Diaspora (Commonwealth Union) _ As Jaida Anekwe ’25 peeked from behind the curtain at the 2024 AFRIK fashion show, she saw her vision come to life. The runway was alive with student models showcasing vibrant designs inspired by regions across the African diaspora, while an energetic crowd of nearly 1,000 students danced along in admiration.
“I just felt so proud,” said Anekwe, a human development major in the College of Human Ecology and the College of Arts and Sciences (A&S). “The audience was cheering, the models were in character, and they displayed the clothes so beautifully. It was great to see people from all different races enjoying it that was part of our goal, and we accomplished it.”
Now in its 20th year, AFRIK continues its mission of celebrating the richness and diversity of Pan-African cultures while fostering unity across Cornell and the Ithaca community. The upcoming show on March 15 in Barton Hall will feature collections from seven professional designers and four student designers, drawing influences from African, Caribbean, and African American heritage.
With 32 Cornell student models taking the stage and performances by six student groups, including the all-women gospel a cappella group Baraka Kwa Wimbo, the Caribbean Students’ Association Dance Ensemble, and the African Dance Repertoire, AFRIK 2024 promises to be a spectacular fusion of fashion, music, and cultural storytelling.
A Runway of Tradition and Innovation
“This year’s show is particularly special,” said Aminata Jaiteh ’26, PASA’s current president and a government, Africana studies, and American studies major. “It’s a commemorative event, bringing back designers we’ve worked with before. AFRIK is something people look forward to every year, and we hear from so many that it’s their favorite event at Cornell.”
Originally hosted in Duffield Hall, the event outgrew its 650-person capacity two years ago, prompting a move to Barton Hall to accommodate its increasing popularity. Beyond being a fashion showcase, AFRIK is a dynamic platform that challenges stereotypes and redefines expressions of race, gender, and nationality.
“Often, the designers are breaking norms or notions about who can wear what and how people should dress,” Jaiteh explained. “The event also helps people recognize the diversity within the African diaspora sometimes, even members of the diaspora themselves aren’t fully aware of the movement and what it embodies.”
Anekwe echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the power of representation. “When people see students wearing these clothes, it makes it more relatable. The audience can see themselves in the designs, which makes the experience even more immersive.”
A Year-Long Effort for a Night of Excellence
The production of AFRIK begins nearly a year in advance. The PASA executive board meticulously plans every detail, from selecting a theme and securing a venue to coordinating with designers and managing logistics. Student models dedicate eight hours of training before the show, ensuring they master the art of the runway and embody the energy of each collection.
“You have to become versatile,” Anekwe said, reflecting on her experience as a model for the first time this year. “Depending on the line you’re walking for, you adjust your style and presence to match the designer’s vision.”
A unique aspect of AFRIK is the direct engagement between students and professional designers, offering a rare opportunity to learn firsthand about building a fashion brand and navigating the industry. Beyond the runway, the experience provides students with transferable skills in event planning, leadership, and communication.
“It’s opened me up to a different world,” Jaiteh said. “Being the main point of contact for designers, vendors, and models has helped me develop skills that will serve me in any career.”
More Than Fashion: A Cultural Home at Cornell
While AFRIK is PASA’s flagship event, the organization actively fosters Pan-African community throughout the year. In fall 2023, a talent show attracted 400 attendees, and a spring field day offered another space for connection and celebration. In February 2024, PASA hosted Taste of the Diaspora, featuring a spirited “Rice Wars” competition showcasing different cultural takes on the dish.
For Anekwe and Jaiteh, PASA is more than a student group; it is a connection to home and a space for cultural exchange.
“One function PASA serves is providing a connection point, a tether for a lot of different cultures in the diaspora,” Anekwe explained. “At our events, I connect with my Nigerian roots while also learning about other traditions. AFRIK embodies that beautifully seeing Ankara fabrics from Nigeria alongside Caribbean and African American designs highlights how interconnected our cultures are.”
As AFRIK 2024 approaches, the excitement builds not just for the fashion but for the celebration of heritage, artistry, and unity. The event continues to be a testament to the power of representation, proving that fashion is more than clothing; it is a story, a history, and a bridge between communities.
With its growing legacy, AFRIK remains one of the most anticipated events at Cornell, offering a dazzling showcase of talent and a powerful reminder of the beauty within the African diaspora.
