As a celebration of Black brilliance and creativity, the KU Black Creatives Collective (BCC) hosted the first Art and Fashion Gala on Oct. 25.
A collaborative event with Gifted Empowered Motivated Sisters (GEMS), the gala was held in the Burge Union at 5 p.m. and brought in over 80 attendees.
The theme of the gala centered around “Black Joy,” with artwork and performances focusing on the celebration of being Black, along with the struggles of being Black at a Predominantly White Institution (PWI).
“We know what it’s like being at a PWI, being overlooked, doubted and anything else you can think of,” GEMS Event Chair Anna-Marie Sumlin said. “This shows us that we are much more than that. We are Black opulence.”
The gala was split into two parts — a fashion show displaying designs by both KU students and local artists, along with an art walk. In between both events, Nala Jackson-Harrington performed the poem “Untitled 07,” about the Black experience and joy.
The fashion show featured categories such as boho chic, streetwear and black opulence. Individual designers include Honour Finley, D’Mya Russell-Wood and Nate Sullivan. Two brands also displayed works: “Vega” and “Ant n Bear Clothing.”
“This is the first time I’ve ever been able to share my artwork on a stage like that,” sophomore graphic design major and Vega co-creator Nate Sullivan said. “[I am] extremely grateful for the opportunity that was presented to me.
“An overwhelming amount of love came from the community,” Sullivan said. “[I] didn’t realize when I signed up for this that it would be such a fruitful and meaningful event.”
The art walk contained several pieces of artwork by students, ranging from paintings to photographs. For many, the gala was their first time having their work exhibited.
BCC founder and President Sasha Sandoval-Williams displayed four photographs from her series “When Love Arrives.”
“This was really cool,” Sandoval-Williams said. “I want to do more stuff like this.”
Sandoval-Williams created the BCC in Spring 2022 after realizing there wasn’t much of a community for Black artists on campus. Since its founding, Sandoval-Williams said she’s glad to have opened horizons to representation at KU.
KU graduate and actress Gabrielle Smith attended the gala and said the event left a large impact on her, along with other attendees.
“It was so exciting to see all of the Black talent,” Smith said. “I felt so seen and so inspired. It also made me excited to continue working on my art.”
Sophomore aerospace engineering major Conor Lessard said that he was impressed by the gala and the artist’s artwork.
“The gala showed me how resilient the Black community on campus is,” Lessard said. “Although they do go to a PWI, they are still able to come together as a community and produce beautiful pieces of artwork.”
The BCC is open for Black students of all majors and creatives to join. More information to connect can be found on their Instagram.
GEMS is open to all Black women and femmes at KU. Their next event is a General Body Meeting on Nov. 1 in the Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) located next to the Kansas Memorial Union. For more information go to their Instagram.