The 6th annual Cultural Inclusion Council Fashion Show took place at Colorado Mesa University on Wednesday, showcasing the beauty and diversity of different cultures and identities. The event featured models wearing traditional and modern outfits from various countries and regions, as well as performances by local artists and groups. The fashion show aimed to promote awareness, respect, and appreciation for the multicultural community on campus and beyond.
A night of fashion, music, and dance
The fashion show was organized by the Cultural Inclusion Council (CIC), a student-led organization that works to create an inclusive and supportive environment for students of diverse backgrounds and identities. The CIC partnered with other student clubs and organizations, such as the International Student Association, the Black Student Alliance, the Native American Student Association, and the LGBTQ+ Alliance, to showcase their cultures and styles through clothing and accessories.
The event was hosted by CIC president Jazmin McCloud, who welcomed the audience and introduced the models and performers. The show featured more than 30 models, representing countries and regions such as Mexico, India, China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Nepal, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Israel, Turkey, Egypt, Morocco, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Jamaica, Haiti, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Colombia, Peru, Brazil, Argentina, Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Poland, Russia, and the United States.
The models walked on the stage, wearing outfits that reflected their heritage, identity, or personal style. Some of the outfits were traditional, such as the kimono from Japan, the sari from India, the hanbok from Korea, the qipao from China, the abaya from the Middle East, the dashiki from Africa, and the lederhosen from Germany. Other outfits were modern, such as the denim jacket from the United States, the leather jacket from Italy, the soccer jersey from Brazil, and the hoodie from France.
The show also featured musical and dance performances by local artists and groups, such as the CMU Jazz Ensemble, the CMU Dance Team, the CMU Cheer Team, the CMU Capoeira Club, the CMU Belly Dance Club, the CMU Bollywood Dance Club, the CMU Hip Hop Club, and the CMU Breakdance Club. The performances showcased different genres and styles of music and dance, such as jazz, pop, rock, rap, reggae, salsa, merengue, bachata, tango, samba, capoeira, belly dance, Bollywood dance, hip hop, and breakdance.
The audience cheered and applauded as the models and performers displayed their talents and creativity. The show ended with a finale, where all the models and performers came back on the stage and took a bow. The audience gave them a standing ovation, as they celebrated the diversity and inclusion of the CMU community.
A message of unity and acceptance
The fashion show was not only a fun and entertaining event, but also a meaningful and educational one. The organizers and participants wanted to send a message of unity and acceptance, and to challenge the stereotypes and prejudices that often divide people based on their culture, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexuality, or ability.
“We wanted to show that we are all beautiful and unique, and that we can learn from each other and respect each other,” said McCloud, who is a senior majoring in mass communication. “We wanted to show that diversity is not something to be afraid of, but something to be celebrated and embraced.”
McCloud said that the fashion show was also a way to empower and inspire the students of color and other marginalized groups, who often face discrimination and oppression in society. She said that the fashion show was a way to express their identity and pride, and to show that they belong and matter.
“We wanted to show that we are not invisible, and that we have a voice and a story to tell,” she said. “We wanted to show that we are not alone, and that we have a community and a family that supports us and loves us.”
McCloud said that the fashion show was also a way to educate and engage the wider community, and to invite them to join the conversation and the action for social justice and change. She said that the fashion show was a way to raise awareness and understanding, and to foster dialogue and collaboration.
“We wanted to show that we are not here to compete or to dominate, but to cooperate and to contribute,” she said. “We wanted to show that we are not here to separate or to isolate, but to connect and to integrate.”
McCloud said that the fashion show was a success, and that she was proud of the organizers, participants, and supporters. She said that she hoped that the fashion show would have a lasting impact, and that it would inspire more people to celebrate and embrace diversity and inclusion.
“We wanted to show that we are the future, and that we are the change that we want to see in the world,” she said.
