The African Students’ Association is putting together a fashion show to celebrate their cultures and allow ACU students to see a glimpse into their lives.
The ASA, in partnership with the Office of Multicultural Enrichment is bringing back the Project Reach fashion show for a second year. The event is geared to incorporate clothes and culture represented at ACU, in a fun and exciting way.
“The people who did come last year have a greater appreciation of our culture,” said Soo Hun Yoon, sophomore biochemistry major from Sierra Leone. “They understand that we are not all the same people and that our cultural clothing has a meaning to it.”
The students running the event said they are hopeful that the turnout will be more successful this year and plan to continue the event annually.
“To me [this event] is important because it kind of makes people aware of different cultures clothing and it helps them build tolerance towards it instead of assuming someone’s personality based on what you know about such clothing,” said Yoon.
The fashion show will take place on April 25 from 7:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. at Chapel on the Hill.
Instead of an entrance fee, the group has asked for a $3 donation fee or three cans of food to donate to those in need. Half of the proceeds will go towards Kiva, a non-profit microfinance organization, and the other half will go to sustaining the African Students’ Association.
Last Wednesday and Thursday the OME had a model call, where models brought clothes from their cultures to be showcased.
Janice Nkrumah, sophomore kinesiology major from Houston, came up with the idea for this fashion show.
“Everyone feels comfortable where they are, I want them to see that its ok to see other cultures and experience other cultures,” Nkrumah said. “In real life, you’re going to be encountered with so many other people.”
Gabrielle Thompson, junior vocal performance major from Los Angeles, Calif., was one of the students who helped start the fashion show last year.
“When I wake up in the morning, I think about what I wear,” Thompson said. “Not just because I am representing myself and I want to look good but because I represent my parents and my parent’s parents and ACU.”
For further questions contact the Office of Multicultural Enrichment at (325) 674-6562, located on the bottom floor of McKinzie Hall, room 128.