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Take out those shades and bell bottoms.
Volunteer models proudly strut the runway during NAACP’s Sonoma County Youth-led Fashion Show, “A Journey Through Time,” at the Pinner High School Performing Arts Center in Santa Rosa on Feb. 26.
The fashion show spotlights local youth and adults who showcase hand-picked clothing from the 50’s to the 2000’s. Audiences will be transported through each era through music, dance, poetry, art and speech – all in the name of celebrating black culture and history.
“There’s a lot of black emissions here in Sonoma County. I want our youth to be seen,” said NAACP Youth Affairs Co-Chair Shawntel Reece. “I want this fashion show to touch people’s hearts.”
“Let this be a change for everyone,” she added.
The local youth contributed to promoting, promoting and exchanging ideas as part of the creative process. They are responsible for creating flyers, a slideshow that celebrates black history and highlights the scene.
“They’ve taken the reins,” Rees said.
Topics covered during the show include black history, culture, mental health and suicide awareness.
Rees, 43, who was born and raised in Sonoma County, said she was driven to advocate for black youth after experiencing blatant racism and microaggressions while growing up.
“I remember how it felt growing up in Sonoma County — like I wasn’t me,” Rees said. “There was significant racism in my life. I don’t want any African American child to feel that way.
The idea of a youth-led fashion show came to Risi after seeing her 13-year-old daughter. Every Sunday night, she rummages through her grandmother’s closet — putting on a fashion show, trying on dresses from different eras, Rees said.
The show features about 40 volunteer models ranging in age from 1 to 50 years old, Reese said. Some members of the community volunteered their meals to the models to help them choose and build the clothes.
“Get ready to have a good time,” Reece said. “We’re here to celebrate.”
Staff writer Mia Constantino can be reached at mya.constantino@pressdemocrat.com. @searchingformya on Twitter.
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