Lackland Air Force Base, Texas –
The culture of a society is expressed in many facets of its existence, from individual languages, dialects and education, to variations of customs and traditions.
On Jan. 5, one of the many facets of African-American culture, the personal expression of art and character through clothing, was put on display in a fashion show themed "History of Fashion ... A Night to Remember" at the Gateway Club.
At its heart, the show was a celebration of the historical progression of art styles through natural and synthetic fibers of cloth, envisioned and sponsored by various local tailors and fashion designers of the San Antonio community, and put together in a contemporary presentation of everyday events and activities by the event's coordinator, Capt. Yolanda Thomas, 37th Comptroller Squadron.
Many of the scenes had an overwhelmingly positive effect on the audience.
"My favorite scene would have to be the wedding," said Lt. Col. Regina Goff, 737th Training Support Squadron commander, referring to a segment of the show entitled "Here and Now" and performed as an actual marriage ceremony.
"I liked everything about the show, from the models to the MC and the decorations," said Tony Rex, from Nellis AFB, Nev. "And the clothes ... I could see myself wearing a lot of them. I've got the business cards."
But in the end, it was entertainment with a far more noble purpose in mind. The money raised from the fashion show's ticket sales is being compiled in a scholarship to perpetuate the advancement of an aspect of society treasured by all cultures along the human spectrum of color: education.
Shirley Jones, manager of the African-American Heritage Committee, is determined to exceed all of the committee's previous scholarship efforts this year.
"All of our efforts go toward funding the 2007 Team Lackland African-American Heritage Scholarship, which we'll present here at the Gateway Club on Oct. 24," said Ms. Jones. "My goal is to reach out and help a child achieve their education.
"The African-American Heritage Committee is a giving organization, and all of its members work hard for a cause that we believe in. And we believe in helping someone else achieve their dreams," added Ms. Jones.
For more information on the African-American Heritage Committee and African-American Heritage Month events, while on base, log on to https://intranet.lackland.af.mil and click on the "African-American Heritage Committee" link under the "Information" tab.