Eyes On the Prize

On Monday evening, I was faced with yet another personal dilemma – whether or not I should attend the second part of the “Blacks in Fashion” forum hosted by Betheann Hardison, Tracey Reese, James Scully and others. Many of you may recall my recent purging after the last gathering of “Blacks In Fashion” and if not, you can check it in my previous posts as this is an issue that I have finally put to rest and will never revisit again.

Blacks in Fashion Conferene - Part 2

However, I would be remiss if I attempted to pretend there wasn’t a small bit of me that wanted to attend this meeting in order to prove my efforts towards equality in fashion have not been deterred. Luckily I was still in the “after glow” from another gathering of great minds in the Bahamas where I was the personal guest of The African Diaspora Heritage Trail Conference.

It is so strange how similar there logo is to mine… Destiny…

You may recall, a few days ago I posted that I would be spending a long weekend in the Bahamas, however, what I didn’t reveal was that I had very little knowledge as to what I would be doing in the Bahamas (Nassau in particular). You see, several months ago China Robinson (mother of model Chanel Iman) asked me to assist her in organizing a fashion show similar to Designers For Darfur. This fashion presentation would coincide with an annual conference held by the ADHT (African Diaspora Heritage Trail) organization next year in Bermuda. Unfortunately I had never attended an ADHT conference before and therefore didn’t have a clear picture as to their goals and/or mission. I now fully understand the concept of the ADHT which is one of a unified transnational heritage tourism initiative to educate visitors, enhance economic viability of African Diaspora countries and conserve the essence of African descent, culture and history (I actually stole that description off of their website – but I would encourage you all to check out their efforts via my link list).

Malcolm and China

China Robinson as recently seen on the Tyra Banks Show

As China has become somewhat of a big sister to me these days (she is wiser than I could ever dream to be), I didn’t really require such a cohesive description of ADHT’s efforts, I simply knew that if she needed my assistance, I would be there… So when we arrived in the Bahamas late Thursday afternoon, I had no idea what our itinerary would entail and/or if we were obligated to do anything in particular. I have to tell though, I really enjoyed the three and a half hour flight which felt like the first time in a long time that I could sit and do absolutely nothing. It was a much needed break from it all… However, upon arriving at the hotel we were greeted by the ADHT welcoming committee. Within this group was one of China’s cousins, Jake Henderson, which I had met during a brief but inspiring lunch at the beginning of the summer. Jake quickly and dutifully introduced us around to all the key players and organizers of the event and for some reason I could instantly tell this entire conference would have almost the same vibe as a family reunion of sorts. It didn’t even matter that I only knew two of the perhaps 300 to 400 people that were in attendance.

We stayed at the magnificent Atlantis Hotel in Nassau

After we were all checked in and handed room keys, we were informed we had only two hours before a shuttle would take us to a Bahamian Style Reception that the Board of Tourism had organized for the conference attendees…

My boyfriend and I with one of the Bahamian Greeters (what an amazing costume)

When we arrived at the venue for the evening’s soiree, I found myself speechless… The Bahamian Tourism Board had literally rolled out the red carpet for this conference. There were dignitaries and their spouses from all over the globe in attendance. I couldn’t stop looking at Ms. China Robinson and wondering how and why my boyfriend and I had been invited to this amazing event. But before my brain and heart had a chance to process it all – the festivities were in full swing… There was dancing, singing and frolicking like my eyes hadn’t seen in a very long time; not since I was a kid growing up in South Florida where we would celebrate the annual Bahamian Goombay Festival. What a difference it makes to see these sorts of festivals through grown up eyes. Each dance movement and every modulation of tone was now pregnant with meaning, spirit and tradition.

Throughout the conference I found myself entrenched with the sharing of new ideas, engulfed by the sense of community and enlightened by purposeful debate. At one point I felt sheer joy in the knowledge that contrary to popular belief, we as a people are definitely on the right track. It is sad however that the media never chooses to report on events such as the ADHT and instead choose to highlight gang violence and/or hip-hop rivalries. This is really a shame. However, now that the ADHT has me 100% on board – self proclaimed “media whore” – things are going to change very quickly.

I actually sat on a panel discussing “Strategies for the Performing Arts within the African Diaspora”


Then on Friday, October 12, 2007 at approximately 12:15 p.m. – I met a man – Not an ordinary man – an icon – a legend… A man that whispered to me words that would change my life. This man graciously took a few minutes out of his hectic schedule to listen as Mr. Jake Henderson (event organizer) explained to him my struggles as well as accomplishments as an African American fashion designer, humanitarian and citizen of the world. He listened with great diligence and concern whilst I stood there for the first time void of embarrassment by neither the joys of my accolades nor the pain of my hardships. We both listened as Jake spoke. This man then leaned in, shook my hand and whispered the following to me, “I am very proud of you my son. No matter what the world throws at you, you keep on going. You stand up and you keep on going. I can look into your eyes and tell that you are destined for greatness.” I will never forget that moment for as long as I live… This man was none other than Mr. Andrew Young. Yes, first African-American Ambassador to the United Nations, former Mayor of Atlanta, civil rights leader/activist and last but not least - - - the former right hand man to Dr. Martin Luther King. Yes, Mr. Andrew Jackson Young Jr. My life’s purpose was confirmed and decided within those few words.

Andrew Young and Malcolm Harris

Jake Henderson, Mrs. Carolyn Young (Andrew’s wife and president of the Lynx Association), and yours truly

In conclusion, when I say that I was faced with a dilemma on Monday as to whether it would be prudent for me to attend Monday’s night forum of the fashion industry’s black elite – I must admit that the use of the word “dilemma” at this point is beyond an exaggeration. My decision had already been preordained. My heart and soul immediately reflected on the fact that I had been given a charge. A charge that did not and would not be given to me by the dictators of fashion and/or self-proclaimed arbiters of style… My charge had been given to me by one of the greatest minds and spirits of our lifetime…By a man whom had been a part of an era that moved civilization towards enlightenment. My charge had been given to me by Mr. Andrew Jackson Young Jr. Therefore, as I sat down in front of my computer on Monday evening to attempt to write down my entire experience from this amazing weekend (it has taken me almost three days to finally come down from the after-glow in order to write today’s post), I immediately knew that not attending the “Blacks in Fashion” forum was for the best. I also knew that my efforts and energies would be best utilized by keeping my “eyes on the prize” and not on the “fashion spotlight”…

The photo above has always haunted me… I never thought I would live to meet one of the great men that stood on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel on the day Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated.