About 50 people attended a youth dance and fashion show "High Life Highlights: A Prom Fashion Remix" at the Center on Halsted on July 5.
The event was a collaboration between United Black Pride and the Center on Halsted (COH) youth programsMpowerment/Prodigies of Pride and OVAH Our Voices Advocating Health TPAN youth program.
United Black Pride's (UBP) mission is, according to its website, "to develop, implement and sponsor programs, activities, and special events to promote unity, cultivate pride and help improve the quality of life of LGBT people and same gender loving (SGL) men and women of African descent. UBP is committed to building awareness and pride in the diversity of the LGBT-SGL community."
The Center on Halsted youth programs, according to its website, "create a safe and confidential environment for young people ages 13—24 who identify as LGBTQA. Youth programming at Center on Halsted offers a nurturing and supportive environment where youth and young adults can thrive. With a variety of programs and services, from cultural and event programming to case management and leadership development, we are committed to supporting LGBTQ youth and young adults in a holistic manner."
Artist and entertainer Cyon Flare and Tim'm West, associate director of youth programs at Center on Halsted and co-chair of the culture and sports division at UBP hosted the event. During their opening remarks, Cyon Flare encouraged everyone to take advantage of the COH's free and confidential HIV testing services.
Guests danced to music that DJ Swaguerilla provided ahead of the fashion show and competition.
Nine young adult modelsAlicia, Jai, Jesean, Kendall, Latrice Royale, Nikkole, Perus, Pittbull, and Tyreeseshowcased designs created by local stylists. The stylistsAlonzo Gibson, L'Homme Creatif, Raymond Townes, Tim Hawkins, and Hairtease and makeup by Kyilah Adams put together outfits for three design genres; "Life is a Beach", "All American Casual", and "Fashion Forward Formal".
A panel of judgesMario Balenciago, Miranda Gonzalez, Rayna Moore, Sampson and Tommy Avant Gardechose the evening's prom king, queen and royalty winners as well as two fan favorites from among the nine models.
Pittbull was crowned king, Kendall was crowned queen, Jesean was chosen as the royalty winner, and Alicia and Perus were chosen as fan favorites.
Sponsors for the event were School of Opulence, House of Balencia, the Monroe Family, Class Entertainment, Pop, and Black Alphabet Film Festival.
See www.ubpride.com and www.centeronhalsted.org/youth.html for more information.