December 5, 2015, we put on a show to present to the University of Arizona the diversity in our culture. We created a cultural fashion show to expose local Tucson and Phoenix designers and allow members of ASA (African Student Association) show the beauty behind our African culture. Being a member of ASA, I can easily say that I've been blessed with a group of students who celebrate their African culture in a way that is undeniably, beautiful. Many students on our campus don't have an idea of how beautiful African culture truly is. Being the minorities on campus, there are not a lot of opportunities for us to come out and display Africa as the beauty it is. That is why I'm grateful to have been given the opportunity to be a part of this show. I'm grateful to be a part of the exposure of that beauty at the University of Arizona.

This show was also an opportunity for members in our group to gain exposure to the companies they
have been working to build. My good friend, Olachi Uzoma, is a University of Arizona graduate. She is involved in the plus-size fashion within Arizona and is the founder/creator of Lachy's Closet. Lachy's Closet was her personal style blog that she used to promote positive body image through her individual style. Her motto in life is, "Confidence is key, and is important in building one's self-esteem." Not only is Olachi my Naija sister, but she's also my inspiration. She debuted her line of "Confident Curves" sweatshirts at the cultural fashion show.

Another group of young Africans who are continuing their rise to success are the brothers behind, King Krucial, Edward and Steven Jallayu. As they say, "Everything in Life is Krucial." Krucial Clothing is the new urban street wear to hit the market. Edward and Steven are two brothers who started up this clothing company and have taken over Tucson in the process. As they continue to expand and reach a larger audience, they presented a line of their clothing at the cultural fashion show. It's been an honor to not only know, but work with the two of them and support the work of other Africans in our group.



The exposure of talent within our group provided a deeper meaning behind the entire show. Not only is there beauty in the clothes we wear and the skin we posses, but there is beauty in the talents and aspirations of our youth. Afaq Mahmoud, also known as Fofo, has continually inspired us with her poetry. Fofo is one those rare people who, although quiet, posses the ability to capture an audience with her words. Her words have always been a pleasure to listen to, and this night was not an exception to that!

As we are four days from ending 2015, this fashion show was definitely a notable mark in the year. I'm blessed to be a part of a group that can come together to show Africa in it's many different forms. We are a culture of diversity and beauty. We have the ability to captivate others with the clothes we wear, the dances we perform, the words we speak, and the unity we hold. This night was a perfect example of that, and the best is yet to come for our ASA.

I've posted a number of photos taken by Fredick Impraim, another amazing brother of ours that continues to bless us with his photography. I hope you all enjoy all of the pictures and enjoyed my summary of the fashion show!

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