Melanin Illustrated: Sorority sisters pose for photoshoot to celebrate black beauty

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A group of sorority sisters have come together to create a photoshoot that celebrates the beauty of black women.

To celebrate their 10th anniversary of joining the sorority, Delta Sigma Theta, alumnus from spring 2007 reunited for a three-day trip to Costa Rica where they chartered a catamaran to a private beach.

Here, the sisters donned bathing suits that matched their skin tones and posed in the sea and sand for an empowering photoshoot which they have dubbed “Melanin Illustrated.”

The shoot which consisted of 56 women, aged 29 to 35, was coordinated by LaToya Owens, one of the first of the sorority’s chapter at A&M and set out to highlight all types of black beauty regardless of shape and size.

“Being in a sisterhood means having a support system and someone always there to count on,” Owens told Yahoo Style.

“Black women are often overlooked in beauty. This was our way to shine a light on all types of black beauty.”

“Our sorority is all about black excellence, ” she added

“We want to serve as an example and [show] appreciation of black women. Our commitment is to scholarship and service, and this was to honor the sisterhood.”

Using the hashtags #MelaninIllustrated and #TITEtakescostarica, the women have shared photos of their breathtaking trip to the Central American country on Instagram which have since gone viral and received a flood of adoration from supporters.

“Black beauty in all shades & tones of our culture & heritage! Much love Sorors,” one person wrote.

Another added,”Gorgeous ladies! Thank you for putting this beautiful image out for the world to smile at.”