Blog 12/6/22

Red Looks Good on Brothers in Unity!

The Columbus Prevention team and Brothers In Unity painted the Columbus Museum of Art red during the inaugural Shades of Red World AIDS Day Celebration. They also raised over $7,000.

Fashion designers, models, and guests filled the Pavilion, the museum’s largest event space. Burgundy gowns, scarlet hats, and ruby red shoes dominated the runway.

“It was bigger than I ever imagined it would be,” said Prevention Outreach Specialist Sawaun Blakely, a fashion stylist who brought the event to life. He invited 15 local BIPOC fashion designers to showcase “one red look” for the event. Professional and special guest models sashayed down the catwalk in the designers’ work.

Funds raised will help support Equitas Health’s Prevention HIV testing programs and Brothers In Unity, an affirming social and wellness space for same-gender loving men of color. BIU will give $1,000 to a local LGBTQ+ youth group to buy winter coats, hats, gloves, and scarves.

The success of this year’s program has designers calling Sawaun for a spot in the 2^nd annual event on Dec. 1, 2023. Mark your calendars!

Until then, check out our picture gallery for a front row view of the very first Shades or Red!