Actively Black Turned New York Fashion Week Into a Living Ceremony of Legacy and Liberation

New York Fashion Week has always been about spectacle, but on Saturday night, Actively Black transformed it into something deeper—a celebration, a remembrance, and a declaration of ownership. After a two-year hiatus, founder Lanny Smith, a former NBA athlete turned visionary designer, made a striking return to the runway with a bold proclamation: “This is not a fashion show.” It was a statement that set the tone for the night, one that blurred the line between art, activism, and ancestral pride.

Broadcast live on Spill, the Black-owned social platform that champions authentic community storytelling, the show was about far more than clothes. As Smith explained in an interview with Essence, “We’re not just designing apparel—we’re designing identity, empowerment, and ownership” (Essence, 2025). The message resonated throughout the evening: fashion isn’t just about what we wear—it’s about who we are and who owns the narrative.

Held at the iconic Sony Hall in Manhattan, the presentation felt more like a living archive of Black excellence than a conventional runway. The audience rose to their feet as Ruby Bridges, the six-year-old pioneer who integrated an all-white school in 1960, graced the catwalk to thunderous applause. Her presence alone spoke volumes—a full-circle moment honoring courage that reshaped history.

Then came Dr. Bernice King and Ilyasah Shabazz, daughters of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, walking side by side—a powerful visual bridging two movements that once ran parallel but have always shared the same heartbeat. Their stride together, as Vogue noted, was “a masterclass in symbolic power, merging style with a statement of unity” (Vogue, 2025).

The tributes didn’t stop there. Legendary civil rights photographer Cecil J. Williams, whose daring 1956 photo showed him defiantly drinking from a “whites only” water fountain, took to the stage as Bone Crusher’s “I Ain’t Never Scared” blasted through the speakers—an anthem of endurance and defiance. The crowd erupted, not just in admiration, but in recognition of a living ancestor reminding them to keep going.

From there, the runway became a roll call of resilience. Olympic legends Tommie Smith and John Carlos, whose raised fists at the 1968 Olympics remain among the most powerful protest symbols in sports history, made a surprise appearance. The New York Times described their presence as “a moment that brought history full circle—where athletic activism met artistic expression” (NYT, 2025).

The show honored even more trailblazers: Fredrika Newton and Fred Hampton Jr. represented the ongoing legacy of the Black Panther Party, while “Boston Ben” Haith, creator of the Juneteenth flag, finally received his long-overdue flowers. Each model’s strut carried meaning; every ensemble felt like a lesson—a living syllabus of pride, power, and perseverance.

At its core, Actively Black’s “Greatness in Our DNA” campaign encapsulates Smith’s mission: to build a luxury brand that uplifts, reinvests, and reclaims. As Forbes recently noted, Actively Black has “redefined the intersection of fashion and social responsibility, proving that a brand can be aspirational without abandoning authenticity” (Forbes, 2024).

The event’s tone matched its message. Hosted by beloved BET alums AJ & Free, with a cameo from Terrence J, the night felt less like a corporate production and more like a family reunion infused with laughter, nostalgia, and pride. Between musical performances and heartfelt tributes, the spirit of community pulsed through every moment.

By the show’s end, Smith’s vision was crystal clear: fashion can be beautiful and bear weight. It can celebrate creativity while centering community. And most importantly, it can serve as a teaching tool—educating, empowering, and inspiring generations to come.

True to his opening words, this wasn’t merely a fashion show. It was a reminder, a reunion, and a relay—one generation passing the baton to the next with the message: “Walk in the greatness that already exists within your DNA.”

As Harper’s Bazaar wrote, “Actively Black didn’t just show clothes; they showed consciousness” (Harper’s Bazaar, 2025). After this night, one thing is certain—New York Fashion Week will never be the same again, and for that, we can all be grateful.