Actively Black closed out New York Fashion Week with one of the most powerful moments of the season. Presented by Mielle Organics, the brand’s Sony Hall takeover wasn’t billed as a traditional runway. It was a living celebration of Black history, excellence, and resilience. Aptly titled “This Is Not a Fashion Show,” the experience blended art, activism, and culture into a night filled with tears, ovations, and viral moments.
The red carpet alone underscored the weight of the evening. Lauryn Hill, Harlem fashion icon Dapper Dan, Tyrese, Ghostface Killah, Naturi Naughton, Jamil Hardwick, and Dascha Polanco were among those who showed up to support.
Inside, the runway became a stage for storytelling across generations. Dr. Bernice A. King, daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Ilyasah Shabazz, daughter of Malcolm X, walked the runway side by side in collaborative pieces that symbolized unity between two of the most influential families in Black history. Civil rights veteran Cecil J. Williams, known from the iconic photo of him drinking from a “Whites Only” fountain, appeared in an Actively Black hoodie. Ruby Bridges, who integrated an all-white school in 1960, took the stage to a standing ovation. Olympic legends Tommie Smith and John Carlos, whose raised fists at the 1968 Games remain a global symbol of protest, were honored, while Ben Haith, the designer of the Juneteenth flag, represented the banner of freedom.
“Me being pro-Black doesn’t mean I’m anti-anything else,” said Actively Black founder Lanny Smith. “Tonight was about honoring our ancestors, uplifting our communities, and reminding the world that our stories, our innovation, and our style are indispensable to the global culture.”
The night also showcased collaborations rooted in art and music, including a Basquiat collection introduced by Lisane Basquiat, sister of Jean-Michel Basquiat, and a Bob Marley capsule presented by Sara Marley, granddaughter of the reggae icon. The brand also revisited its Michael Jackson collection with a tribute performance reminiscent of the King of Pop.
Black women were celebrated front and center in the “Black Women Are Superheroes” collection, modeled by leaders and athletes such as Valeisha Butterfield Jones, T’ea Cooper, Deja Kelly, Bozoma Saint John, Cari Champion, and Monica McNutt. Other standout moments included a salute to HBCUs led by Terrence J, a Harlem Globetrotters tribute, and a surprise reunion of AJ & Free—legendary hosts of 106 & Park—in honor of the show’s 25th anniversary.
The company also spotlighted its partnership with Bridgeforth Farms, a Black-owned and operated cotton farm that provides 100% American, Black-grown cotton for Actively Black apparel.
The night closed on a personal note when Smith and co-founder Bianca Winslow revealed their most meaningful collaboration yet: a gender reveal announcing they are expecting a baby boy in December 2025.
Actively Black didn’t just stage a fashion event. They reminded the world that the runway can be a platform for history, pride, and progress.
