Features

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

by Spc. Samuel Signor
21st Theater Sustainment Command
March 8, 2024
U.S. Army Master Sgt. Shatekia Mitchell (far right), equal opportunity advisor, 7th Mission Support Command, poses with all the volunteer models at the end of the 21st Theater Sustainment Command Black History Month fashion show at Daenner Chapel, Daenner-Kaserne, Kaiserslautern, Germany on 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.” (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Andrew Jo)

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, Feb. 22.

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.

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)

“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.”

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)

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.”

U.S. Army Master Sgt. Shatekia Mitchell, equal opportunity advisor, 7th Mission Support Command, showcases 80’s clothing in the style of a tracksuit during the 21st Theater Sustainment Command Black History Month fashion show at 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)
« Previous × Next »