By Fanny Essel — Arts and Culture Editor

The Caribbean African Student Association (CASA) held a fashion show on the Centennial stage at Bishop’s University to celebrate diversity on Feb. 4. They wanted to share their culture with students, families, and staff.

CASA’s fashion show staged multiple scenarios, including fashion walks from African, African American, and Indigenous designers, a poem recital, a dance battle, and singing performances. It is the first event organized by CASA for Black History Month. 

 “The fashion show honors [diverse] cultures,” said TJ Sweeny, host and CASA event coordinator. “[We aim] to share [it] with everyone!” Families, friends, students, and staff were invited to engage in sometimes difficult conversations about race and power.

Indeed, after playing the song “This Is America” by Childish Gambino, the first scene was about Black Lives Matter. CASA’s members wore simple black outfits and held their fists to their hearts. 

“This line represents the struggle we still face, the happiness we hope to enjoy once liberated and the stand we take,” wrote CASA in their pamphlets. A slide with the names of people of color murdered by police brutality was projected behind the members on stage. 

Then, a fashion line designed by Victoria showed outfits inspired by Inuit traditional ways of building a garment. The models walked on stage with Indigenous nation flags on their shoulders.

The show’s finale started with the two hosts of the night singing acapella while the dancers and the models walked back on stage. The audience waved their phone flashlights in unison. 

  “CASA is a safe space for the African Caribbean community,” said Sweeny. “[It] is a home away from home.” Sweeny was adopted and raised in Quebec. Their family – or chosen community – has been helping them understand their culture. 

CASA has been hard at work organizing special events for Black History Month, such as the Valentine’s Day raffle, a Black business fair, and trivia night at the Gait. All the events are listed on CASA’s Instagram @ubishopscasa. The student association was created to support diversity on campus while educating the Bishop’s community about different cultures.