The members of the WCSU African Caribbean Student Association (ACSA) are performing their annual fashion show on November 18, 2022, in Ives Concert Hall on Midtown campus. The show exhibits the culture, lifestyles, and traditions of African descents, while providing an educational yet entertaining experience for those in the audience. Various ACSA E-Board members are particularly excited this year in comparison to the previous fashion shows, as this show is focused on a widespread of geographic parts of Africa rather than just one side of the West African culture and tradition.  

Each year, the fashion show has an overarching theme. The theme of this year’s show is “Griot Gala.” Griot is a manner of African storytelling including historical narratives and traditions from travelers, musicians, poets, and existent legends. President of the ACSA, Senior Isaiah Tamdji, explains how the show will be “implementing that message to the Caribbean culture itself, we love our Caribbean’s.” During the show, there are nine segments that were choreographed by members of the E-Board. The segments are all original and highlight a different aspect of the theme.  

Junior Hillary Adjei, the treasurer of the ACSA, explained how the segment that she choreographed means a lot to her. In the segment, she is a Female Warrior. She explained how prior to doing research on who the Female Warriors were in the context of African history and how they can be portrayed in the show, she had a discussion with her mother about their history. She claims, “you put your life on the line for your people, for your country, and I kind of walk with that same mindset.” The segment resonates with Adjei deeply because of how the backstory had inspired her to have that same mentality.  

The ACSA works alongside professional designers to make this experience nothing but the best. The beautiful clothing, accessories, music, lighting, and stage management will take your breath away and make you appreciate the African cultures even more. This year for the first time, a live performance using steel drums will be incorporated within the production to highlight the musical importance and impact it has on these cultures.  

The fashion show is more than a production for several individuals. It draws a deeper connection to their roots as human beings; and it is a beautiful sight. Tamdji exclaimed “It means a lot to me because in my culture we’re known as low-class, poor; that’s how we’re portrayed. And this is a time for us to really display the richness of our culture and tradition. Our culture is not just one culture, it is shared.” Because of this perception of shared cultures, there will be different styles, personas, and energies throughout these different segments also known as cultures that truly captures this in the show’s essence.  

 Similarly, Sophomore and Events Coordinator Glenn Addotey stressed his passion towards his involvement. “ACSA and the fashion show means more than just a club to me, and it really has helped me connect and be in tune with the cultural aspect of my life. It’s really helped me grow as a person and teach me life skills, it taught me a lot of things I didn’t know I was able to do. This step-in life that I took in aiding this production of the fashion show has really become more than just an academic organization but a family to me,” Addotey added.  

Senior and Vice President Destiny Samuel joined the fashion show in 2021. Joining only influenced all her future successes in club involvement and academics, part of her numerous amounts of chair positions she has held her senior year; Samuel will always have a soft spot in her heart for the ACSA. She commented, “that this is a predominantly white institution, so sometimes it’s hard to find spaces where I can be unique with myself as a Caribbean woman. That’s why ACSA felt like a home to me.”  

Alongside these students, the rest of the ACSA has devoted all their time since April preparing for the big night. On some nights, the E-Board stayed late into the night, working until 3 A.M. on show preparations. The commitment and dedication of the students have emphasized the importance and value of this show. The E-Board members work collaboratively with each other, and the multiple chair holders made it clear that the show wouldn’t be possible without one another. Likewise, Adjei and Samuel both express their gratitude to the models, as well as everyone involved who has helped produce the show along the way.  

Adjei, as treasurer had to think critically this year when it came to budgeting and funds. In the past, the club was able to work with high numbers to their convenience. However, due to budget cuts on large events, it made the planning extra challenging. Hand in hand with the Student Government Association, the ACSA was listened to and guided in a successful direction. Adjei personally thanks the members of the association who made this fashion show happen, because as she explained, even with the lack of money compared to previous years, the show is certainly phenomenal.   

Leading up to the show, there are numerous inside looks to the production that students can look forward to. Tamdji wanted something unique and different this year. An alumnus of Western, and a former model for previous fashion shows, Crystal Hilton is crafting a documentary on the production this year. Samuel explained how Hilton received her Master’s in film and the ACSA knew that she would do an extraordinary job. Samuel added that, “she has come to every rehearsal, recording clips,” and these clips are going to be a mini-series where every day leading up to the show, a new episode revealing the processes and behind the scenes moments will be dropped. Tamdji mentioned that “the documentary would be a platform to really show the hard work we put into this; the passion and art worked from the ground up.” There are also flyers posted on social media and located around campus to promote the event created by Tamdji and Samuel.   

On the night of the show, doors will open at 6:30 P.M. and the show will begin at 7:00 P.M. The show runs for approximately three hours. It is highly encouraged to attend the event not only because of the months’ worth of dedication given by the members of the ACSA, but also to witness “the amount of diversity and different personalities and talents that will be in the show,” according to Tamdji. He also added, “That’s what will make it unique.”