Photo: Models rehearse for the Generation Z Fashion Show March 13
By Tanya Terry
Forty two participants their stuff and show the community they have both imagination and motivation at the Generation Z Fashion Show Friday March 13. Generation Z is defined as the group of kids, teens and young adults born between 1997 and 2012. Participants are in grades nine-12 and in a performance class.
“That’s the class that’s advanced. They take it seriously. They have a lot of energy. They’re pumped and on fire about this event. They are ready to show people what they’ve been working on,” said Porcha Clemons, dance teacher at Flint Southwestern Classical Academy and director of the fashion show.
The work of two student designers will also be displayed during the show.
“Some people their age are doing ‘kids’ stuff.’ They’re entrepreneurs, they’re young and they’re making their own money.” Clemons said.
The Flint Southwestern Dance Department is hosting the show to continue raising funds for their 2020 spring showcase while creating a positive environment among the students of the school and for the Flint residents. Their goal is to bring each other together for the common good and to support one another.
“My sixth hour is going to showcase all the dances they have learned throughout the year. The reason why we need the funding is we’re going to get costumes. I don’t have costumes for them. I don’t have ballet bars. These are all needed for what they want me to teach them, but I have no equipment for the. I am looking to purchase equipment needed for the dance program.”
Fine arts programs are required to apply for grants. Although the drama department received a grant, there is no money in the budget to buy shoes and other necessities for the dancers at Southwestern.
The fashion show will display the designs of TK Thomas and his clothing line, Kids Creative Minds Productions.
“TK’s clothing line is faith based. He’s a Christian. So, it’s a Christian clothing line. He was inspired by different challenges and different things he went through. For instance, he lost two friends due to suicide. That inspired him to put inspirational words on shirts. You never know what people are going through.”
Thomas describes his designs as “a morning wake-up call” because of the way the messages on them can brighten one’s day. His shirts display the words “child of God,” “young, smart, woke,” “pain made me pray, and prayer made me powerful, and “despite what you may be going through, remember better days are coming; you are enough.”
The designs of Nigell Stoveall from his line Stack SZN will also be featured.
“I would describe Nigell’s clothing line as a reminder to always stay in school so you can make money since Stack SZN refers to making money so you can save up for your future,” Thomas said.
“If it’s positive and inspirational, I’ll use your clothing line. Fortunately, I didn’t have to turn anyone down,” said Clemons.
Amari Green is a senior who owns a boutique called Faniyah. She will be selling clothing from the boutique. In addition, Kamrri Hopson and Shabaya Gurd will be selling clothing from their unique line K&S Minks.
“It’s important to remember that school is more than grades. It also helps build a foundation, and to connect with each other despite what may be going on in the city of Flint. Flint Community Schools has extraordinary students who can demonstrate their creativity in the fashion show,” Clemons said.
Doors open for the fashion at 5:30 p.m. March 13, and the event starts at 6 p.m. Tickets are $5 for students and $8 for adults. Tickets will be available at the door. Flint Southwestern Classical Academy is located at 1420 W 12th St, Flint, MI 48507.
