Marilyn Jones – From Spotlight to Guide, Helping Others to Shine

By Joëlle Arianna Staropoli and Paige Gray

Fact checked by Charmaine Gooden

Originally published on Black Fashion Canada Database in June 2024*

In the fall of 1997, the bustling atmosphere of a local hair show became the backdrop for a pivotal shift in the life of 20-year-old Marilyn Jones. She recalls, “The reigning Miss Black Quebec, Petula Clark, was there. And I thought, ‘Oh, that’s really cool!’ I had never heard of the pageant at all.”

During a trip to the washroom, Jones found herself cornered by a woman. “You!” The woman exclaimed, “You are entering my pageant.”

“She gave me all of this information in 30 seconds or less. I ran out of the bathroom and didn’t even use it, I was so nervous,” Jones says. A year later, on May 26th, 1984, she entered and won the Miss Black Quebec pageant in front of 2000 spectators at the Expo Theatre, an unexpected victory that opened numerous doors.

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EARLY LIFE AND CAREER

Jones was born in 1962 in Montreal, Quebec. Growing up, Jones was immersed in the entertainment industry. Her mother, from Africville, Nova Scotia worked as a backup dancer at the infamous Esquire Show Bar. Jones’ grandfather, an auto mechanic by day and jazz musician by night, also greatly inspired her work ethic and passion for the arts.

Jonanne Sternthal, a judge at Miss Black Quebec, knew the moment Jones walked on stage, who would win. “Her strut made Naomi Campbell pale in comparison. She could have graced any runway from New York to Paris,” she recalls. Sternthal and Jones formed a friendship throughout their careers, and when she was asked to produce a fashion show at the Chateau Champlain Hotel with all Black models, Sternthal knew to call Jones first.

Jones’ network expanded rapidly. The woman who discovered her in the hair show bathroom was Gemma Raeburn-Baynes, the co-founder of Montreal Ebony Models. “It’s automatic. You have to model,” she told Jones.

For the next 31 years, Jones was a prominent member of Raeburn-Baynes’ crew. She dominated the runway for designers and charity shows organized by the Sickle Cell Foundation and the Hope and Cope Foundation at the Jewish General Hospital. “We became known as the ‘ladies of the eighties’,” reminisces Sternthal, who produced many events with Jones and Raeburn-Baynes.

Jones’ rise to stardom included more than just modelling. Howard Gillick, an Executive Director and Producer based in Brazil was another judge the year she won the Miss Black Quebec pageant. Marilyn expanded her already hefty resume by travelling worldwide with Gillick for 21 years.

When breaking down what her schedule would look like during those busy years, Jones explains that after her 9-5 job as the Fit Model for Lori Ann Fashions, she would go straight to dance and modelling rehearsals. “I was doing three things at the same time. I never slept.” she laughs.

ROLE OF RACE

Despite her success, Jones still faced challenges due to her race. Mainstream media ignored events like Miss Black Quebec, which were often covered by smaller Black-owned press outlets. “I would think it would be all over the news and in the papers, but no. It never went mainstream, except with the occasional article in The Gazette newspaper.”

For Jones, race and identity have always been sources of pride. However, she often felt the impact of her skin colour during interactions with the press. “Anytime I went for an interview, I was looked up and down immediately.” She recalls feeling scrutinized for her appearance rather than her qualifications.

Jones also faced discrimination within the fashion industry. “There’s a thing about the tone of your skin; you’re too light or too dark. It’s the same with your height. You’re too short, you’re too whatever,” she explains with frustration.

Looking back, Jones said she wasn’t aware of her strength and resilience. Now, she intends to use her experiences to support young people entering the industry, ensuring they don’t experience the isolation she felt in the past.

INFLUENCE AND LEGACY

The Sears Models Club was an initiative which started in 1997. Sears in Fairview Pointe Claire became the first store in Quebec to offer the program, which Jones and Raeburn-Baynes coordinated. “[We wanted] to bring kids in here aged 7 to 18, of every shape and size and show them how to model, provide them an opportunity to experience the industry and build confidence,” says Jones.

Jones’ goal in supporting youth through the Sears Models Club was to create a space in the industry that embraces change. “All of that archaic thinking is not moving the industry forward, and it’s such a shame because there is so much talent that goes undiscovered.”

Nearing the 40th anniversary of winning Miss Black Quebec, Jones has made it clear there is still a portion of her story that still needs to be written. “My dream is to have a state-of-the-art facility where children can explore and experience something different related to the arts on each floor,” she explains.

Jones’ passion for the arts is a passion for helping others. Throughout her career, she has shaped the entertainment scene in Montreal and paved the way for Black women in fashion to be seen, heard and to stand up for what they deserve. Jones’ words of wisdom are, “Go until you get a yes. When you get that yes, show them why you deserve to be there. Know your worth, no matter what the circumstances dictate. You matter! Let your light shine and allow nothing and no one to extinguish your light.”

Jones currently resides in Vaughan, Ontario with her two children. Both of whom are gifted and successful artists. Her legacy is maintained through them. Jones continues to work as a volunteer coordinator, model instructor and runway choreographer for African Women Acting.

*For Full widgets, photos and facts head to Black Fashion Canada Database