At Sony Hall, New York Fashion Week became a declaration of Black cultural power. With Actively Black’s “This Is Not a Fashion Show” experience, presented by Mielle Organics, the evening moved beyond style to honor the legacy, resilience, and creativity that define Black cultural movements. The event was ultimately about celebrating the enduring impact of Black innovators and leaders whose contributions shape today’s culture and tomorrow’s possibilities.
A Living Tapestry of Legacy
The night’s most powerful statement came not from fabric, but from faces. Dr. Bernice A. King, daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Ilyasah Shabazz, daughter of Malcolm X, walked the runway side by side. Their presence evoked memories of two leaders whose visions of justice transformed the world. Seeing their daughters united in this cultural celebration reminded the audience that the work of those leaders continues through their families.
Ruby Bridges, who as a child in 1960 faced mobs to integrate an all-white elementary school, received a thunderous standing ovation. The audience honored her not only for her bravery at age six, but also for the doors she opened for generations of Black students to follow.
Cecil J. Williams, immortalized in the photograph of him defiantly drinking from a “Whites Only” fountain, appeared in an Actively Black hoodie—transforming an image of oppression into one of triumph. The symbolism was clear: what once was used to humiliate is now reclaimed as a badge of pride.
Olympians Tommie Smith and John Carlos, whose raised fists at the 1968 Mexico City Games became one of the most iconic protests in history, were honored as living testaments to the courage of athletes who risked everything to speak truth to power. Beside them, Ben Haith, the man who designed the Juneteenth flag, stood as a reminder of a freedom long delayed yet permanently marked in the nation’s consciousness.
The Red Carpet as a Reflection of Cultural Power
If the runway honored legacies, the red carpet displayed the breadth of Black influence today. Lauryn Hill, a voice of a generation, reminded us that music and activism have always been intertwined. Harlem fashion legend Dapper Dan embodied the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit that helped put Black style at the center of global fashion.
Tyrese and Ghostface Killah reflected the evolution of Black storytelling through music and film. Naturi Naughton and Dascha Polanco highlighted the importance of representation in media. Even sports and entertainment figures like Edgerrin James and Jamil Hardwick were represented.
A Celebration of Black Women as the Blueprint
The “Black Women Are Superheroes” collection spotlighted Valeisha Butterfield Jones, Bozoma Saint John, Cari Champion, Monica McNutt, T’ea Cooper, and Deja Kelly. Each woman represented a different sphere—technology, media, business, sports—but together they embodied a singular truth: Black women have always been, and will always be, the backbone of cultural progress.
Art, Music, and Storytelling as Resistance
Lisane Basquiat presented a collection honoring her brother Jean-Michel Basquiat, a reminder of how art can both confront and reshape society. Sara Marley, granddaughter of Bob Marley and daughter of Lauryn Hill, brought forward the Marley legacy, symbolizing music’s ability to unite and inspire across generations.
A tribute to Michael Jackson captured the ways Black entertainers revolutionized not only music, but also global culture itself. The Harlem Globetrotters were celebrated for breaking barriers in sports and spreading joy worldwide, while Terrence J honored the enduring power of HBCUs as incubators of Black brilliance.
The night also revisited a cultural staple: AJ & Free, hosts of BET’s 106 & Park, returned to celebrate the show’s 25th anniversary, reminding the audience how media shaped and amplified a generation of Black voices.
A Movement, Not a Moment
Founder Lanny Smith summarized the ethos of the evening:
“Me being pro-Black doesn’t mean I’m anti-anything else. Tonight was about honoring our ancestors, uplifting our communities, and reminding the world that our stories, our innovation, and our style are indispensable to the global culture.”
This message extended beyond fashion. By partnering with Bridgeforth Farms, a Black-owned cotton farm, Actively Black demonstrated how every garment could serve as an act of economic empowerment—clothing made from Black-own cotton, designed by Black creatives, and celebrated on a global stage.
The Joy of Continuity
The night ended not with applause but with life: founders Larry Smith and Bianca Winslow revealed they are expecting a baby boy in December 2025. The announcement symbolized hope and continuity—proof that this movement is not only about preserving the past but also building a future.
Why It Matters
“This Is Not a Fashion Show” was a definitive cultural milestone, fusing the perseverance of Ruby Bridges, the defiance of Cecil J. Williams, the fists of Smith and Carlos, the visions of King and Malcolm X, and the creative force of Basquiat and Marley. By connecting these legacies to modern icons like Lauryn Hill and Dapper Dan, the event powerfully educated, inspired, and cemented Black culture’s influence as foundational and ongoing.
Black culture remains a cornerstone of global culture. Actively Black, with Mielle Organics, used this event to assert that what began in struggle is now legacy—driving innovation and worldwide influence as an unstoppable movement.
For more, visit activelyblack.com.
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