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A parade of pint-sized Jackie Robinsons, Michelle Obamas, Martin Luther King Jr.’s and other Black historical figures walked down the runway at the “Everyday Freedom Heroes” costume contest at the African American Museum of Philadelphia on Sunday.
The event highlighted the historic and modern-day contributions Black Americans have made to America, average Americans and the world.
Ashley Jordan, president of the AAMP, said that the goal of the competition is to instill the values of being a hero in your day-to-day life.
“You should be an everyday freedom hero, whether in home, or in the classroom or at recess,” Jordan said. “It’s all about making good choices and heroes make good choices.”
Judges discuss Yorsalem Watson’s Shirley Chisholm costume, which would later go on to win best in show at the African American Museum of Philadelphia “Everyday Freedom Heroes” costume contest. (Ben Bennett/WHYY)
Following drum line and dance troupe performances, the kids walked down the catwalk in their costumes. At the end of deliberations, judges selected four winners from the contest: Shirley Chisholm, Jackie Robinson, Rosa Parks and Michelle Obama.
The importance of educating the next generation
Each walk down the runway was met with applause and cheers from parents and community members in the audience.
Zakiyyah Harrell said that it is important for younger children to know their own history and be comfortable with the past. Her son, Caleb, dressed as Martin Luther King Jr.
“[They] get to see other children dressed up as different heroes of theirs,” Harrell said. “They can start learning at an early age.”
Deuce McDowell as Huey P. Newton, co-founder of the Black Panther Party. (Ben Bennett/WHYY)
Johanne Dorsainvil’s daughter, Emmanuella, also took inspiration from the Civil Rights movement, donning a Harriet Tubman costume. In addition to the costume contest, Dorsainvil said that the museum also gives her the opportunity to expose her daughter to important historical figures and teach her about important members of the African American community.
Veronica Norris, secretary of NAACP Philadelphia, represented the organization at the event and portrayed Rosa Parks. She said that seeing all these young kids dressed up as historical figures has been “rewarding.”
“It’s good that parents are taking the time to bring them here,” Norris said. “That means they’re trying to build their foundation.”
Caleb Towlts portrayed Nelson Mandela for the African American Museum of Philadelphia “Everyday Freedom Heroes” costume contest. (Ben Bennett/WHYY)