MTSU Transports Students to a Night in Africa

Story By Emma Pickett

In celebration of black history month, the African student organization held their yearly

fashion show entitled A Night in Africa. The show was filled with culture, music and of

course fashion.

There were seven different acts that showcased diversity and storytelling. The models

captivated the crowd with dance and stage presence. And their clothes were works of art.

Students, faculty and families gathered in the Student Union Ballroom on February 13th to

take a journey through time and black history with the help of fashion, production, and

visuals.

“From the Motherland to the Diaspora, from tradition to evolution, we celebrate Africa’s

rhythm, style, and soul in ASO’s yearly Fashion Show,” wrote on ASO’s social media

describing the show.

The host of the show Joshua C. Gray brought the transitions between scenes to life with

added descriptions of the fashion and reverence to culture. He engaged with the crowd and

even had a gospel song sing along.

There was a merge between street wear and history that played well together and made

viewers feel connected to the past. As well as traditional drums and African beats to

modern day rappers such as Cardi B and Megan The Stallion.

Carnival in the motherland was the first act of the evening. It featured models in bright

colorful pieces while Caribbean music played in the background.

The next act market day madness showcased different textures in clothes depicting the

goods that people would buy in markets such as baskets and fabric. In this scene the main

color pallet was red, brown, white, yellow, and black to represent the land of Africa.

Audience members were captivated by the models strutting their looks and posing at the

end of the runway.

Some models however did not walk down the runway like a typical fashion show but

incorporated African dance and choreography to their appearances.

“I love how they have incorporated all of the different cultures this year,” said one event

attendee.

Scene three rep your roots (flag scene) was a celebration of culture, tradition and identity.

Models walked on stage with flags from Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya and more.

“ASO is a social club meant to foster regardless of where you are from. We are here to just

have fun and to be included and be involved in campus,” said Noumouke Kaita secretary of

ASO.

What this club stands for is what was reflected in the show and as an audience member

you could see the joy, passion and inclusion.

People of different genders, skin tones, age and background were all represented tonight.

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