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7th MSC hosts 21st TSC Black History Month fashion show

By Spc. Samuel SignorFebruary 23, 2024

The 21st Theater Sustainment Command celebrated Black History Month with a fashion show hosted by the 7th Mission Support Command at Daenner Chapel, Kaiserslautern, Germany, Feb. 22, 2024. Models representing different eras, such as the 1970s, 80s, and 90s, were able to showcase different cultural pieces from their heritage. The observance of this year's Black History Month theme, "African American and the Arts," made a fashion show the perfect choice for the event.

https://www.dvidshub.net/video/913452/celebrating-black-history-through-fashion

7th MSC hosts 21st TSC Black History Month fashion show
1 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Master Sgt. Shatekia Mitchell, equal opportunity advisor, 7th Mission Support Command, gives opening remarks at the 21st Theater Sustainment Command Black History Month fashion show at Daenner Chapel, Daenner Kaserne, Kaiserslautern, Germany, on Feb. 22, 2024. The models of the fashion show chose to represent not only different eras, such as the 1970s, 80s, and 90s, but it also allowed them to highlight different cultural pieces from their heritage. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Andrew Jo) (Photo Credit: Spc. Samuel Signor) VIEW ORIGINAL
7th MSC hosts 21st TSC Black History Month fashion show
2 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Air Force Maj. Chasidy Goodwin, resource advisor, U.S. Air Forces in Europe, walks down the aisle in traditional African clothing at the 21st Theater Sustainment Command Black History Month fashion show at Daenner Chapel, Daenner Kaserne, Kaiserslautern, Germany, on Feb. 22, 2024. This year's theme for Black History Month is “African American and the Arts”. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Andrew Jo) (Photo Credit: Spc. Samuel Signor) VIEW ORIGINAL
7th MSC hosts 21st TSC Black History Month Fashion Show
3 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Adomako Adjapong, health system specialist, Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, showcases Kente clothing from Ghana during the 21st Theater Sustainment Command Black History Month fashion show at the Daenner Chapel, Daenner-Kaserne, Kaiserslautern, Germany on Feb. 22, 2024. Kente is a Ghanaian textile that is hand-woven from strips of silk and cotton. It is a symbol of African cultural heritage and can also be found in parts of Togo and the Ivory Coast. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Andrew Jo) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Andrew Jo) VIEW ORIGINAL
7th MSC hosts 21st TSC Black History Month Fashion Show
4 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Chinna Okoroafor, family programs, 7th Mission Support Command, showcases Nigerian clothing during the 21st Theater Sustainment Command Black History Month fashion show at the Daenner Chapel, Daenner-Kaserne, Kaiserslautern, Germany on Feb. 22, 2024. The fashion show was a great opportunity to see not only African American fashion through the years, but also cultural clothing from Ghana and Nigeria. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Andrew Jo) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Andrew Jo) VIEW ORIGINAL

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany - The 7th Mission Support Command hosted the 21st Theater Sustainment Command Black History Month Observance by holding a fashion show at Daenner Chapel, Daenner Kaserne, Germany Feb. 22, 2024.

President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month in 1976, calling on the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

This year's Black History Month theme is ”African American and the Arts”. This theme resonated with Master Sgt. Shatekia Mitchell, equal opportunity advisor, 7th Mission Support Command, while she was contemplating how to highlight Black History Month and its significance.

“This month means a lot to me,” said Mitchell. “It’s a time where I’m reminded of many sacrifices that were made before me so that I might have opportunities that were once unavailable to me. Diversity within the military allows every voice to be heard. These differences allow opportunities to learn from one another, to obtain a better understanding of the men and women who make up our armed forces.”

7th MSC conducted a fashion show, highlighting fashion and its impact within the African American community.

“The fashion show not only highlights fashion based on different eras, such as the 1970s, ‘80s, and ‘90s but it also highlights different cultural pieces from Nigeria and other African cultures,” said Mitchell. “Furthermore, our models were also able to represent people who have made a difference within the African American community such as those in sports, music, and politics.”

According to Mitchell, fashion within the African American community serves as a dynamic expression of one’s self, weaving together heritage and contemporary trends. Through fashion, individuals not only showcase their personal history, but also challenge stereotypes, fostering unity and pride.

“Fashion became a way of representation, expression, a sense of identity and empowerment within African-American culture,” said Mitchell. “Fashion to me is a way to express yourself without explanation. It is a sense of individuality and gives you the freedom to show who you are irrespective of the opinions of others.”