Africentric Support Group premieres new fundraising event at the Mount
On Saturday, February 27, the Mount’s Africentric Support Group will host the inaugural “Fabric of our DNA” fashion show and silent auction. Featuring local designers, the event is set to be a diverse celebration of African heritage through fashion and artistry.
Proceeds from the event will be allocated to the Mount’s Africentric Scholarship Fund, which aims to support students of African descent in achieving educational excellence. That’s the aim shared by the force behind the event and a leader in supporting these students at the Mount – Randy Headley.
Meet Randy Headley
Randy, the Africentric Support Coordinator at the Mount, saw an opportunity to educate the community on African fashion and empower students. Africentricity in its simplest form, he explains, is when people of African descent become agents of their cultural knowledge, and take ownership in the sharing of this knowledge.
In his role as coordinator, Randy works towards advancing areas of support for students of African descent, helping students maneuver the academic environment while also staying connected to their roots. “Many students would like to see someone who looks like them to provide that listening ear,” he says, “someone who can relate to the issues they face.”
Originally from Guyana in South America, Randy moved to Canada to complete a Business Administration degree at the Mount. Now, a full-time Administration Assistant in the Registrar’s office, he is currently also working on his Master of Arts in Life-Long Learning at the University.
Through his graduate studies, Randy is researching the learning experience of students of African descent at the Mount and is putting his ideas to work within the Africentric Support Group. “As I research, I implement any new ideas or areas that I uncover, so it is a work in progress,” he says.
Inspired by students
It was while working with Mount students that Randy identified his interest in starting the Mount’s Africentric Scholarship Fund and began brainstorming a fundraising event that would also showcase African Heritage Month. Working in collaboration with Mount alumna Solitha Shortte and student volunteers, “The Fabric of our DNA” fashion show came to life.
The fashion show will feature the creations of local designers Duane Jones, Nicole Johnson, Sarom Curtis and Toria Aidoo. Auction items will feature donations from local businesses, including the designers who are part of the fashion show.
Randy says students have gone beyond the call of duty to ensure the event will be a success. Many identify that even though they may not receive the scholarship, they are still motivated to work knowing that they are contributing to the success of other students. In other words, in the spirit of the African concept Ubuntu, the students Randy works with believe success is achieved together, “I’m okay if you’re okay.”
“I think we owe it to students to show them that the Mount community is in support of what they are working towards. I think that’s where the reward will be.”
Fabric of Our DNA Fashion Show and Silent Auction
6:00 pm on Saturday, February 27
Multi-Purpose Room, Rosario Student Centre
Mount Saint Vincent University [map]
Tickets are $35 ($15 for students). Buy tickets online.
For more information: africentricsupport@msvu.ca or 902-457-5547