The Gulf Coast Alcorn Alumni Chapter is organizing its 8th Annual African Fashion show on Feb. 17.

This year the event will be held at the Pleasant Valley Baptist Church Annex at 501 Weems St. in Picayune from 5 to 11 p.m.

Tickets to the event are $10 and proceeds will be used to provide scholarships to students attending Alcorn State University.

Lecrease Hicks, president of the Alcorn Alumni Chapter for Pearl River County, said each year the chapter organizes the fashion show in February to celebrate Black History Month.

“…during the month I’ve seen people dress up and go to church and thought if people love this why not encourage more people to dress in African outfits so we could all celebrate together,” Hicks said.

Hicks said the fashion show participants will include members from the local alumni chapter, local churches and members of the community as they walk the runway to model their favorite African outfit. During the show an explanation why each outfit was chosen will be given. 

Hicks said she is looking to increase participation in the event so more scholarships can be issued.

“This is the only fundraiser throughout the year for the university and each year we have a lot of incoming freshmen who try and apply for scholarships that would compensate them for their additional expenses,” Hicks said. “There are several parents who cannot afford college expenses for their children. The fact is these children need the education to become good citizens and give back to the community.”

Rev. Georgia Antoine, pastor of Little Zion Travelers Church in McNeill, will be the guest speaker for the evening.

Everyone attending the event is expected to dress in their favorite African attire.

“Everyone can expect to have a great time, hear some encouraging words from our speaker, enjoy the latest fashion from Africa, eat great country food and socialize with other members of the community,” Hicks said.

Tickets for the event can be purchased from members of the Alcorn Alumni Chapter and will also be available at the door.