William H. Kelly III
Editor-in-Chief
The 2017 International Week at Jackson State University is meant to unite cultures from every continent and celebrate their way of life. On March 22, the JSU Global International Students Association (ISA) did just this by hosting the “I Wear Africa” Fashion Show from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Liberal Arts Building Courtyard.
Centered on this year’s theme, “Celebrating the Culture, Passion, and Purpose of Africa,” the fashion show featured student models who showcased the merchandise of local vendors who sell African-based clothing and accessories.
Some of these vendors included: the Adiambo Store, Kolors Variety Store, and KamiesKreation, who all provided a variety of clothing for both men and women.
The upbeat African music, colorful decorations, and outside scenery truly helped mold the atmosphere and set the tone. Not only did guests have the opportunity to experience new styles of clothing and music, the show also featured performances by Outspoken Arts Collective and the JSU Dance Ensemble.
Winnie Bush, a junior mass communication major from Abuja, Nigeria., was the student coordinator of the event.
“As the president of the International Students Association (ISA), my job and what I swore to do was integrate international students with American students. I wanted to make them feel at home knowing that the American students are people just like them and are eager to learn new languages and culture,” said Bush. “So during the International Week planning, I was asked what I would like to do and I said a fashion show because with the exception of food and music, fashion is the next big thing that integrates people.”
The Insatiable Modeling Squad (IMS) also collaborated with ISA in coordinating the event and had numerous members walk in some of the scenes.
“It felt natural, it felt right, it felt as if I was doing something bigger than just modeling. I was overjoyed and felt a great sense of pride! It was an amazing show and I was blessed as well as ecstatic to had been a part of it,” said Christian White, a freshman graphic design major from Hattiesburg, Miss.
Camisha Yarbrough, a sophomore business management major from Moss Point, Miss., is also a member of IMS.
“I am so glad I had the opportunity to be a part of a great show. I never knew Africa had so many great styles, patterns, and colors; if I could I would have worn everything,” said Yarbrough. “Overall the fashion show was great and I had a lot of fun. The show was a true definition of ‘I Wear Africa’.”
Admission to the fashion show was free and only required guests to bring school supplies or books as a donation. Bush was proud of the overall turnout.
“We got more than 30 books and school supplies and we are donating the books to Adiambo School, which was one of our vendors.”
She continued.
“The turnout for the fashion show in my opinion was amazing. All the seats were filled and some people even had to stand. The fashion show did fulfill its purpose and I am excited that I had the opportunity to organize the show,” said Bush.
Photos by Kalin Norman and William H. Kelly III
