What is the Ebony fashion fair?
Sponsored by the Greenwood-Itta Bena Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., it is a major event where models don clothes designed by some of the top designers in the world.
It is not the hum-drum boring stick-like models prancing up and down the runway; but it is a fantastic look at new age fashion laced with comedy, music and prizes - not to forget that you have an opportunity to get autographs and talk with the models after the show.
I have been attending this event for the past 14 years, and I can say that the Ebony fashion fair has a more revue-like quality.
The "skits" put on by the models, which are narrated by the host, will keep you laughing as you wait to see what they're going to do next.
Another interesting feature of the show is the support given toward full-figured women. We all know that the average woman in America is not a size 2 and 6 feet tall.
A full-figured model is included in each show. This appeals to the "pleasantly plump" women showing that they, too, can be sexy and stylish. They usually model the best clothes, if you ask me.
And you can't forget the male models. There are usually two, and they are the meat, if you will, of the show. There's always comedic drama between the female models over the male models about who is going to walk out with him on the runway - or who's going to have him once they leave behind the partitions. Sort of leaves something to the imagination.
Well, some of the clothes don't. That's the attraction to the male audience, who are often dragged by their significant others to the show. But after spending 30 minutes there seeing the revealing creations, most men are clapping and probably mentally thanking their dates for bringing them.
Not only is it entertaining, but it is one of the few opportunities that this community can get together and experience a cultural and eclectic gathering.
Although the models are black, the show is open to everyone.
I haven't lived here all of my life, but most of it, and I've experienced some dissension and isolation.
I've always wondered why everything is so separate in not only this town, but everywhere. This is a new century and still some things that have changed haven't changed. I rarely see the races of the "melting pot" meeting together to sit and eat lunch or dinner together, unless they're co-workers. But that has its boundaries, too. When, if ever, do you see on a Saturday afternoon, a pair of black and white friends sitting in Yianni's or even Pizza Hut, for that matter, just enjoying each other's company or just out for a bite to eat? There is always that underlined and invisible line that says when we're together it's only circumstantial.
It seems that working together is the only way two people from different ethnic backgrounds are going to be friends.
But the fashion fair is a terrific meeting place. It breaks stereotypes about black people - that all "we" know how to do is commit crimes and sell drugs. It shows that we can be elegant, speak eloquently and be humorous without being idiotic. We can dine with class, and we don't just eat chicken and cornbread.
You get the picture.
The cultural dimensions of this event are overwhelming and didactic.
It is definitely a color barrier breaker and can make the mixing and mingling on an even playing field where both black and white can relate to things such as art, food, wine and clothes.
The fashion show is scheduled for Feb. 28 at the Leflore County Civic Center. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students.
Also a subscription to the show's sponsor Ebony or Jet magazine is included. The subscription can be donated.
