Minneapolis had a fashion moment when the Ebony Fashion Fair, the world's largest traveling runway fashion show, stopped at the downtown Marriott last weekend.
It was also a red-carpet opportunity for the host organization, Alpha Kappa Alpha's local Delta Phi Omega chapter. Members were easily identifiable, all decked out in apple or lime green, their signature colors, along with pink.
The verdant hues signaled an especially bright celebration that raises money for a serious philanthropic effort. Through the sorority's nonprofit Ivy Foundation, proceeds support community programs, such as youth mentoring and an annual health fair and scholarships for college students. The organization will hand out awards at the 20th annual African-American Academic Achievement Awards Convocation next Sunday.
It turns out that fundraising and fashion make an empowering match.
"Ebony [magazine] was started to provide positive images to people of color," said Lorraine Griffin Johnson, the chapter president. "It has produced an excellent, almost Broadway production. Many of the women are positive role models who are educated themselves."
Sara Glassman • 612-673-7177
