The Red Pump Project threw a Rock the RED Fashion Show on March 21 at Loft on Lake in the West Loop for the sixth year in a row.
The Red Pump Project is a nonprofit organization that raises awareness for the impact of HIV/AIDS on women and girls. The red pump has become a symbol of empowerment for the group and the cause.
Starting as a social-media campaign, Karyn Brianne Lee and Luvvie Ajayi founded Red Pump in 2009. There are now official ambassadors in Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas and Washington, D.C., with a social community of more than 10,000 followers. This has inspired more than 2,500 different bloggers becoming involved over the years. Recently, the organization brought attention to National Women & Girls HIV Awareness Day on March 10 by posting online continuously.
After a wine mixer and retro R&B tunes from DJ Bonsu, Shaquille Roberts, 19one winner from the Walgreens Expressions Challengeread about experiencing HIV since birth.
AIDS Foundation of Chicago Vice President of Prevention and Community Partnerships Cynthia Tucker was then honored with an award for her diligent work.
Models walked the runway in the quaint venue, with designs by Emily Sifrit, Benjamin Cottrell, Bryan K. Osburn and Borris Powell.
Following the fashion show, Raii and Whitney Keaton played in concert complete with a backing band while patrons danced with hands in the air.
To donate to the organization, which now works with trans women of color as well, visit www.theredpumpproject.org . Look for the RED Summer Soiree in D.C. on June 27 and the 7th Annual Red Pump/Red Tie Affair on Dec. 5 in Charlotte, N.C.
Photos and text by Jerry Nunn