Augusta University’s Multicultural Student Engagement Department hosted the second annual Black History Month Fashion Show on Thursday evening, Feb. 29, on the Summerville Campus’ Jaguar Student Activities Center.
To celebrate and honor Black contribution to art and fashion throughout American history, almost 200 attendees enjoyed viewing the rich tapestry of African American culture via fashion.
MSE Assistant Director Shontrea Hogans said she started the yearly event to create a joyous environment for recognizing university diversity.
“When I got here, a lot of our Black History Month events were all about history, which is important because you need to know your history to know where you’re going,” said Hogans. “But there weren’t any moments of pure joy, celebration or community.”
However, with two participants modeling traditional Indian clothing, the event emphasized more than modern African American clothing trends.
“It’s for anyone who wants to celebrate Blackness, who wants to showcase their fashion, and for those who want to give a platform for any culture,” Hogans said. “Anybody is welcome.”
Explaining that every outfit has cultural significance, Hogans said she hoped each attendee left the show with a better understanding of fashion’s intentionality.
“There is intent behind [clothing] – there’s culture, there’s history, somebody a long time ago made it or influenced it,” she said.
Augusta University’s Chief Diversity Officer Garrett Green said he believed the energetic display of clothing gave students a great opportunity to highlight their creativity.
“This lets them authentically be themselves,” he said. “It allows the student body to feel empowered. It was just great to see and be a part of.”
Through an hour-long show that featured 27 models, students were exposed to several clothing categories, such as culture, motorsports, extravagance and more.
Alongside participating students, some staff members even decided to join in on the evening’s fun. For a university counselor, Nolie Burns, who works within AU’s Psychological Services, modeling in the show gave her the opportunity to overcome relational barriers.
“This shows unity and connection between staff and students,” Burns said. “As a counselor, I think we’re oftentimes viewed as untouchable to some degree, because we have that role of leading and guiding … but this shows them that I have feelings as well – I get nervous and anxious too.”
In addition, Burns said such exhibits give students a safe space for all to share cultural similarities or learn from each other’s differences.
“As an African American woman and staff member here, I think it’s important to connect with the other Brown and Black students here at the university,” she said. “It just establishes a sense of belonging … and can increase the success of these students.”
Attendee and supporter Cameron Sapp, who is president of AU’s Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., said he thought the annual event taught students to feel closer to their ethnic and cultural roots, which creates a foundation for deeper understanding in the long run.
“It was a really good show and a big upgrade from last year,” he said. “It was really engaging and I loved it.”
Liz Wright is a staff writer covering education, lifestyle and general assignments for The Augusta Press. Reach her at liz@theaugustapress.com
