Tyra Banks was the first black model to appear on the SI cover, an accomplishment she achieved with Valeria Mazza in 1996 and on her own -- in polka dots -- in 1997. She is another major celebrity, named by Time magazine in 2006 as one of the 100 most influential people, and involved in a range of projects including a reality show and a talk show.

Valerie Mazza and Tyra Banks appeared together on the 1996 cover together, as the shoot moved to South Africa. It was just the second time that models shared the coveted cover space.
Sports Illustrated)