Holy Cross Students Rule the Runway in Honor of Black History Month

WORCESTER, Mass. – The 10th Annual Black & Gold Dinner and Fashion Show organized by the Black Student Union (BSU) at the College of the Holy Cross will take place on Friday, Feb. 1, at Mechanics Hall. Seating will begin at 6:45 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m. and the fashion show will begin at 8 p.m. Tickets, with dinner included, cost $15 for Holy Cross students, $20 for Consortium students, and $22 for staff, faculty and the public. General admission balcony seats (does not include dinner) cost $7. This semi-formal event, held during Black History Month, is a celebration of Black history and culture.

“The Black & Gold Fashion Show kicks of Black History Month with excitement and enthusiasm, drawing a massive crowd of people from the Holy Cross community and the Worcester Consortium to partake in the black experience,” explains Markenya Mirander ‘08, senior advisor to the BSU and organizer of the event.  “This showcase personifies only a fraction of what we have to offer about our culture.”

Walking down the runway will be 37 Holy Cross students who represent all classes, shapes, sizes and diverse ethnic backgrounds. They will wear the latest urban, casual, formal, seasonal and career wear donated by local stores including Bonardi's, David's Bridal, Alexis Bridal, Ann Taylor, Cache, Everything but Water. Other entertainment includes Gbenimah Slopadoe '10 singing the national anthem, the Rhythm Nation Steppers and a student dance performance choreographed by Whitney Zelee ‘10.

“It is more than just a show, it is an experience that results in growth of character and friendship,” says Tyrone Billingsly '09, executive board treasurer of the BSU and student model. “When it is time to take that final walk across the stage, the confidence exuded reflects the work put into the show by all my peers.”

Part of the proceeds will benefit the LaNyia Johnson Fund, a local African-American Worcester youth who was innocently shot and paralyzed last May.

The BSU’s principle objective is to promote a sense of unity among the black community at Holy Cross. Designed as a support group, this organization works to help black students develop and expand their potential. The BSU is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.