The Black Student Union (BSU) will host its annual fashion show on Friday, February 24 at 4 p.m. in McGuire Hall.
According to their Den page, BSU “gives students the ability to learn and enjoy the studies of African American culture”.
It continued, “BSU is a diverse group of members from various backgrounds that are focused on fostering positive relationships in the African American community, and displaying a positive view of African Americans in today’s current society. We as a group, want to share African American culture with the student body in an enthusiastic and insightful way”.
The BSU fashion show has become a staple in the annual events offered to students. Kayla Thomas, President of BSU, stated that “BSU has been hosting fashion shows for 3 years now; this will be our third annual fashion show”.
Diversity, equity and inclusion are extremely important in schools. Encouraging the representation and participation of diverse groups on campuses nationwide is crucial. It is an important step in the process of establishing inclusivity in academic and social environments.
Events held by other Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) have also prioritized creating such environments.
Organizations such as BSU, Students for Justice in Palestine, the Muslim Student Association, and Unidos, among others, have created spaces and hosted events that foster inclusivity through events such as Arab Fest and the annual Business Exposition.
Thomas stated that “Being a minority in a college setting really doesn’t give us an opportunity to show how we dress when we are not in an overwhelming environment. The executive board before me decided to create a whole show based on how African Americans dress in different spaces so that others will understand and enjoy our sense of style”.
Each fashion show has had a theme, and this year’s theme is “The Essence Of Us” which, according to Thomas, means “the quality of something, the soul and spirit that determines its character”.
The fashion show is open to all who wish to participate. Thomas added that she is “excited about this year’s show because we were able to get everyone involved, from students to busy student-athletes and even staff and advisors. The goal is to show how style changes over the years by having different generations model”.
Students do not have to walk the runway to be involved in BSU’s annual fashion show.
Thomas communicated that BSU “added a new role to the backstage crew for those who want to help but are maybe shy and not used to the spotlight. They are able to help with lights, music, stage direction, and more”.
She continued, “I want to push more to get the word out that you don’t need to model to be involved in the show. Students can also just spread the word so that we can reach a bigger audience because we all know different people”.
Those interested in attending the BSU’s annual fashion show can find more information on TheDen, or can email the BSU email bsu@mymail.sxu.edu. Those who wish to participate next year should be on the lookout for posts on TheDen.