HARLEM, NY – On the final day of New York Fashion Week, A Little Piece of Light (ALPOL), an organization dedicated to ending the systemic trauma perpetuated by the criminal justice system, partnered with esteemed New York-based fashion designer, Edwing D’Angelo, and founder or The Edwing D’Angelo Foundation, for his Spring/Summer 2024 fashion.

Presented right on the streets in the heart of New York City’s Harlem neighborhood, the runway show featured several models who have been formerly incarcerated or are otherwise directly impacted by the carceral system. They each worked closely with D’Angelo to create pieces that represent themselves. The runway presentation celebrated the 50th anniversary of hip-hop and its enduring cultural impact, while also commemorating the significant contributions that incarcerated individuals have made to hip-hop’s culture, industry, and music.

With chic designs inspired by NYC streetwear, bold looks worn by inspiring models, and fiery words presented by decarceral organizers, the event brought a successful end to this year’s New York Fashion Week.

“Today’s show was an incredible display of the resilience of people impacted by the carceral system, even in the face of the immense trauma that system brings,” said Donna Hylton, President and CEO of A Little Piece of Light. “I want to thank everyone who walked in the show and our design partner, Edwing D’Angelo for making this event a success.”

“Some of the same politicians who claim to love hip-hop also push policies and systems that disproportionately incarcerate Black Americans. Today’s fashion show pointed out this hypocrisy by reminding us how hip-hop has its roots in decareation movements and has been shaped by the people impacted by our trauma-filled criminal legal system,” said AJ Johnson, Housing Manager at A Little Piece of Light.

“I am thrilled to be celebrating another partnership with A Little Piece of Light, coinciding with a significant Hip-Hop milestone,” said Designer Edwing D’Angelo. “It’s incredibly fitting to leverage this platform not only to showcase exceptional garments but also to shed light on the ongoing issue of mass incarceration. This system has disproportionately impacted the very individuals who contributed to its evolution, ultimately transforming it into a globally influential phenomenon.”