Today’s Google Doodle honours Mama Cax, a Haitian-American model and advocate for disability rights, in observance of Black History Month. The illustration was created by Brooklyn-based guest artist Lyne Lucien and depicts Mama Cax, who was known for challenging conventional beauty standards. The model and activist confidently walked down fashion show runways with her colourfully patterned prosthetic leg. On this date in 2019, Mama Cax made her runway debut during New York Fashion Week.
Mama Cax was born as Cacsmy Brutus in Brooklyn, New York, on November 20, 1989, and spent her childhood in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. She was diagnosed with bone and lung cancer at age 14, resulting in hip replacement surgery at age 16. Unfortunately, the surgery was unsuccessful, and her right leg was amputated as a result. Mama Cax initially struggled with depression and self-acceptance as she desired for her prosthetic leg to blend in with her skin tone and appear natural.
Mama Cax gradually accepted and embraced her new body as time passed. She began wearing fashionable prosthetic covers with self-assurance, incorporating them into her own unique style. Mama Cax demonstrated her passion for fashion and style through her vibrant clothing, hair colour, and striking makeup. She embraced both her disability and her athletic side by learning how to handcycle. As a result of her perseverance, she was able to complete the New York City Marathon.
Mama Cax observed that Black women and women with disabilities were underrepresented on social media as the body positivity movement grew. She began posting frequently, advocating for diversity in fashion, and discussing her body insecurities on social media. In 2017, she debuted in the fashion industry as a model in an advertising campaign and was soon after signed by Jag Models. In 2018, she appeared on the cover of Teen Vogue, and in 2019, she walked in both the February and October New York Fashion Weeks.
In 2019, Mama Cax’s life was cut tragically short by medical complications. The model and activist are remembered for expanding the image of how disabled people should or should not appear. Today’s colourful Doodle is a reflection of her vibrant life. The artwork highlights the many facets of her identity, including her Haitian heritage, her upbringing in New York City, her fashion career, and her prosthetic limb.
Thank you for being a positive role model and championing diversity in the fashion and beauty industry. Mama Cax.
