By River Mitchell
@rivermitchell27
The atmosphere was full of excitement and lights were glaring in Judd Gymnasium this past Friday, Feb. 17. Students, faculty, and other members of the Springfield College community gathered as the office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), along with Springfield College Athletics, put together the “For The Culture” fashion show. It focused on the recognition of different cultures, religions and races.
“For The Culture” featured both student and faculty members dressed up in different types of apparel to show off their style. Outfits ranged from showing off traditional pieces from their home countries, fashion trends from different decades, various cultures and identities, and even their own religions represented through fashion.
Participants walked up stage right, onto the stage provided where they stood and posed for the camera. They then proceeded to walk down the runway, pose for the camera once more, before turning around and walking back, exiting stage left.
Junior Jaélen Daubon, who created the idea for the event as well as performed in the show, wanted to express the theme of culture.
“Since freshman year, we didn’t really have a great year because of COVID, so I just wanted to do something that would bring the people together,” Daubon said. “Something fun everyone would enjoy, people could come out of their shells, something fun just to bring everyone together.”
The idea for the event was very well received by the office of DEI, as they proceeded to give Daubon assistance in the event to help it turn into the success that it did.
Because of this, Daubon recognized the importance that Springfield College takes in not only celebrating Black History Month, but also allowing the students to represent their own cultures and heritages with pride.
“I think it’s very important,” Daubon said. “I think it’s amazing that we were able to have this experience. Usually not too many schools do this so I think it’s perfect we were able to glorify everyone and their differences, and make it a fun event.”
Director of DEI, Deja Ware, played a huge role in putting the show together. Ware helped organize the event to not only make it an enjoyable experience for those who participated, but also those who came to watch. Her biggest takeaway was simple, yet powerful.
“Cultural identity,” Ware said. “Celebrating also people’s culture and what makes it beautiful and seeing other people celebrate that as well.”
Like Daubon, Ware also took great pride in recognizing the fact that Springfield College is so open to granting these opportunities for students.
“I think that the fact of our institution trying to be more diverse in celebrating everyone in our culture is extremely important,” Ware said. “Valuing other people’s culture and celebrating them is really important.”
Photo Courtesy Springfield College