Students modeling for Vietnamese Fashion Brand. (Photo Konrad Vandborg/The Gettysburgian)
By Ella Prieto, Managing Editor
On Saturday, the Gettysburg African Student Association (GASA) and Fashion Initiative Club hosted their first Culture Shock Gala & Fashion Show in the CUB Ballroom. The event took place from 6-10:30 p.m and had a dress code of black formal attire.
Professor Lidia Anchisi posing with the backdrop at the Culture Shock Fashion Show & Gala. (Photo William Oehler/The Gettysburgian)
The theme of the event was Sankofa, a Ghanaian term meaning “go back and get it” or “learn from the past to change the future.” In English, it is similar to the words retrieve and reclaim.
The event began with a red carpet and music by DJ Nice. After people checked in, they could take photos with a backdrop and balloons. Additionally, there was a 360-degree camera machine that individuals could place their phone in and then take a video. Also available were drinks, including a sparkling apple cider with sliced strawberry.
Students utilizing the 360-degree camera machine. (Photo William Oehler/The Gettysburgian)
Following the red carpet, a free dinner was provided. It featured catering from Servo as well as African food from Platinum Amala Spot – Lexington Market, an African restaurant in Maryland.
Culture Shock goers getting dinner. (Photo William Oehler/The Gettysburgian)
Chaplain Bright began the main part of the show, introducing the host for the night: Ohema Obaa ’26.
Host Ohema Obaa ’26 (Photo Konrad Vandborg/The Gettysburgian).
“[Tonight] isn’t just about looking good, though you all look exceptional,” said Obaa. “It’s about celebrating diversity. It’s about celebrating the beats of Africa to the flavors of different cultures. Tonight is a celebration of what makes us all unique.”
Bomb Squad Performing in the audience.(Photo William Oehler/The Gettysburgian)
Following Obaa’s welcome speech, Bomb Squad performed, dancing their way through the audience and then to the stage. After their performance was the first two brands’ presentation: Adey Abeda Clothing Brand and Vietnamese Fashion Line. Several students modeled these clothes, including Zoe Koutsokastas ’25, Parker Cohen ’26, and Waverly Smith ’24.
A student modeling for Adey Abeda Clothing Brand. (Photo Konrad Vandborg/The Gettysburgian)
Interspersed throughout the event were awards from the Office of Multicultural Engagement. Winners included Obaa, Toni Esquivias ’25, and Alexis Jones ’24.
Award Presentations from the Office of Multicultural Engagement.(Photo William Oehler/The Gettysburgian)
After a brief intermission, models presented clothing from Wild Roots and 229, both stores in the Gettysburg community. Additionally, Vibe Afrobeats performed.
A student modeling. (Photo Konrad Vandborg/The Gettysburgian)
The final clothing brand modeled was UTK Clothing Brand, which was followed by a spoken word performance by Tawah Tamba ’26 and Jerry Kulah II ’26.
Students performing a spoken word. (Photo William Oehler/The Gettysburgian)
To close the evening, Obaa gave remarks along with Gabriel Gozo ’26.
