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Actors Danny Glover and Delroy Lindo Join Inaugural From the Fire Summer Leadership Academy for Young Men of Color at Princeton University
Leadership development, mentoring, and Rites of Passage are the focuses of the new From the Fire: Leadership Academy for Young Men on July 22-August 3, 2018. Operated by At the Well Conferences, Inc.; a provider of events for teens since 2009, the inaugural two-week boarding program at Princeton University is designed for young men of color in the ninth, tenth or eleventh grades of high school.
The Program Chair is the actor and director Delroy Lindo. He has provided memorable performances in films such as The Cider House Rules, Heist, Clockers, Crooklyn, Malcolm X, and Ransom. Lindo’s passion for the plight of minority boys is leading the actor to take an active role in the program’s development. Lindo states, “My hope is that the experience of From the Fire will give students a boost to take the next steps in whatever goals they have planned for their lives.” The keynote speaker is actor, producer, and humanitarian Danny Glover. Glover has been a commanding presence on screen, stage, and television for more than 25 years. Additional speakers include former NBA stars Charlie Ward and Jason Richardson, Honorable Ras J. Baraka, Mayor of Newark, New Jersey, artist Hank Willis Thomas, attorney Kevin Harden, and music professor Aaron Dworkin.
From the Fire’s curriculum and programming is research-based and designed by educators and leaders with decades of experience in young adult education and social change activism. It is rooted in the spiritual and intellectual traditions forged in the justice struggles of African Americans. The Leadership Development component will provide transformative education in the form of small group projects, critical reading and writing sessions, and dynamic speakers.
Mentorship is offered as a form of “deep caring” to overcome widespread indifference to these most vulnerable young men. Each participant will be paired with a male mentor who will receive training and the opportunity to attend the event’s Closing Ceremony at Princeton University. The Rites of Passage component will be a journey of self-discovery that unlocks the hidden resilience of the students as fundamental to their manhood. The young men will participate in a host of experiential activities that create and hone life skills.
Full scholarships are available based upon need. Toby Sanders is the Co-founder and Director of Curriculum of From the Fire and holds a Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary. He states, “We are offering guidance and instruction that encourages these students to see the power within them and others.”
Held simultaneously will be the eighth year of the At the Well Young Women’s Leadership Academy for current 10th- and 11th-grade girls of color. The actress Nicole Ari Parker will serve as Program Chair. The application deadline for all programs is March 31, 2018. Partnerships and donors are sought to secure scholarships for students of both academies. For more information and to apply, go to www.atthewellconferences.org.
We Speak Events
“Pop Couture” Redefines Fashion during NYFW: A Bold Fusion of Anime, Pop Culture, and High Fashion
Jan. 22, 2025 (New York)— Pop Couture is set to redefine the runway during New York Fashion Week with a runway show and post runway show event on Friday, February 7, 2025, presented by Studio|Couture and Plus Ultra Entertainment. This groundbreaking show spotlights the transformative influence of anime, Japanese craftsmanship, and pop culture on modern fashion, featuring visionary designers who are reshaping the industry with bold, innovative designs.
Pop Couture is a fashion revolution, blending pop culture’s bold artistry with high-fashion craftsmanship to redefine the runway. With Millennials and Gen-Z leading the charge, this event celebrates the storytelling and individuality shaping the future of media, retail, and style. More than a show, Pop Couture is a cultural and economic statement unveiling what’s next in fashion and beyond.
Meet the Designers Who Are Changing the Game
Frank Huynh | Lê Tâm (He/Him): Frank is the mastermind behind Lê Tâm, where heritage meets avant-garde fashion. Drawing deeply from his Vietnamese roots, Frank’s designs are a stunning collision of tradition and modernity, exuding elegance and artistry. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and storytelling through fabric, Frank’s creations have captivated audiences in prestigious arenas such as the Smithsonian’s Arts and Industries Building and DC Fashion Week, making him one of the most exciting designers to watch this year.
KingKitsu (He/Him): KingKitsu is rewriting the rules of fashion with their transformative, statement-making designs. Known for their daring blend of regal and rebellious styles, KingKitsu creates bold looks that embrace individuality and celebrate self-expression. Their work is a perfect balance of theatrical artistry and wearable luxury, captivating audiences with every collection.
Dykemint (They/Them/He/Her): Dykemint is redefining couture with a bold mission: to create sustainable, one-of-a-kind fashion that’s equal parts chaos and beauty. Fi Black’s anime-inspired, maximalist designs break the mold of fast fashion, delivering handcrafted pieces that are as thought-provoking as they are jaw-dropping. With a commitment to size-inclusivity and sustainability, Dykemint is a rebellious force in the industry, proving that creativity knows no limits.
Aya Sakai | SAI Japan Vintage (She/Her): Aya, founder of SAI Japan Vintage, brings Japanese heritage to the forefront of modern fashion. Her designs reimagine centuries-old kimono fabrics as contemporary masterpieces, each piece telling a story of history, culture, and innovation. Aya’s work is a love letter to traditional craftsmanship and a bold statement about sustainability, earning her a place as one of fashion’s most visionary upcyclers.
Plus Ultra Entertainment (They/Them) is making its fashion debut with an anime-inspired capsule collection set to premiere at the Pop Couture runway show during New York Fashion Week. This limited-edition collection draws on the vivid energy and imaginative worlds of anime, translating them into sleek, wearable art pieces designed to captivate both pop culture and high-fashion enthusiasts.
Featured Makeup Partner
Elevating the runway looks is Yva Expressions, the featured makeup partner for Pop Couture. Renowned for its vibrant eyeshadow palettes, luxurious lip glosses, and stunning use of color, this cruelty-free and vegan brand seamlessly blends pop culture with high-quality cosmetics. With products that cater to both bold and subtle aesthetics, Yva Expressions will craft the unforgettable beauty looks that complement and elevate the fashion on the runway, embodying the show’s dedication to ethical and inclusive artistry.
Featured Jewelry Designer
TruFacebyGrace is a celebration of African heritage and Afrofuturistic vision, crafting bold, culturally inspired jewelry and fashion that bridge tradition and modernity. Drawing on the rich tapestry of African customs and craftsmanship, each piece tells a story—honoring the intricate artistry of diverse regions while embracing a forward-thinking aesthetic. This blend of heritage and innovation has captured the attention of global icons like Janet Jackson, Kelly Rowland, Zozi Tunzi and more. TruFacebyGrace has also been featured in Coming 2 America and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. From the Oscars to the Golden Globes and Essence red carpets, the brand stands as a testament to cultural pride and its powerful connection to pop culture, redefining what it means to wear your story.
Press & Media Invitations Now Open
Members of the press/media are invited to request credentials via [email protected]. Seating and capacity are extremely limited.
Stay Connected
Follow Studio|Couture and Plus Ultra Entertainment on social media for updates, sneak peeks, and behind-the-scenes looks at Pop Couture.
Studio|Couture and Plus Ultra Entertainment, the event’s award winning, visionary producers, have created a platform that blends impeccable event production with a passion for highlighting emerging talent. From small to large experiences, media features and impact, their expertise ensures Pop Couture delivers an experience that rivals the biggest shows of the season.
About Studio|Couture
Studio|Couture is a premier creative agency specializing in fashion, art, and luxury event production. Renowned for its innovative approach and dedication to elevating emerging talent, Studio|Couture blends high-end aesthetics with cutting-edge storytelling to craft unforgettable experiences. From conceptual design to flawless execution, the agency is committed to pushing boundaries and redefining modern couture.
About Plus Ultra Entertainment
Plus Ultra Entertainment is an award-winning entity and inclusive nerd space dedicated to celebrating and amplifying the diverse voices within nerd, anime, cosplay, and pop culture. With a mission to creatively build community and culture, Plus Ultra Entertainment bridges the gap between fandom and artistry, crafting experiences that unite and inspire. Through its innovative productions and dedication to inclusivity, the company has become a trailblazer in highlighting the transformative power of nerd and pop culture.
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