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“This is not a fashion show” became the perfect mantra as Actively Black founder Lanny Smith closed out New York Fashion Week with a cultural statement that stretched far beyond couture.
On Friday (Sept. 12), the brand — in partnership with Mielle Organics — transformed Sony Hall into a living archive of Black history and creativity. What unfolded was part runway, part history lesson and a night filled with emotions, standing ovations, and rare sightings from those who made history and continue the lineage of Civil Rights greats.
The red carpet alone set the tone as Lauryn Hill, Dapper Dan, Tyrese, Ghostface Killah, Naturi Naughton, Dascha Polanco and more attended, adding to the cultural gravity of the evening. Aside from the models rocking athleisure and swim suits that captivated streetwear lovers, it was the Civil rights moment that was the highlight of the night.
Sharing the runway were Dr. Bernice A. King and Ilyasah Shabazz — daughters of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X — alongside activists Fred Hampton Jr. and Fredricka Newton, each wearing pieces that paid tribute to their family legacies.
Civil rights photographer Cecil J. Williams followed, striding in a hoodie emblazoned with the historic image of him drinking from a “Whites Only” fountain. Ruby Bridges, the first Black child to desegregate an all-white elementary school, drew a standing ovation with her walk, while Olympic legends Tommie Smith and John Carlos — whose raised fists in 1968 in an enduring symbol of protest — were also honored. Rounding out the moment, Ben Haith, designer of the Juneteenth flag, brought the banner of freedom to the runway.
Other standout moments included appearances by Bob Marley’s grandchildren and Lisane Basquiat, sister of the late Jean-Michel Basquiat, alongside a heartfelt tribute to Michael Jackson. The evening also celebrated Black women through the “Black Women Are Superheroes” collection, featuring trailblazers like Valeisha Butterfield Jones and Bozoma Saint John. Terrence J also took the stage to introduce the HBCU-inspired collection, while fellow 106 & Park alums AJ and Free engaged the crowd. Adding to the energy, the iconic Harlem Globetrotters delivered an electrifying performance, joined by dynamic dancers from both New York City and Los Angeles.
Oh, and Fast Life Yungstaz also gave a special performance of the cultural anthem, “Swag Surf.”
Founder Lanny Smith summed the evening up perfectly: “Me being pro-Black doesn’t mean I’m anti-anything else. Tonight was about honoring our ancestors, uplifting our communities, and reminding the world that our stories, our innovation, and our style are indispensable to the global culture.”
The finale brought it all back to the show’s purpose of love and admiration as Smith and his partner Bianca Winslow revealed they’re expecting a baby boy this December.
Take a look below at photos from Actively Black’s NYFW runway show.
