Kwanza Jones: Using Fashion and Voice for Impact
By Team Kwanza Jones
Recently, our visionary leaders, Kwanza Jones and José attended the Academy Museum Gala, an event that was referred to by many as the "Met Gala of Los Angeles." However, for Kwanza, this gathering was more than just a showcase of fashion and celebrities. It was a powerful reminder of the impact that can be made when we use our voice, whether through art, personal expression, or advocacy for critical causes.
Honoring Rita Moreno: A Trailblazer and Legend
One of the night’s honorees was the legendary Rita Moreno, whose life and career exemplify the power of persistence and speaking out. At 93 years old, Moreno is the only Puerto Rican woman to rise to stardom during Hollywood’s Golden Age. Overcoming the harsh realities of colonialism, poverty, and racism, she became a trailblazer, earning entertainment’s highest accolades: an Oscar, Tony, two Emmys, and a Grammy. Her journey is a testament to what it means to stand strong in the face of adversity and to continue raising one’s voice, no matter the barriers.
Rita Moreno’s legacy serves as a reminder that using your voice can transcend any limitation. Whether you’re fighting for equity or advocating for justice, speaking out is often the first step toward creating lasting change.
Fashion as Expression: Making Intentional Choices
Raising your voice goes beyond speeches or performances. Kwanza herself used fashion as a form of expression at the gala, intentionally choosing an Alexander McQueen piece that carried a powerful message. The dress was part of a collection McQueen designed to bring attention to violence against women.
For Kwanza, this choice was about more than aesthetics; it was a statement. Fashion can be a voice for those who are often unheard, and this dress was her way of using that voice. Wearing that piece was a way of highlighting the ongoing struggle for women’s rights. It’s a reminder of the ways in which clothing can serve as a voice for the voiceless.
A “VOTE” Pin with a Purpose
To complement the powerful statement made by the Alexander McQueen dress, Kwanza also wore her “VOTE” pin. This wasn’t just an accessory, it was a reminder of the urgency of the moment. The rollback of women’s rights feels like violence against women. Women’s rights are under attack and voting is one of the most powerful ways to protect these rights.
Democracy itself is at stake, and this pin was Kwanza’s call to action. Every vote counts, and it’s essential that we use our voices to stand up for equity, justice, and the rights of women. By choosing to highlight these issues through both her dress and her “VOTE” pin, Kwanza reminded us that advocacy comes in many forms, whether it’s in what we wear, what we say, or how we vote.
The Power of Intention in Using Your Voice
For Kwanza, using one’s voice isn’t just about speaking louder; it’s about being intentional and thoughtful about how you show up in the world. As an artist, a leader, and a catalyst for action, she believes in making Queen Moves Only—powerful, deliberate decisions that align with her purpose. Whether it’s through music, words, or what she wears, Kwanza demonstrates that every move can inspire change. At the gala, she showed how fashion can be a form of advocacy, how a “VOTE” pin can represent more than just a political statement, and how every action can ripple outward, encouraging others to act.
Now Is the Time to Speak Out
The Academy Museum Gala was indeed a spectacular event, filled with beautiful moments, stunning fashion, and remarkable people. But for Kwanza, the most meaningful part was the reminder that everyone has a voice and a platform. Whether through art, activism, or everyday decisions, the way we choose to use our voice shapes the world around us.
As women’s reproductive rights face ongoing threats, and as the stakes in the upcoming election grow higher, now is the time to be intentional with how we use our voices. Every choice matters. Whether it's what we wear, how we vote, or the causes we champion, the voice we bring to the world can, and does, make a difference.
Now, more than ever, it’s crucial to RISE and speak out. Because silence doesn’t change the world, you do.
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