ACTIVELY BLACK’S NYFW EXPERIENCE PRESENTED BY MIELLE ORGANICS DELIVERS A HISTORIC NIGHT FOR BLACK CULTURE AT SONY HALL

“This Is Not a Fashion Show” becomes a landmark cultural moment featuring civil rights icons, legacy families, and star-studded collaborators

Actively Black’s NYFW Experience, presented by Mielle Organics, culminated in a powerful night at Sony Hall that blended fashion, history, and culture. Entitled “This Is Not a Fashion Show,” the experience unfolded as a living tribute to Black excellence and resilience, drawing tears, ovations, and viral moments throughout the evening.

Red carpet arrivals underscored the cultural magnitude of the night, with appearances by Lauryn Hill, Harlem fashion legend Dapper Dan, Tyrese, Ghostface Killah, Naturi Naughton, Jamil Hardwick, Dascha Polanco, and more.

Inside, the runway became a stage for intergenerational storytelling. Civil rights legacies were represented by Dr. Bernice A. King(daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.) and Ilyasah Shabazz (daughter of Malcolm X), who both walked the runway wearing iconic collaborative pieces—uniting two of the most influential families in Black history.

Another indelible moment, now viral on Tik Tok, featured Cecil J. Williams, widely recognized from the historic image of him drinking from a “Whites Only” fountain, emerging in his Actively Black hoodie. Ruby Bridges, the first Black child to integrate an all‑white elementary school in 1960, also took the stage to a standing ovation. Olympic legends Tommie Smith and John Carlos, whose raised fists on the 1968 podium remain a global symbol of protest, were honored on the runway; and Ben Haith, designer of the Juneteenth flag, represented the banner of freedom that has since become a national emblem.

“Me being pro‑Black doesn’t mean I’m anti‑anything else,” said Lanny Smith, founder of Actively Black. “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 evening also spotlighted artistic and cultural collaborations, including a Basquiat collection led by Lisane Basquiat (sister of Jean‑Michel Basquiat) and a Bob Marley capsule represented by Sara Marley, granddaughter of Bob Marley and daughter of Lauryn Hill. The brand also spotlighted their Michael Jackson collab with a performance reminiscent of the King of Pop.

Celebrating the power and presence of Black women, the “Black Women Are Superheroes” collection featured both influential leaders and athletes including Valeisha Butterfield Jones, T’ea Cooper, Deja Kelly, Bozoma Saint John, Cari Champion, and Monica McNutt. Additional highlights included a salute to HBCUs presented by Terrence J, a tribute to the Harlem Globetrotters, and a surprise appearance by AJ & Free—the iconic hosts of BET’s 106 & Park—celebrating the show’s 25th Anniversary.

The sports apparel company also highlighted its partnership with a black owned and operated cotton farm, Bridgeforth Farms, so that the clothes are made in American and from 100% Black grown cotton. 

In a joyful finale, Actively Black founders Lanny Smith and Bianca Winslow shared their most personal collaboration to date: a gender‑reveal announcing they are expecting a baby boy due December 2025.

For more information visit https://activelyblack.com

Photo Credit: Rob Kim (Getty)