McDonald’s Change of Fashion HBCU Tour to visit Southern University

McDonald's Change of Fashion HBCU Tour to visit Southern University

The Fashion and Business Laboratory (FAB Lab) in the Southern University College of Agricultural, Human and Environmental Sciences will host, "Pretty Wednesday SU Homecoming Fab Lab Edition," with the McDonald's Change of Fashion HBCU Tour.

This student-centered event will be held from noon - 4 p.m. on October 16, 2024, in front of the Southern University Student Union on the Southern University Baton Rouge campus. This event is free and open to Southern University students only.

Activities held during the event will include:

• Fashion Shows
• Food Samples
• Panel Discussions with fashion designers Nia Thomas and Heart Roberts
• Scholarship Opportunities

As part of Southern University's partnership with the McDonald's Change of Fashion Program, the university will receive $25,000 to support its Fashion Merchandising and Design Program. Additionally, Southern University students will participate as fashion assistants and brand ambassadors during the event.

The 2024 McDonald's Change of Fashion Program is focused on driving change when it comes to Black representation in fashion. According to the program, the industry frequently pulls inspiration from Black culture but doesn't always embrace Black creatives, with only 7.3% of American fashion designers being Black.

Southern University is the second stop on the Change of Fashion HBCU Tour. North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC was the tour's first stop. It will conclude at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, FL.

The FAB Lab is sponsored by a USDA grant to foster entrepreneurship among fashion students. The program is open to Southern University students who either have a business they would like to expand or students who are interested in learning how to develop their own business. The program selects fellows through an extensive application process. These fellows receive a stipend, mentorship, and other opportunities through the program.

For additional information on the Pretty Wednesday SU Homecoming Fab Lab Edition with the McDonald's Change of Fashion HBCU Tour or the FAB Lab Program contact, Dr. Samii Kennedy Benson at [email protected].