Women for the Culture Unite at Sixth Annual Black Footwear Forum

Iconic April Walker and Roxanne Shante share gems and encourage attendees

April Walker & Roxanne Shante - Photo: Keith McCoy

What happens when a trailblazer in streetwear fashion, and an iconic figure in hip-hop come together at the Black Footwear Forum? A powerful conversation about trailblazing, adaptability, and creating your own path—all in the spirit of "OWNING OUR POWER & DEFINING THE FUTURE."

The sixth annual National Black Footwear Forum (BFF) returned to PLC Detroit, the only design-focused HBCU in the country, in partnership with the Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA), creating a vibrant space for over 1,000 attendees to explore themes of empowerment and innovation. The forum celebrated the creativity and leadership of Black and Brown professionals in the global design industry. One empowering moment featured a dynamic conversation between April Walker and [Roxanne Shante] titled "Sisters in Sole: Queens Building Bridges with Kings."

Photo: Keith McCoy

Walker and Shante exemplify the heights of success in their fields. Walker is a pioneer in streetwear, while Shante is a celebrated figure in hip-hop and the first woman to release a hit rap single. As the founder of Walker Wear, Walker made history as the first woman of color to launch a streetwear brand in New York City. On February 1, 2025, Shante received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, becoming the first solo female rapper to earn this honor. Their discussion on resilience and community profoundly impacted the audience, inspiring them to embrace their unique journeys.

In their discussion, the duo highlighted the significance of community involvement and the importance of giving back. They spoke about their journeys in their male-dominated industries and shared insights with the next generation of designers and creative professionals. Shante noted that her success is not just her own but is also a collective victory for all women in hip-hop. She urged attendees to use their platforms to elevate others, stating, “When one of us rises, we all rise.” Walker echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that mentorship is crucial for fostering the next generation of female leaders in creative fields.

As Walker eloquently put it, “This was a powerful conversation on trailblazing, adaptability, and creating your own path, with a lens on women taking up space in male-dominated industries—and was filled with gems for everyone at the Black Footwear Forum.” The impact of their words resonated with attendees, empowering them to pursue their dreams and uphold the legacy of Black creatives.

The Black Footwear Forum, known as “The Industry’s Homecoming,” has consistently aimed to uplift its participants, and the previous year saw the dedication of a special area for students at PLC Detroit—the "April Walker Apparel Design Stu/deo"—to honor April Walker's contributions to the industry. This year’s discussions further reinforced the forum's mission to inspire and support future generations of creatives, ensuring that the legacy of Black excellence continues to thrive.

For more information about BFF, please visit www.blackfootwearforum.com