As Black History Month kicks off this weekend, the Marshall-Harrison County Juneteenth Association is moving up its annual “Fashioned for Freedom” style show, setting it for Saturday, Feb. 8 and featuring student models from local colleges.
“This is the very first one that we are doing a joint fashion show,” Don Ravenell, co-chair of the association, said of their collaboration with Wiley University and East Texas Baptist University for this year’s event.
He said they decided to move the fashion show from the Juneteenth holiday to Black History Month to accommodate the schedule of participating college students and also honor the month-long observation.
“We do a lot of work with the Wiley College, and they wanted to get students more involved,” said Ravenell. “And so, we came up with the idea of moving the date from June to the Black History Month, so that way we could get the students more involved in the community, and have more participation.”
He said it also provides another event to celebrate in Black History Month along with the annual commemorative parade, presented by the African American Celebration Committee.
“So with the African American parade and fashion show, there’s a lot going on, and we thought this would be a wonderful opportunity for the students to get involved with the community, “said Ravenell. “So this is why we got to pushing forward with doing this joint operation.”
The event is set for 5 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 8, at the Robert E. Hayes Sr. Auditorium on the campus of Wiley University. Admission is free.
“It is designed for the Black History Month,” reiterated Ravenell. “We are going to have some wonderful (participation).”
Special guests will be the Price T. Young Fine Arts Academy’s dance team. Most exciting is the collaboration of East Texas Baptist University and Wiley University students teaming up for the fashion show.
“We have combined with East Texas Baptist University and Wiley University, and we’re going to have students from both perform in a fashion show,” said Ravenell.
He said they hope to include students from Panola College and Texas State Technical College-Marshall in the future.
“We wanted Panola and we wanted TSTC, but right now, that didn’t work out, but they chose to keep it on their radar for next year,” said Ravenell. “So we were going to be pushing trying to get all the universities to perform in this wonderful, giant community fashion show.”
In addition to enjoying the thrills of fun fashions and entertainment, door prizes will also be given away.
“We’re going to be giving away all kinds of wonderful door prizes again this year. It’s going to be exciting to have Wiley and ETBU students to perform,” said Ravenell. “This is going to be great!”
Ravenell said the occasion presents a lovely example of unity in the community.
“We have four universities here, and they have never, in my time since I’ve been here, put on anything together. And so this is one of the things,” he said of the desires of his heart. “We are a community, so let’s strive to do community activities.”
“This is a wonderful time for this, during the Black History program. So this is why we want to do it, and we know that the community will be behind us,” said Ravenell. “And so we’re excited. We’re very excited.”
Back by popular demand as this year’s emcee is Latrice Gray, who does a great job engaging the crowd.
“She’s wonderful,” commended Ravenell.
Several community members will be modeling the runway as well. The runway will also welcome special guest model and fashion designer, Summers Horton, to the event.
“She’s going to be there, and she’s going to be modeling, and she’s going to bring some of her outfits, and she’s going to (deliver) a speech,” said Ravenell, noting Horton is a Marshall native.
“So this is going to be a very exciting month,” said Ravenell.
He noted VIP passes will also be available this year.
“We are going to try to really, really bring a wonderful crowd to the fashion show this year,” he said. “We want the community there.”
Co-chair Alma Ravenell also encourages the public to come out and have a fun time.
“I think we’re also excited because we also have a dance team participating, and Ms. Jackson (the director) was nice enough to ensure that they that they are part of the event this year,” she said.
Thus, “Join us for an unforgettable evening at the Junteenth Fashion Show!” the association stated. “Celebrate culture, style, and creativity as we showcase unique fashions and honor our heritage.”
