Augusta University held its annual Black History Month Fashion Show on Feb. 27, bringing together students, faculty, and staff to mark the end of Black History Month with a celebration of fashion and heritage.
The event aimed to highlight the ongoing influence of Black history on contemporary experiences while fostering cultural understanding within the university community. The show featured 12 categories that explored different aspects of Black culture and identity, such as “Black Out or Back Out,” “Watch the Yard,” “Rhythm and Runway,” “Black Dandyism,” and “Haute Couture.” Each segment included introductions explaining their historical or modern significance.
“It’s easy with any history or heritage month to get stuck in the past, but Black History Month is also about acknowledging the current experiences and how the past influences today,” said Shareen Clement, EdD, director of Mentorship and Student Engagement. “As an educational environment, the Black History Month Fashion Show is an opportunity for those who are part of that culture to learn more about it themselves, but it’s also for those who are not a part of the culture becoming more culturally competent individuals.”
Now in its fourth year, the fashion show has grown significantly from its beginnings. This year’s event included 66 models from across campus organizations. Shontrea Hogans, assistant director of Mentorship and Student Engagement (MSE), originally conceived the showcase. She said she hopes it encourages people to see appreciation for Black culture as an everyday practice rather than just a month-long observance. Planning began in July 2025 with student involvement at every stage.
“By valuing students as sources of knowledge, the fashion show isn’t just a repetition of historical content they’ve heard about before,” Hogans said. “For the students who participate, it’s a showcase of what they know about being Black and about Black culture and fashion. It positions them as a source of knowledge for others in the community, allowing them to immerse themselves in the culture, and this celebration and joy has a much longer lasting impact than traditional classroom teaching.”
Emmanuel Faminu, a graduating computer science student who has participated since the first show as both model and photographer, served this year as executive media and content director. He coordinated media coverage for all aspects of the event. “I want to create the message that collaboration is how we make waves,” Faminu said. “This is an extremely collaborative event…and it reflects how the Black history movement in America is a collaborative effort.”
Tyler Guy, Mr. Augusta University and fourth-year psychology student, also took part since inception. He described his participation as self-expression through fashion: “This year my favorite category was ‘Black Dandyism,’ which references how Black people would dress up in an exuberant way to show that we could be polished…that we have the right to be in different spaces.” Guy added that events like this help him understand himself better through style choices.
The evening ended with all models walking together on stage before participants gathered outside Grover C. Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre to celebrate community ties forged during preparation for this event.
Looking ahead, organizers encourage continued engagement by following campus events online.
