Unite’ was the theme for REACH L.A.’s 2010 “Unity of Community” Fashion Show, and by the end of the night, the production crew, host, audience, models, and REACH L.A organization were united for one imperative cause – to raise HIV/AIDS awareness among minority youth. As the guests arrived, an array of appetizing refreshments and champagne were served in the VIP area where guests were given a “goody” bag filled with a designer hat, purse and program provided by Macys. As the lights dimmed, REACH LA’s own Greg Wilson took the stage and shared with the audience the imminent danger of not knowing your HIV/AIDS status, and the real reason for the fashion show – to raise HIV/AIDS awareness.

The music began, the lights dimmed, and the models began working the couture “Red HIV/AIDS Ribbon” shaped runway. The models all wore designer exclusive, unique, colorful, trendy pieces as the music pulsated through the audience. The amazing event was hosted by the exuberant, alluring diva Jazzmun, who kept the audience laughing out of their seats with her wit and charm the entire show. Gia Allure contributed a musical rendition of “Blur” by Britney Spears and Mother Michel’le Allure brought the house down with her interpretation of “Russian Roulette” by Rhianna. Floyd McLucas’s Fem J designs, Fuddie Fashions and Evan Wilson’s Croqui Couture presented their own “red ribbon” inspired pieces to bring more awareness to the cause. The show’s grand finale featured the New York-based Vogue Evolution, featuring Dashaun Williams, Devon Webster, Malechi Williams, Leiomy Maldonado and Jorel Rios. Vogue Evolution is the first openly gay dance crew to ever compete on the “America’s Best Dance Crew” stage. The crew’s performance brought the down the house as Leiomy leaped from the stage into the center of the red ribbon runway landing a room thumping dip with grace, style and “bam.”

The man who conceptualized this spectacular event took the stage – the talented “fashionista” Sean Milan. Sean Milan effortlessly worked the runway; and gracefully thanked the audience as the show concluded.

REACH LA wants to thank all of the performers, designers, clothing and hair stylists, models, and Ovahness Leaders for volunteering your time and talent to this event. REACH LA especially wants to thank Macys for their generous support and inspiration.

REACH L.A’s 2010 “Unity of Community” Fashion Show was an astounding success. The venue was filled love, creativity, unity, and the eagerness to spread and raise HIV/AIDS awareness. Let’s see what else Sean Milan has up his sleeve for his next major production.

Monday, March 22 at 8:00 PM - 2:00 AM

The Arena
6655 Santa Monica Boulevard
Los Angeles CA

Did you know that even though African Americans make up only 13% of the US population, they account for about half (49%) of the people who get HIV and AIDS. And it is our goal as the Ovahness Young Men’s Leadership team here at REACH LA, along with Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, in 2010 to not only raise awareness, but to get as many young people tested and into care as possible.

Unite will be a exciting night of the “Fabulous” and the “Fashionable.”A “coming together” of sorts between those who are either affected or infected by HIV/AIDS. The event was conceived and will be produced by LA’s very own Sean Milan. The evening will start off with an opening VIP reception followed by a fashion show consisting of three segments. Hosted by the legendary Jazzmun, performances by Michell’e Allure, Gia Allure, and a special performance by “Vogue Evolution” from MTV’s “America’s Best Dance Crew.”

Admission: VIP-$50 (Free for youth ages 18-24 who get an HIV test @ REACH LA prior to event or adult who brings a youth to REACH LA to get an HIV test prior to event)
General-$10

Please call the REACH LA HIV Testing Hotlinefor an appointment-213-572-7819

For more info please contact the event’s producers:

Sean Milan
Social Enterprise Event Coordinator forREACH LA
Office: 213-622-1650 x103
Email:seanmilansphone@yahoo.com

Greg Wilson
Manager of Young Men’s Health and Leadership
Office:213-622-1650 x108
Email:acquajaye@yahoo.com

Global XChange is a UK program comparable to the United States’ Peace Corps program. Typically, Global XChange matches small groups of UK volunteers with peers from one other country. The bilateral teams spend several weeks or months on a volunteer project in the UK in addition to time spent on a project in the home country of the other participants.

The upcoming program marks two firsts: Global XChange’s first multilateral team and the first project in which Americans will participate. In Durban and Belfast, Martha will join four other Los Angeles community activists and peers from the UK, France, South Africa, Sierra Leone, and Rwanda to observe local organizations, exchange best practices, and explore cross-cultural approaches to serving at-risk youth.

“I am incredibly honored to represent Los Angeles and the United States in this once in a lifetime experience. I am very excited to meet our program partners and work on strategies that will bring hope and inspiration to youth all over the world.”

The Durban and Belfast exchanges will be followed by a youth exchange. Between June and December, groups of 18-24 year-olds from each country will live and volunteer for three months in Durban followed by three months in Belfast. The American participants will be nominated by the five LA nonprofits.

“I am delighted to launch Global Xchange in the United States,” said British Council USA Director Sharon Memis. “We are inspired by the individuals selected for Global XChange from Los Angeles; they all do exemplary work with LA youth. We look forward to seeing the results of their time abroad, and to seeing the new international partnerships that emerge from the exchanges.”

To follow the journey of the Multilateral Community XChange participants by reading the daily blog.