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Fashion Icon April Walker to be Honored at Fifth Annual National Black Footwear Forum

The fifth annual National Black Footwear Forum (BFF) returns to Detroit’s HBCU Pensole Lewis College (PLC Detroit), the only design-focused HBCU, in partnership with the Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA) from September 26-29. Known as “The Industry’s Homecoming,” this event celebrates and supports the influence, leadership, and creativity of Black and Brown professionals in the global footwear industry.

Kicking off the forum will be the unveiling of the Apparel Design Creation Stu/deo, dedicated to fashion icon April Walker and furnished by MillerKnoll, a global leader in design and furniture manufacturing.

Walker is a renowned fashion icon, entrepreneur, creative director, educator, and author who has made an indelible impact on fashion and culture. Celebrated as the first woman to pioneer an urban fashion brand and kick-start a multi-billion dollar streetwear industry, she’s behind hip hop’s most iconic looks and the creator of Walker Wear, a lifestyle brand that reshaped the fashion industry.

“The National Black Footwear Forum has always been a platform for innovation and empowerment,” says Dr. D’Wayne Edwards, founder and president of PLC Detroit. “We are honored to pay tribute to April Walker. Opening her Apparel Design Creation Stu/deo is a testament to her commitment to nurture the next generation of talent.”

Recognized by Forbes, CFDA, top podcasts, and publications, she’s been the subject of award-winning documentaries, such as Netflix’s “Ladies First” and NBC’s “So Years Fly,” which showcases her profound influence on the realms of fashion and culture. She shattered distribution barriers, amassed millions in sales, and collaborated with legends like LL Cool J, Queen Latifah, Run-DMC, Wu-Tang, and more.

“As the first woman to pioneer a brand in urban fashion and streetwear, this dedicated space is a heartfelt full-circle moment,” states Walker. “It is an opportunity to fuse the past with the present and push the culture forward, offering inspiration for future creators. This moment is a testimony to the power of vision and the dandelion effect.”

Matt Priest, President and CEO of FDRA, remarks, “The Black Footwear Forum has grown into a nationwide movement, spotlighting the diverse contributions of Black creatives in the footwear industry. The vitality of the industry is closely tied to the involvement of the Black community, and BFF provides a vital platform for connection, learning, and celebration.”

The three-day event, hosted by Jenee Osterheldt, will feature dynamic programming that unites creative professionals, students, executives, and supporters to promote inclusivity and diversity in the industry. Attendees will connect with industry leaders, learn from experts, and explore the latest trends in design.

This year’s speakers include Misa Hylton, Tracy Reese, Sunni Dixon, Sheena Butler-Young, Ahriana Edwards, Aria Hughes, Bimma Williams, Brandon Miller, Dion Walcott, Brett Brown, Esther Wallace, Chanerica Evuen, Herbert Beauclere, Jarvis Sam, Jamie Wynn, Jazerai Allen-Lord, Jasmine Humphrey, Jon Guisbert, Kendall Reynolds, Kia Davidson, Lanny Smith, Les Green, Matt Tomamichel, Portia Blunt, Sharifa Murdock, Tiffany Hardin, and more.

Over 30 major industry brands support BFF. The 2024 sponsors include Bacardi, Bedrock, Brooks, Caleres, Coach, Community, Converse, Deckers Brands, Designer Brands, Detroit Pistons, Industry education, Jordan Brand, Lululemon, LVMH, MillerKnoll, New Balance, Nike, Off Broadway Shoe, On, PepsiCo, Rack Room Shoes, Reebok, RLB, Rock Events, Steve Madden, Target, Gilbert Family Foundation, The Athlete’s Foot, Under Armour, Visit Detroit, and Wolverine Worldwide.

Catch up with April on IG. For additional information on BFF, visit www.bffnationalforum.com or follow PLC Detroit on IG @plcdetroit for updates and event coverage.