On Thursday, February 22nd in the James L. Bolden Campus Union, Leadership Alcorn in collaboration with the T.R.E.N.D. Modeling Squad held a Black History Fashion Show highlighting African culture and the social injustice in present day America.
“On behalf of Leadership Alcorn, the purpose was to highlight differences in black culture while also showing the beauty in it. The T.R.E.N.D. decided to put two scenes in the show which were the African scene and the social injustice scene. To me, it was symbolic of how we can overcome so much and still come out on top and in style. I think it’s important to have positive reminders like this and The T.R.E.N.D. executed it amazingly,” stated Bryony Murphy, President of Leadership Alcorn.
The event opened with Alcorn student athlete Yalen Reed playing various selections on electric guitar. Following Reed was an opening scene from The T.R.E.N.D. Modeling Squad entitled, “Welcome to the Motherland.”
“Tonight’s fashion show was one for the books. I have never done a fashion show that’s focused particularly on black history, so it was nice to do something different. Wearing the different types of prints based on what would be seen in Africa really stood out. This show really broke down what T.R.E.N.D. means which is Truly Recognizing and Embracing Natural Differences,” stated Kija Weary, T.R.E.N.D. model and Leadership Alcorn member.
After the opening scene, The T.R.E.N.D. followed with a second scene entitled, “The Modern Day Struggle.” This scene depicted various modern day Civil Rights Movements such as Black Lives Matter and many more.
“The event was wonderful. It allowed the students to see the various traditions of African culture. The clothing worn depicted ceremonial, war and everyday African attire. The T.R.E.N.D. Modeling Squad and myself would like to thank Leadership Alcorn for including us in this event,” said Austin Pope, Runway Coach of The T.R.E.N.D. Modeling Squad.