This summer, FIT hosted a luncheon that benefited its Social Justice Center (SJC) and also sparked reflections on the intersection of creativity, justice, and leadership. The event featured a captivating dialogue between FIT President Joyce F. Brown and Bakari Sellers, esteemed CNN political analyst, author, and former South Carolina congressman.
President Brown opened the event, held on June 25, by underscoring the transformative mission of FIT’s SJC, established in 2021 with the goal of reshaping the creative industries. The first cohort of social justice scholars will graduate in 2026. “We are beyond excited,” she said.
“Today I see that our young people really need guidance and role modeling behavior to help them understand the interrelatedness of social change, of social protest and social justice,” said Dr. Brown.
Sellers, known for his insightful commentary and personal advocacy for social change, emphasized the critical role of young people in driving societal shifts. Reflecting on his upbringing in Denmark, South Carolina, Sellers shared poignant anecdotes about his father, a civil rights activist (leader of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee) and educator. “My father taught a class on 2Pac,” he recalled fondly, highlighting the profound influence of cultural icons in shaping societal consciousness.
The conversation delved into contemporary issues, including the enduring impacts of historical injustices and recent reckonings with systemic racism. Sellers drew parallels between past struggles, such as the 1968 Orangeburg massacre at South Carolina State College (at which his father was wounded), and current movements, as he stressed the danger of social justice challenges becoming cyclical.
Addressing the audience’s inquiries with candor, Sellers expounded on the imperative of empathy in fostering inclusive societies. “The number one issue in this country is we have an empathy deficit,” he asserted, urging individuals to cultivate compassion in their interactions and advocacy efforts.“There is a lack of empathy but there’s also an apathy,” added Dr. Brown.”How much are we taking for granted as we look at the rollbacks? Is there a sense that we don’t really have to get involved?”
President Brown steered the conversation towards the evolving role of media and leadership in today’s society and noted the problem with a lack of civility online. “You have to love your neighbor even when they don’t love you,” Sellers said.
“Once you start retorting, you’ve lost,” said Dr. Brown. The speakers expressed caution about the lack of regulation and lack of truth on social media, emphasizing its enduring impact on public discourse and civic engagement.
Amidst reflections on the state of American democracy and societal healing, Sellers offered poignant advice on personal resilience and community empowerment. “Let them see your light,” he encouraged, emphasizing the transformative power of individual actions in uplifting communities.
The event drew a distinguished crowd, including FIT alumni Byron Lars, Sheila Gray, B Michael, and Ralph Rucci. Sunny Hostin, co-host of The View; Angela Simpson, SVP of NARS Cosmetics; model Lana Ogilvie; Gail Marquis, Olympic Hall of Famer and retired WNBA player; Beth Rudin Dewoody, philanthropist; Sayiddah McCree, MacArthur Foundation Impact Officer and visual artist; Freddie Leiba, stylist; and Keli Goff, journalist and author, were among the other attendees, underscoring the event’s significance in the realms of fashion, media, and social advocacy.
In his closing remarks, Sellers asked attendees to envision a future defined not by past grievances but by collective potential. “The most amazing thing about America is our healing process,” he remarked optimistically. “I challenge you to see what this country can be.”