Akuchukwu Oputa, Miss NAM CT for 2024-2025, was a part of a fashion show hosted recently celebrating Juneteenth by Gorgy by Candy and its owner Candyce Scott.
Oputa said, a New Britain resident, said,
As National American Miss Connecticut and a college student studying journalism, walking in this Juneteenth fashion show was more than a celebration of style — it was a celebration of history, freedom, and Black excellence. Standing with my community to express resilience and beauty through creativity and culture is a powerful reminder of the future we’re shaping and the importance of documenting moments like this.
Scott said she created designs for the fashion show based on the Pan African flag and the African flag – red, black green, yellow – also adding the Juneteenth flag colors – red, white and blue. Scott said wanted to add this flag because it represents the freedom of Black people in America.
“Creating the designs based on the flag colors,” Scott said, “is a fun way to celebrate the holiday, tell stories, and teach others about the importance of Juneteenth.”
