The Rutland Area NAACP is proud to host the “Rock Your Crown” BIPOC Youth Fashion Show on Sunday, May 25, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Bennington Merchants Park. This inspiring event will spotlight the confidence, beauty, and creativity of BIPOC youth across Vermont, offering a powerful runway experience where young people from Kindergarten through 12th grade can express themselves and be celebrated in their full brilliance.
✨ All Shades. All Styles. All Genders. All Stories. ✨
This isn’t just about fashion—it’s a bold, affirming cultural celebration that invites BIPOC youth to be seen, uplifted, and honored exactly as they are. Whether they show up in curls, colors, couture, or sneakers—every step on the runway tells a story of pride, strength, and joy.
👑 Fashion Show Details
📅 Sunday, May 25, 2025
🕐 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Participants arrive at 12:30 PM)
📍 Bennington Merchants Park, 117 Pleasant Street, Bennington, VT
🎟️ Free and open to the public
Only 10 BIPOC youth models will walk this special runway, each in a one-of-a-kind look that represents their personality, power, and roots. Expect vibrant fashion, radiant smiles, and powerful moments of affirmation.
💇🏾♀️ BIPOC Youth Hair Clinic – Care Before the Crown
On Saturday, May 24, 2025, participants will receive free, culturally responsive hair care at the BIPOC Youth Hair Clinic, hosted by our incredible partners at the Alliance for Community Transformations (ACT). This pre-show clinic ensures every young model feels empowered and seen before stepping into the spotlight.
🎤 Live Entertainment Powered by Youth Voices
Thanks to the generous sponsorship of the Vermont Student Anti-Racist Network (VSARN), the show will feature a lineup of phenomenal BIPOC artists and performers, including:
- Rajnii Eddins – Opening the day with empowering spoken word
- Just Cauz – Lifting spirits with conscious hip-hop and community vibes
- Omega Jade – Delivering fierce, bold storytelling through poetry and rap
- DJ Divine – Keeping the runway alive with rhythm and soul
✨ Backstage Brilliance by Sheela’s Mobile Braiding
The runway looks and model coordination are being led by Gloria Sheelah of Sheelah’s Mobile Braiding, who is managing all behind-the-scenes logistics—from outfit fittings to red carpet prep. With attention to detail and deep care for the youth, Gloria ensures every model walks out with confidence and love wrapped around them.
🎉 A Celebration for the Whole Community
- Live music, poetry, and performance
- Raffle prizes
- A joyful, inclusive space that centers BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ youth
This event is more than a show—it’s a movement of pride, belonging, and youth power.
Your crown isn’t something you earn. It’s something you’ve always had. And now, it’s your time to ROCK IT.
Sponsored by the Rutland Area NAACP, ACT Bennington, Vermont Student Anti-Racist Network, and Sheelah’s Mobile Braiding, with support from the Vermont Community Foundation’s Opportunity Fund for Southshire Youth and Samara Fund grants.
Rutland Area Branch of the NAACP 