Mecca Hodge
Mecca has 5 years of experience within merchandising at Neiman Marcus, Amazon, and Paige. Mecca also had the privilege of being 1 of 20 inaugural winners of the Virgil Abloh Post Modern x FSF Scholarship in 2021. Outside of personal research, little information was provided in her schooling regarding Black trailblazers within fashion. As a BFL Outreach Associate, Mecca is hoping to provide this information to the next generation of creative forces.
Paris Wilson
Paris is a Jersey City–based writer and editor with a background in public relations and a degree from Florida A&M University’s School of Journalism and Graphic Communication. She has spent years shaping editorial and commerce stories that honor culture, creativity, and community. In her free time, Paris sews, a practice that deepened her appreciation for fashion as craft, lineage, and living history.
Black Fashion Legacy’s mission resonates with her because she understands how often Black creators are left out of the historical record, and she is committed to helping preserve these stories so the next generation of Black talent can see themselves reflected in fashion’s past, present, and future.
Mikael Adamson
Mikael is excited to be joining the Black Fashion Legacy team and is from North Carolina, a recent East Carolina University graduate with a Bachelor’s in Fashion Merchandising and Consumer Studies, and currently pursuing an MBA. His interest in fashion began as a self-taught hobby of crocheting and knitting.
Mikael’s passion for preserving Black art and intellectual property stems from the music industry, inspired by the achievements and overlooked contributions of artists like Nina Simone, Dionne Warwick, and Beyoncé, and the parallels that creates for fashion. Mikael looks forward to being part of an initiative dedicated to educating others and preserving Black art and talent.
Gabrielle Williams
Gabrielle earned a Bachelor’s in Fashion Merchandising and a minor in Fashion Styling. During her studies, she fully immersed herself in the fashion industry, supporting designers, models, brands, and events while being the President of her college’s Black Student Union. She found a quick passion for bridging culture into advocacy for education and amplification of young Black creative talent.
Gabrielle has worked to organize, plan, and initiate programs with industry partners to support the education and amplification of Black students. After working at some of the leading companies across fashion, entertainment, and tech, Gabrielle now freelances, leading creative strategy and partnerships with clients who share a commitment to social equity and impact. Gabrielle is thrilled to support the outreach and create meaningful partnerships to celebrate and educate with Black Fashion Legacy.
Ahmani Smith
Ahmani is a passionate fashion professional with over six years of experience, bringing both purpose and perspective to the industry. With a deep appreciation for fashion history and cultural expression, her connection to education drives her to share knowledge that preserves and uplifts the stories behind style. She is dedicated to pouring into her community, using fashion as a bridge for learning, empowerment, and connection. BFL’s mission resonates deeply with her commitment to education, cultural awareness, and creating meaningful impact through fashion.