, Maxim (the U.S. version) featured ZERO women of color on its cover in the past year. The men’s magazine calls itself the guide to the “hottest women in the world,” but we’ll beg to differ as long as this harrowing trend continues.
Click through for 10 women we think should grace Maxim‘s front page.
Draya Michele
She’s already a men’s magazine staple. This choice is a no-brainer.
Photo Credit: Instagram/Draya Michele
Kerry Washington
Most people think “regal” when they think of the newlywed, but Kerry knows how to bring the sexy, too. Check out her skin baring shoot with Details (above).
Photo Credit: Cameron Krone
Gabrielle Union
With multiple magazine appearances this year, it’s hard to believe that Gabby is 40 years old. The Being Mary Jane star has a body women half her age would kill for.
Photo Credit: moejackson.com
Rihanna
Rih Rih’s a usual suspect for magazine covers, but we find it confusing that Maxim would name her one of the hottest women in the world and still not feature her on a 2013 cover.
Photo Credit: Maxim
Cassie
Cassie’s musical abilities are questionable, but there’s no denying her beauty. Men would flock to stores for a copy of her issue.
Photo Credit: ebengregory.com
Tika Sumpter
Sumpter’s having a monumental year with the success of The Have and Have Nots. Why not celebrate her rising star with a cover?
Photo Credit: Esquire
Jordin Sparks
Sparks left tongues wagging last year after unveiling her drastic weight loss. She’s flaunted her bikini body for People and Shape– she should add Maxim to that short list.
Instagram/Jordin Sparks
Misty Copeland
Ballerinas are sexy, too! Just look at the curvaceous Copeland, who’s bringing more sass and color to the dance world.
Photo Credit: Zimbio
Raven Symone
Talk about a coming out party! Raven’s subtle, yet powerful Twitter announcement would’ve been more epic with a cover to match.
Ciara
Cici’s ab are good enough reason. Put them on a cover and women everywhere will run to the gym.
Photo Credit: Getty Images