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Daughters of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X Participate in Actively Black Fashion Week Event

Actively Black Takes Center Stage at New York Fashion Week

New York Fashion Week is renowned for its groundbreaking designs and influential figures, but this year, the spotlight shone on a remarkable intersection of fashion and history. The Black-owned athleisure brand, Actively Black, showcased a runway show that celebrated Civil Rights icons, making an impactful statement far beyond the realm of fashion.

Ruby Bridges: A Living Legend on the Runway

At the heart of the show was Ruby Bridges, who made history at just six years old. In 1960, Bridges desegregated her school in Louisiana amidst hostility and racism. As she walked the runway at the age of 71, the atmosphere was electric with anticipation. Before she stepped out, a poignant video played, reflecting the racist backlash she faced as a child. Accompanied by child actors portraying federal agents who protected her, Bridges’ moment was both evocative and powerful.

Dressed in a striking black sweatshirt dress, she smiled and waved to the crowd, embodying resilience and grace. Her presence served not only as a reminder of the past but also an emblem of hope for the future.

Honoring Civil Rights Legacies

The runway shone a spotlight on not just Bridged but also on the daughters of legendary civil rights figures. Dr. Bernice King, the daughter of Martin Luther King Jr., and Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz, the daughter of Malcolm X, walked side by side, wearing sweatshirts that honored their fathers. Lanny Smith, the founder of Actively Black, captured their bond and strength through his lens, sharing heartfelt images of the duo embracing as they navigated the catwalk.

In his social media post, Smith expressed profound gratitude: “I’ve cried three times since last night. Thank you for trusting me with this vision.” His words resonated with the emotional weight of the event, underscoring the shared legacy of strength and perseverance.

Connections Beyond Styles: A Sisterhood

Bernice A. King took to X (formerly Twitter) following the event, referring to Shabazz as her “sister” and spreading messages of unity to her followers. Her post, encapsulated by the phrase “Let’s ‘walk together…and not get weary,’” emphasized the enduring struggle for equality and the importance of solidarity in the movement.

Celebrating Historical Narratives

The show also featured Civil Rights Movement photographer Cecil Williams, who added a profound narrative to the event. As he walked the runway, a poignant photograph of him as a teenager drinking from a “whites-only” water fountain played boldly in the background. Dressed in a sweatshirt adorned with a colorized version of this powerful image, Williams represented the bridges between past injustices and contemporary activism.

Earlier this year, Williams shared the story behind this photo on Actively Black’s Instagram, making the theme of the runway more relatable and grounded in personal history. Smith’s reflections on Williams’ participation echoed a broader message: “People think the heinous and evil of Jim Crow was ancient times. Nah, people are STILL here who grew up in it.”

A Renaissance of Representation

The collaboration between Actively Black and these Civil Rights icons serves as a reminder of the ongoing journey for racial equality and justice in America. Bringing these influential figures into the fashion world not only amplifies their stories but also reignites conversations about the struggles they faced and the resilience they exhibited.

This unique runway show is a testament to the power of fashion as a platform for social change and reflection, beautifully merging activism with artistry. As each model strode down the runway, they didn’t just showcase clothing; they carried with them legacies of resilience, pride, and hope for a more equitable future.

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