The Futurist, a series that highlights trailblazing HBCU students and alumni, returns to spotlight the incredible young leaders shaping a brighter future through the AT&T Rising Future Makers Showcase.
This annual showcase celebrates students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) who are making a meaningful impact in their communities. Selected students receive direct funding, a tech pack, and access to transformative opportunities including one-on-one mentorship.
‘The Futurist’ Episode Two: Oluade Swan & Dr. D’Wayne Edwards
In episode two of The Futurist, Oluade Swan from the AT&T Rising Future Makers class of 2023 met up with mentor and president of PLC Detroit, Dr. D’Wayne Edwards, at Hampton University to discuss advice for young designers and how to transform your dreams into reality.
With over three decades in the fashion industry, Dr. Edwards has designed footwear for the biggest brands, his styles worn by high-profile entertainers and athletes. Among his many accomplishments, Dr. Edwards reimagined Michigan’s first and only HBCU, Pensole Lewis College (or PLC Detroit), transforming the institution into the first-ever design-focused HBCU.
“I didn’t have goals, I had dreams,” said Dr. Edwards. “I didn’t let my environment prevent me from trying to do more than what I could see.” In fact, Dr. Edwards recognized early on the undeniable impact that the culture has on the fashion industry, and used that to his advantage. “In the business we’re in, that’s an advantage because everything that major corporations are trying to create and sell to, is us.”
His advice for aspiring young designers is to seek mentors and make that connection. “Find people who look like you, who do what you want to do. Start to reach out to them,” said Dr. Edwards.
The Impact of AT&T Rising Future Makers
Since Swan joined the AT&T Rising Future Makers class of 2023, he has been laser-focused on his design dreams. “It’s been an opportunity to show the people back home as well as students on campus who are looking for mentorship and advice, to showcase a lot of the things I’ve been able to do at my HBCU,” said Swan.
The Hampton graduate walked Dr. Edwards through his design process in collaborating with AT&T to design their HBCU homecoming themed merchandise for the Rising Future Makers activation. “For you to have that level of visual perception, man I told you, we’re born gifted,” Dr. Edwards affirmed.
AT&T Dream in Black Gives Back to Hampton University
AT&T Dream in Black donated $5,000 to the Hampton School of Communications to continue empowering the dreams of students like Swan. “Although Dr. D’Wayne and I are two totally different people, we both come from the same blueprint, the same type of background, the same advantage,” said Swan. “It gives me the light to understand where I can go. Today showed me that network and connections mean everything.”
Watch Episode One of ‘The Futurist’
Don’t miss episode one of The Futurist, an inspiring series shining a light on AT&T Rising Future Makers alumni and how the program has opened doors to life-changing opportunities to help elevate their dreams. Watch The Futurist at https://globalgrind.com/hbculove.
About AT&T Rising Future Makers
AT&T is proud to highlight these inspiring individuals through the annual Rising Future Makers Showcase. As a longtime supporter of HBCUs, AT&T equips future leaders for success by providing HBCU change-makers with funding, mentorship, and life-changing opportunities. Through the power of connectivity, AT&T is fueling their ambitions in a real way.
To learn more about how AT&T is recognizing and celebrating HBCUs through the AT&T Rising Future Makers Showcase, visit https://www.att.com/rfmshowcase.
Check out episode one of The Futurist featuring CultureCon CEO Imani Ellis and Black is Gold founder Amber Anderson here!
