DIFFERENCE MAKERS
Sense of community – and commitment to education – in the fabric of our DNA
COMING SOON The second annual Fabric of Our DNA fashion show will be held on February 24th. Mark the date in your calendar and prepare to be enthralled.
As Mount Saint Vincent’s Africentric Support Coordinator, Randy Headley (BA ’07) likes to listen to students – and help them find solutions. So last year when students Randy Headley came to him asking, “Where are the scholarships for Black students?” Headley said. “Let’s create one.” That simple response led to an exceptional extravaganza, The Fabric of Our DNA fashion show, which featured local models, local designers, and local businesses from the African Nova Scotia community. The event, now an annual celebration and fundraiser, drew more than 300 people and brought the students one important step closer to their goal of raising $25,000 for a scholarship for individuals of African descent. Headley, who is also the Mount’s Graduate Admissions Officer, expects the scholarship will be in place within five years – and that it will resonate with alumnae of African descent around the world. “Our graduates have also asked about a scholarship. We are respecting that request,” says Headley. The fashion show, held during African Heritage Month in February, was a success on several fronts. “It incorporates so many components of celebrating African heritage,” notes Headley, who is originally from Guyana in South America and moved to Canada to complete a Business Administration degree at the Mount. “It speaks of the diverse African cultures that are represented on campus.” In addition to Headley and a team of eager and energetic students, members of the Black community came out to support the initiative. DeRico Symonds, co-founder of Future Roots, a social enterprise that trains youth to provide service to those who need assistance, hosted the show and Solitha Shortte (BBA, ’13), marketing director with Metro Care and Share,
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Folia Montana The Magazine for Mount Alumnae and Friends
Models and guests of last year’s DNA Fashion Show event.
a fundraising organization for youth education and community partnerships, served as runway director. On the runway, designs by Nicole Johnson, Duane Jones, Sarom Curtis, and Toria Aidoo were featured. Students also displayed their beadwork and other crafts while Black business owners set up booths throughout. Spotlighting designs from Black designers did more than reaffirm the creativity and the quality of fashions from Nova Scotia. It also filled an important void, says Headley. “I couldn’t find anywhere to buy authentic African clothing.” The Fabric of Our DNA fashion show is already helping to transform that reality. “After the fashion show, a number of designers and students approached me about including their designs in our next show,” says Headley. “Our next event will be bigger and better.”