CWC Year 1 Fellow Darian Attends the Black Solidarity Conference at Yale

At Creatives Want Change, we believe access should never be a barrier. When our Fellows identify opportunities that expand their leadership, deepen their cultural understanding, and strengthen their professional network, we step in to support them. This year, CWC sponsored Year 1 Fellow Darian Castillo’s trip to the Black Solidarity Conference at Yale University.

CWC Year 1 Fellow Darian

Darian is currently in her junior year at Parsons School of Design. To ensure she could attend, CWC covered the cost of the conference and provided additional support for travel and related expenses.

While the conference was not directly tied to the fashion industry, it focused on professional development, leadership, and networking within Black creative and professional communities. These are critical, transferable skills that support Darian’s growth as a fashion student and emerging creative leader.

Below, Darian reflects on her experience in her own words.

What drew you to the Black Solidarity Conference at Yale?

“I attend Parson School of Design which, unfortunately, is a PWI which can sometimes feel a bit isolating. I jumped at the opportunity to go to the BSC to foster a community and network with other Black people all over the country. Many of the other students have similar experiences that I do so it was wonderful being able to share my experience with people who were able to empathize with me and validate my experiences.”

Black Solidarity Conference Entrance

How did the theme “The Miseducation: Learning as a Tool for Social Justice” show up throughout the conference?

“Throughout the conference themes of learning and understanding Black history were emphasized. Many of the scholars, doctors and business professionals that spoke reminded us that it was imperative to analyze our history and use it to our advantage. Michele Ghee, a media industry titan emphasized being overly educated, especially in industries that overlook black people. Ghee mentioned she was able to create a launch BET Her because she noticed a statistic that Black women watch 40% more tv than their counterparts. Ghee was able to create a space for black women to be represented because she was constantly educating herself.”

Which speakers, panels, or sessions stood out to you most, and why?

“The panel that stood out to me the most was the conversation with Dr.Monica L. Miller, the author of Slaves to Fashion and curator of the MET exhibition Superfine: Tailoring Black Style. Miller spoke on the history of Black Aesthetics and how important dress and methods of beautification were vital to the black community. She mentioned how clothing was a way for enslaved black people to create a sense of identity for themselves after centuries of dehumanization. As a fashion student Black history is essential to my work and being able to hear Dr. Miller's talk about clothing from an academic perspective, pushed me to continue to tell the stories of black people through clothing and to dig deeper when it comes to research for my collections.”

Speakers during the conference.

What were your biggest takeaways from the conference?

“During the panel with Melissa Murray and Rashaun J. Miller touched on the importance of taking up space. Miller said "There's power in your presence, Just show up and take space.” This statement resonated with me because, oftentimes I am the black person in the room which creates a sense of imposter syndrome. Miller's advice pushed me to reflect and reminded me that I deserve to be in every room, table or institution I walk into.”

How do you hope this experience will influence your future creative, academic, or professional goals?

“This experience taught me the importance of solidarity and meaningful connections. I hope to continue to create professional relationships within my creative community and be able to support other black artists. Creatively I want to continue to unapologetically tell the stories of black people through fashion.”

CWC sponsored Darian’s trip because we understand that leadership development, cultural grounding, and community building directly shape the next generation of designers and creative professionals.

Once you become a CWC Fellow, you are part of a community that invests in your growth. Whether it is scholarships, internships, mentorship, or opportunities like this, we assist our Fellows in every way we can.

When you are a CWC Fellow, we have your back.