Rewind to September 2017: A Night That Changed Everything

Step into our time machine and journey back to a pivotal evening that would forever alter the landscape of Birmingham's creative community.

The Scene: BJCC East Ballroom, September 2017

Picture this: The year was 2017. The air was electric with anticipation as Birmingham's creative elite gathered in the grand BJCC East Ballroom. Little did we know, we were witnessing the birth of something extraordinary – the very first Poze Bazaar Fashion Show that would become the blueprint for everything we are today.

If you could travel back to that September evening, you'd find yourself surrounded by the buzz of excitement, the rustle of designer fabrics, and the collective energy of a community ready to celebrate its creative powerhouses.

Flashback: Honoring Our Multi-Grammy Nominated Visionary Icon

Cue the spotlight, dim the house lights...

There she was, Dawn Richard, our inaugural Visionary Icon, an award-winning and multi-Grammy nominated artist whose innovative approach to music and art had already left an indelible mark on the industry. Known for her groundbreaking work as a member of Danity Kane and Dirty Money, Dawn embodied everything we dreamed the Poze Bazaar Foundation could represent.

Her recognition for pushing creative boundaries and redefining artistic expression made her the perfect choice to launch our tradition of honoring visionary leaders. In that moment, as applause filled the ballroom, we were witnessing more than just recognition; we were seeing the future of what celebrating creative excellence could look like.

Dawn's presence that night wasn't just about celebrating her multi-Grammy nominations or her innovative contributions to music, it was about planting seeds for every young artist who would one day walk through our doors, every scholarship recipient who would follow, and every community partnership that would bloom from that foundational evening.

Rewinding the Runway

Transport yourself back to the runway...

With a multi-Grammy nominated visionary in the house, the energy was palpable. The models strutted with purpose, each step echoing the heartbeat of Birmingham's emerging fashion scene, inspired by Dawn's own fearless approach to artistic innovation. Local designers showcased their visions while unknowingly contributing to what would become our signature blend of glamour and community impact.

If you were there, you'd remember the way the lights caught each garment, the way the audience leaned forward in anticipation, and the way everyone in that room felt they were part of something bigger than themselves – much like Dawn's transformative impact on the music industry through her work with Danity Kane and Dirty Money.

To view a recap of the show, click here.

Fast-Forward from the Past

Now, let's connect the dots from then to now...

That September 2017 evening was our origin story – the moment when vision became reality. Dawn Richard's innovative approach to music and art set the standard for the caliber of visionary leaders we would continue to honor. Looking back through our time machine lens, we can see how that single night, anchored by such an accomplished artist, laid the groundwork for:

• Our current Honors Award Show that continues to celebrate celebrities and community heroes of Dawn's caliber

• The comprehensive performing arts programs that have empowered hundreds of students to pursue their own innovative artistic paths

• The $10,000+ in scholarships that trace their roots back to that inaugural event

• Our partnerships with organizations like The Dance Foundation and Build Up Community School, Belk, Chick-Fil-A, Hyatt Regency, and the Birmingham Stallions

The Ripple Effect Through Time

What started in 2017 continues to echo through the years...

Dawn Richard's recognition as our multi-Grammy nominated Visionary Icon created a ripple effect that's still expanding today. Her legacy of innovation through Danity Kane, Dirty Money, and her solo career continues to inspire every young person who discovers their creative powerhouse potential, every scholarship awarded, every partnership formed – they all connect back to that transformative September evening.

If we could send a message back to our 2017 selves, we'd say: "You have no idea how far this moment will reach, how many lives will be touched, and how this single evening – anchored by such an accomplished, award-winning artist – will become the foundation of something truly extraordinary."

Time Capsule Memories

Preserving the magic of that inaugural night...

As we look back through the lens of time, the 2017 Poze Bazaar Fashion Show stands as more than just our first event, it's our time capsule of dreams realized, our proof that visionary thinking combined with community support can create lasting change. Having a multi-Grammy nominated artist like Dawn Richard as our inaugural honoree set the bar high for excellence and innovation.

The BJCC East Ballroom may have returned to hosting other events, but for those who were there, it will always be the place where the Poze Bazaar Foundation announced itself to Birmingham as a force for creative transformation, blessed by the presence of a true industry visionary.

From that unforgettable September 2017 night to right now, the Poze Bazaar Foundation keeps doing what we do best; celebrating the visionaries who inspire us while building up the next generation of creative changemakers.

We're always moving forward, always evolving, but we'll never forget where it started: that magical evening with Dawn Richard, whose presence lit the spark for everything we've become.

Want to be part of what's next? We're building this story together, and there's room for you in it.

Visit www.pozebazaar.org or reach out at info@pozebazaar.org, and let's create something extraordinary.

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