Andre Talley
trailblazer
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Helen Edmonds​​
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DCABP Inc. “Trailblazer” Honoring Our Legacy
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Tribute to Andre Talley
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Andre Leon Talley was a renowned fashion editor, fashion journalist, stylist, creative director, author, and editor-at-large of Vogue magazine. Born in Washington, DC, he was raised in Durham, NC and attended North Carolina Central University where he studied French Literature. He continued his education at Brown University obtaining a master’s degree in French Literature. Inspired at an early age by his grandmother when it came to fashion, Talley applied black style to his fashion ideas. As an avid Christian, Talley’s grandmother represented her style in church, along with many other black women who wore their Sunday’s best in the lord's name.
Talley rose to notoriety as one of the only prominent black editors in the Jim Crow South. Despite racial barriers, He remained inspired and faithful to his blackness. His artistic career was affiliated with many infamous artists and designers, such as Andy Warhol and Karl Lagerfeld. Talley was infatuated with the French world due to his infatuation with Julia Child, and his influences were also molded by the many fashion magazines he consumed. Despite his impeccable taste and talent, Talley still experienced discrimination and disrespect in the fashion world amongst his peers and the white heteronormative populace for his sexuality and race. Talley championed diversity by breaking through the constraints of homophobia and discrimination in a traditionally white fashion world through his keen eye.
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Talley became Vogue magazine's fashion news director in 1983, and its first African American male creative director in 1988 before becoming editor-at-large from 1998 to 2013. He then worked at other prominent publications both domestically (New York Times, Ebony Magazine) and abroad. Often regarded as a fashion icon, especially for his trademark look wearing capes, kaftans, and robes, Talley was known for supporting emerging designers and advocating for diversity in the fashion industry. He served on the judging panel for the popular television series America's Next Top Model, featured in documentaries, and authored three books, including one of which landed on The New York Times Best Seller list.
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Among the many accolades received, Tally once served as a stylist for United States President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama during their time in the White House; as well as styling First Lay Melania Trump for her 2005 wedding. In 2020, France awarded him the country’s highest honor for arts and letters, and the following year Talley received the North Carolina Award for his role in literature.
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Andre Talley will forever be renowned as one of the most impactful fashion icons through his achievements, prominent personality and stature, fastidious appearance, and unique taste. He’ll also remain a distinguished figure in the fashion world for being instrumental in the rise and success of prominent fashion icons, and for routinely promoting designers of color. His legacy is cemented for opening doors for those interested in the fashion world.
DCABP Inc.
“GAME CHANGerS”
Recognizing Our Future
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Pierce Freelon is an award-winning musician, educator, and public servant. He was born and raised in Durham, NC, and represents a new generation of Black changemakers who blend art, activism and education to empower and uplift their communities. As the founder of Blackspace, a digital makerspace for youth, and a former Durham City Council Member, Freelon has devoted his life to creating spaces where African American voices are heard, affirmed, and celebrated.
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​Freelon’s contributions span across music, education, and policy. His Grammy-nominated albums for children, such as “D.a.D” and “Black to the Future” provide affirming, culturally relevant soundtracks for Black families. Through his work on the Emmy Award–winning PBS series Beat Making Lab and his founding of Blackspace, Freelon has helped democratize access to technology and creative expression for Black youth in Durham and around the world. His programs teach beat-making, spoken word, coding, and storytelling, all rooted in Afrofuturism and cultural pride.
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As a powerful voice in politics and public life, Freelon brought his creative ethos to Durham’s City Council where he championed participatory budgeting, youth-centered policies, and equitable investment in historically underserved communities. He is a bold advocate for systemic change, community-based leadership, and culturally competent public policy. His civic work continues the legacy of Durham’s progressive Black leadership, grounded in the belief that policy should reflect the lived experiences of the people it serves.
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Beyond his official roles, Freelon is a bridge between generations. As the son of Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist Nnenna Freelon and renowned architect Philip Freelon, Pierce carries a legacy of excellence in the arts and design. His work as an author, publishing “Daddy-Daughter Day”, along with his national public speaking reflect his commitment to nurturing healthy Black families, promoting mental wellness, and telling stories that reflect the fullness of the Black experience.
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Freelon’s presence in Durham is more than symbolic, it is transformative. His work has empowered a generation of young Black creatives to find their voice, tell their stories, and shape their futures with confidence and pride. Freelon reminds us that liberation can be joyful, that justice can be poetic, and that art can be a tool of transformation.
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Pierce Freelon stands as a symbol of innovation, creativity, and community power. The city of Durham and the future of Black creative leadership in America have been immeasurably shaped by his voice and vision. His work continues to inspire youth and elderly alike, making him a true GAME CHANGer whose legacy of radical imagination and collective care will echo through Durham and beyond for generations to come.
Joee Starke is a 21-year-old North Carolina Central University senior. Starke is a native of Greensboro, NC who relocated to Durham, NC in pursuit of attaining his bachelor’s degree. Starke is a mass communication major who wants to become a director one day. He is currently the president of the 1910 Film Alliance, and he is a local DJ.
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Starke wants to create a change by working with youth, families and communities in an attempt to help them seek out their creative nature through things such as community service , workshops and more. The motivation that drives Starke is seeing others create in a safe space as well as individuals who have supported his efforts. Now in a position to help, Starke states that he will not disappoint and will help guide others as much as he can to achieve their own version of success.
Carol Mabiala is 24 years old and was born and raised in Raleigh North Carolina. Mabiala's family roots stem from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Carol's big dream in life is to help others become great which is why she has been working at NCCU with TRIO, a federal program that helps high school students on their journey to receive the correct tools and resources needed to become great leaders and even if interested begin their journey as college students.
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As an undergraduate student at Meredith College Carol where she received her bachelors, Carol studied child development doubled minored in both family and consumer science and art studio. Carol has a Masters in science in family and consumer science with a concentration in Human Development and studies and credits all of her achievements and work to her inspiration to her lord and savior Jesus Christ as well as her mentor who has been with her since the early age of 12 years old. Carol has stated that she will continue to fight for children through navigating and creating better opportunities for all the teenagers she works with and all of the staff members around her.
Our Legacy Prepared Us
