Ferris State’s You Beautiful Black Women chapter spent the night of April 6 setting up and strutting the runway for their prom-themed annual fashion show.
With a crowd of 30 people, the audience came in their best prom-themed clothes to watch and support the models as they dressed up for the different scenes, like “suit and tie” and “lovers and friends.”
YBBW’s president and social work junior Kylah Robinson wanted the fashion show to be a time for students to get out and have a fun night.
“It’s to promote student involvement and to get people out of their dorm,” Robinson said. “This gives everyone a chance to come together.”
The show was interactive as the crowd loudly cheered for the models and their runway outfits. During the intermission, the audience members and YBBW were able to interact with each other while snacking and drinking.
Robinson believes it’s uncommon for Ferris to throw Saturday events where you get to interact with other students. This event welcomed all students to let loose and have fun.
“You can just listen to music, be yourself and show your individuality,” Robinson said.
Along with cheers from the crowd, more audience engagement presented itself. The audience members dressed their best, and some had the opportunity to walk up on the stage to show off their outfits.
Early education freshman Jenaysha Warren was one of the models. She enjoyed participating in the show and believed things ran smoothly, even though she joined the show at the last minute.
“It wasn’t a bad experience, but it was definitely frustrating,” Warren said. “I found an outfit the day before the show and it all came together the day of the show.”
Social work sophomore Aaliyah Walker attended this fashion show to show support to some of her friends.
“I knew a few people that were going to walk and I was very excited to see them,” Walker said. “This is my first time going to any event like this and I really liked it.”
The show ended with Robinson sharing her appreciation for everyone and handing flowers to YBBW’s advisor Rolonda Gleason.
Kylah Robinson was a former Torch employee.
Ni’Jah Rankin is a member of YBBW.
CE – AM