In celebration of Black History Month, Modista will present special guest speaker Mary Donatelli Schmitt at 6 p.m. Thursday in the Rockwell Hall’s Murphy Auditorium.

Schmitt, a part-time faculty member, will speak about the fashion icons throughout history in separation from white culture.

“Tracy Reese is a contemporary African American designer known for combining unusual textures and colors, often with a touch of vintage,” Schmitt said.

Everyone is welcome to attend the discussion of how African American heritage impacted the fashion industry.

“The event promises to be exciting and insightful in its approach to documenting African American influence,” said J.R. Campbell, Kent State’s fashion school director.

The Tracy Reese exhibit, located in the fashion museum, will be open after the presentation.

­–Nicole Nisson