Cleveland State University’s Department of Africana Studies hosted the “Where Them Fans At/Boots on the Ground” fashion show in the Student Center Atrium on Nov. 6. The event featured students, models, music and performances highlighting themes of self-expression.

Prester Pickett, coordinator of the Howard A. Mims African-American Cultural Center, opened the event by introducing master of ceremonies Camilya Williams.

Williams, CSU’s CARE manager and a graduate of the university with a degree in Africana Studies, reflected on her return to campus.

“It is a privilege and honor to be invited and come back (to Cleveland State University),”  Williams said.

The event began with the John F. Kennedy High School JROTC presented the flags as attendees stood for “The Star Spangled Banner.”

Members of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Phi Theta Chapter followed with a step performance, a high energy dance tradition rooted in African American fraternities and sororities.

The fashion show was divided into three themes: going to work, going to class and going out. The show featured more than a dozen CSU students and younger participants who shared their future aspirations.

Trail-ride culture, which honors the traditions of black cowboys and formerly enslaved African Americans in the South, was a central influence on the event. Models incorporated cowboy hats, boots and bandanas into their looks.

The event's title, “Boots on the Ground/Where Them Fans At?” references the popular southern soul line dance song by artist 803Fresh.  

The term “boots on the ground” refers to physically and positively engaging with a community. Williams described 803Fresh’s record as a “call to action.”

“We are facing a lot of things in society right now, and we need to be attentive,” said Williams. “These students who came out here to model came here to remind all of us to have our boots on the ground.”

The event also honored previous generations of people whose sacrifices made higher education accessible for today’s students, many of whom are first-generation college attendees.

After the fashion show wrapped up, attendees and those involved with the event were invited on stage to perform line dances instructed by Cleveland line dance instructor and DJ Robert Johnson Jr.

If you’re interested in participating in future events hosted by the department of Africana Studies, click here to view their upcoming events.