As I stood beside Treasurer Janet Blake Green of the Society of Mannequins, I felt the presence of legacy. We were surrounded by elegance—glasses of pink Moscato clinking, laughter in the air, and a room filled with confident, stylish women who carried both grace and grit.
The Society of Mannequins was founded in 1939 by Ms. Emma Beck and Mrs. June Robinson. For over 70 years, it has carved out space for Black women in fashion. In 2000, Mrs. Lee Brown took the reins, expanding the vision and preserving the legacy.
The goal was simple but bold: challenge the limits placed on women of color in the world of fashion. Their efforts were often unseen, their impact understated. After six years of quietly observing the scene, the founders noticed something glaring—Black women, despite spending significantly on clothing, were rarely seen on the city’s best-dressed lists, even during wartime. That realization sparked action.
But the Society didn’t stop at fashion. They launched a scholarship foundation, offering resources to support African-American students pursuing higher education. The Emma Beck Scholarship Fund and the Continuing Scholars Program are among the scholarships.
The luncheon opened in prayer, led by Rev. Gloria J. Randolph:
“Lord, we honor these incredible women who continue to rise despite challenges. We rise because we are powerful, determined women. Today, we celebrate these women, not for what they wear, but for how they wear it—through their actions and impact—and honor our scholarship recipients whose achievements inspire us all.”
The History Behind the Mannequins
In 1945, the group hosted its first Best Dressed poll for African-American women in Chicago—a historic move that gave visibility and respect to Black style and sophistication. From that came the Trophy Board of Fame, celebrating women who won three years in a row. Once you made the Board, you couldn’t compete again—you were already cemented as a fashion icon.
In 1968, they added a scholarship program, beginning with students at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. One of the first awardees? Teresa Fambro Hooks, who went on to become a celebrated journalist at the Chicago Defender.
Fast forward to 1987—at their 50th-anniversary celebration, the Society honored heavy hitters Sharon Gilliam, Oprah Winfrey, Mary Mitchell, Robin Robinson, and Jacqueline B. Vaughn, who were among the “Women of the Year.” It was a night to remember.
This year’s Woman of the Year? None other than Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle.
“SOM’s history stands as a testament to the vision, determination and groundbreaking efforts of women who, despite the odds, continue to rise,” said Secretary Lucille Banks-Jefferson.
Giving Honors to Members and Legacy
Fashion Show Coordinator Ella from Ellana’s Boutique, a fixture on 75th Street for nearly four decades, was there to direct the show and display her pieces—still on a mission to help Black women slay, stylishly and unapologetically.
Carolyn Griffin Palmer brought comedian Damon Williams to the stage, who had the room laughing before his mic even warmed up.
“I see you all looking sharp today!” he joked. “Y’all came for the full package, huh? I’m feeling the same way. Now, I don’t drink white Zinfandel—it’s too early for that anyway—it’ll turn me into a whole different monster. But hey, I’m here to have a good time with all of you.”
Williams then invited Greg H. Brown to the mic to honor his late mother, LeoTine Brown—a founding member of the organization back when it was still called the Association of Mannequins. She was a master milliner whose elegant hats graced the heads of dignitaries and socialites alike. A memorial in her honor will be held on April 10 in Atlanta.
In attendance were several elected officials and dignitaries: Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller, Alderman Michelle Harris (8th Ward), Mayor Sheila Chalmers-Currin of Matteson, Judge Kimberly Lewis, Commissioner Dr. Kisha McCaskill, School Board Member Tiffany Taylor, and Clerk Marva Campbell-Pruitt of Sauk Village, to name a few.
SOM President Cecellia Smith reminded us of a long-standing tradition: raffles and donations at the Mannequins Luncheon, going back to the 1940s.
It’s about more than just fashion. The money raised helps fund scholarships, which are needed now more than ever. With tuition costs soaring past $40,000 a year and uncertainty in federal support, these scholarships matter.
Meet the 2025 Scholarship Recipient
This year, the Society selected Hiroshio “Hiro” Hadden, a senior at Homewood-Flossmoor High School, as their 2025 scholarship recipient.
Hiro has already been accepted into multiple colleges and plans to major in architecture with a minor in engineering. A student-athlete, he played basketball, golf, and lacrosse. He also led projects in the robotics club and served meals at a local shelter.
“I’d like to thank God for blessing me with this opportunity,” he said. “I also want to thank my family for their unwavering support throughout everything that’s gotten me to this point.”
A Runway of Accomplishment
To close out the event, Fashion Show commentator Deborah Kimball Crosslin welcomed the first-, second-, and third-year scholarship recipients onto the runway: Dr. Jasmine Bankhead, La’Drissa Bonivel, Bonita Estelle, First Lady Brenda Singleton, Felicia Hardy, Commissioner McCaskill, Dr. LaCael Carrie Palmer Pratt, Tiffany Hightower, Tracey Payne, Justice Freddrenna Lyle, and this year’s Woman of the Year, Toni Preckwinkle.
Each one took their walk, delivered heartfelt words, and received their award—reminding everyone in the room what happens when Black women lead, lift, and leave legacies.
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