We Speak Events
Young Atlanta’s 12th Annual Fashion Exhibition
A Night to Remember: Young Atlanta’s 12th Annual Fashion Exhibition Honors Negro Baseball League Legacy at Georgia Tech’s Russ Chandler Stadium, November 10, 2024
Jalaiah Osei (Model), Prince Osei (Model), and Pernell Assumin (Model) pose in the middle of the field, sporting designs by OKUAFO PA at the 12th Young Atlanta Fashion Exhibition at Georgia Tech Russ Chandler Stadium – Photographed by Dapo.
On November 10, 2024, the 12th Annual Young Atlanta Fashion Exhibition brought Georgia Tech’s Russ Chandler Stadium to life with a vibrant celebration of Black creativity and resilience. This year’s theme, “BlackBalled,” paid homage to the history of the Negro Baseball League while showcasing the fresh perspectives and talents of Atlanta’s youth and rising creatives. Founded in 2012 by Charles “HOLLYANDROO” Pabai (Executive Producer), Young Atlanta has been dedicated to uplifting the next generation, providing a platform for young talent in art, design, music, and fashion.
The night started with a moving rendition of “Lift Every Voice,” followed by an energetic performance from a local high school band and dancers from Jonesboro High School. Months of training led to the big night, as models worked tirelessly with professional coaches, including Antwain Donté, Chisom, and Carolyna, to perfect their runway walk and presence. The runway showcased collections from 18 designers, including standout pieces from the following: HOLLYANDROO, Karim Richie, Saber Brand, NBD Fashion, Teho, and House of Imah. Elaine Rodriguez (Project Manager, Model), serving as the night’s MC, captivated the crowd as she guided the audience through the event theme, broadcasted on the stadium’s big screen.
Charles “HOLLYANDROO” Pabai (Young Atlanta Executive Producer and Designer) getting interviewed by a journalist from Sheen Magazine at the 12th Young Atlanta Fashion Exhibition at Georgia Tech Russ Chandler Stadium – Photographed by Dapo
Naomi (Model) strikes a powerful runway pose in a piece by Eli Couture at the 12th Young Atlanta Fashion Exhibition at Georgia Tech Russ Chandler Stadium – Photographed by Dapo.
Anaya Brown-Jones (Model) walks the runway on the diamond of the baseball field, wearing BY HOLLYANDROO at the 12th Young Atlanta Fashion Exhibition at Georgia Tech Russ Chandler Stadium – Photographed by Dapo.
Jessica (Model) struts out of the tunnel, stunning the audience in a look by KARIM RICHIE at the 12th Young Atlanta Fashion Exhibition at Venue Name – Photographed by Devin.
Joshua Jones (Model) sports a colorful cultural piece by Oma Revealed at the 12th Young Atlanta Fashion Exhibition at Georgia Tech Russ Chandler Stadium – Photographed by Devin.
Jordan L. (Model), House of Imah (Designer), and Ester Frimpong (Model), representing HOUSE OF IMAH, pose together with the designer at the center, showcasing stunning pieces at the 12th Young Atlanta Fashion Exhibition at Georgia Tech Russ Chandler Stadium – Photographed by Devin.
The Jonesboro HS Band started the performance at the 12th Young Atlanta Fashion Exhibition at Georgia Tech Russ Chandler Stadium – Photographed by Dapo.
The 12th Annual Young Atlanta Fashion Exhibition was more than a show; it was a celebration of resilience, creativity, and unity led by Executive Producer Charles “HOLLYANDROO” Pabai. His vision to uplift Atlanta’s creative youth through fashion, art, and community shined brighter than ever, leaving a mark on everyone in attendance. This year’s event proved that Young Atlanta is not just an organization—it’s a movement that continues to inspire and empower the next generation of diverse voices.
We Speak Events
Atlanta Screening of The Alabama Solution Brings Together Panel of Advocates, Leaders, and Community Voices
ATLANTA, GA — Community leaders, advocates, and residents gathered in Atlanta for a special screening of the Oscar-nominated HBO documentary The Alabama Solution, an evening centered on film, dialogue, and community engagement around issues of justice and incarceration.
Hosted at 2345 Cheshire Bridge Road NE, the event brought together organizations and community members for a formal evening of reflection and conversation following the powerful documentary. The film, co-directed by Andrew Jarecki and Charlotte Kaufman and co-produced by Alex Duran, offers an intimate and unfiltered look into Alabama’s prison system.
At the heart of the documentary are the voices of justice-impacted individuals Melvin “Bennu” Ray and Robert “Kinetik” Council, whose experiences shed light on the realities inside the prison system while challenging viewers to consider deeper questions about accountability, dignity, and reform.
Following the screening, a panel discussion brought together leaders and advocates working in justice reform and community outreach. The conversation was moderated by Bridgette Simpson of Barred Business, who guided the dialogue with panelists representing several organizations committed to addressing issues within the justice system.
Panelists included Gerald Griggs of the NAACP, Kimberly Jones of Fork the System, Octavious Holiday of the Positive Outreach Development Society, Kevin Marshall of The Marshall Law Group, LLC, Kathryn Hamoudah of the Southern Center for Human Rights, and Christopher Willars of The Life Unit Inc.
Each panelist offered insight shaped by their work in advocacy, legal reform, and community engagement. Their perspectives highlighted the far-reaching effects incarceration can have on families and communities, while also emphasizing the importance of awareness, accountability, and continued dialogue around the issues presented in the film.
The screening was supported by several organizations dedicated to justice and civic engagement, including One for Justice, Dream.org, Barred Business, the Southern Center for Human Rights, The Life Unit, the Center for Civic Innovation, the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), and the Free Atlanta Abolition Movement.
The evening also served as a moment of connection for those in attendance, including family members and advocates whose lives have been impacted by the justice system. Through film and conversation, the gathering created space for reflection and for communities to engage with the realities highlighted in the documentary.
As conversations continued after the screening, the event underscored the power of storytelling to bring people together, raise awareness, and encourage deeper consideration of issues that often remain unseen by the public.
As momentum continues to grow around conversations sparked by the documentary, organizers are encouraging community members to take an additional step by supporting efforts aimed at protecting justice-impacted individuals from discrimination.
Advocates are currently inviting the public to sign a virtual petition card supporting the establishment of a statewide Protected Class Ordinance in Georgia, which would help ensure justice-impacted individuals are protected from discrimination in employment, housing, and opportunity.
You may find and share the virtual petition here:
Statewide Protected Class
https://www.theprotectedclassnetwork.org/sign-our-petition
-
We Speak Music1 week agoMemory Spells Unleashes An Album That Glows With Human Connection
-
We Speak Music6 days agoPaul Archer Unleashes New Single ‘No Fear’
-
We Speak Music1 week ago
Christian Balvig offers up stunning first taster of new album in collaboration with Ensemble Hermes
-
We Speak Music1 week agoMatt Thompson turns late-night doubt into pop fire on ‘Echo’