Actively Black’s NYFW Experience, presented by Mielle Organics, was not your average runway show—it was a full-blown celebration of culture, history, and legacy. Titled “This Is Not a Fashion Show,” the event at Sony Hall shook New York Fashion Week with viral moments, tears, and powerful ovations that turned the night into a cultural milestone.
The red carpet itself spoke volumes about the evening’s impact. Lauryn Hill, Harlem’s own Dapper Dan, Tyrese, Ghostface Killah, Naturi Naughton, Dascha Polanco, and Jamil Hardwick all came through to show love. Their presence underscored how Actively Black’s mission transcends sportswear—this is about redefining the culture.
Honoring Civil Rights Icons On The Runway
The runway became a stage for intergenerational storytelling. Civil rights leaders Dr. Bernice A. King and Ilyasah Shabazz walked side by side, bridging the legacies of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X in iconic Actively Black collab pieces. Cecil J. Williams, captured in history books for drinking from a “Whites Only” fountain, emerged in his Actively Black hoodie, while Ruby Bridges, who integrated an all-white elementary school in 1960, received a standing ovation that shook the room.
Olympians Tommie Smith and John Carlos—whose raised fists at the 1968 Olympics became a worldwide symbol of resistance—were honored on stage. Ben Haith, designer of the Juneteenth flag, carried the emblem of freedom that has since become a national symbol.
Fashion, Art, and Cultural Collabs
The evening spotlighted powerful collaborations. Lisane Basquiat, sister of Jean-Michel Basquiat, led a Basquiat-inspired collection. Sara Marley, granddaughter of Bob Marley and daughter of Lauryn Hill, represented the Bob Marley capsule. And the brand unveiled its Michael Jackson collaboration with a performance paying homage to the King of Pop.
Founder Lanny Smith summed up the vision: “Me being pro-Black doesn’t mean I’m anti-anything else. Tonight was about honoring our ancestors, uplifting our communities, and reminding the world that our stories, our innovation, and our style are indispensable to the global culture.”
Black Women Are Superheroes
One of the night’s most powerful showcases was the “Black Women Are Superheroes” collection. From athletes like T’ea Cooper and Deja Kelly to leaders like Valeisha Butterfield Jones, Bozoma Saint John, Cari Champion, and Monica McNutt, the runway became a salute to Black women’s power, influence, and resilience.
Actively Black also honored the culture with a tribute to HBCUs led by Terrence J, a salute to the Harlem Globetrotters, and a surprise reunion of AJ & Free—the beloved 106 & Park hosts—celebrating the show’s 25th anniversary.
A Commitment To Black-Owned Supply Chains
The brand highlighted its partnership with Bridgeforth Farms, a Black-owned cotton farm, ensuring that its apparel is made in America and from 100% Black-grown cotton. This move reinforces Actively Black’s mission to empower Black communities from seed to storefront.
Closing the night, founders Lanny Smith and Bianca Winslow revealed their most personal collaboration yet—a gender reveal announcing they’re expecting a baby boy in December 2025. The crowd erupted, wrapping up a night that was equal parts history, fashion, and love.
