WXXI News
It's prom season, and for high schoolers across the region, prom isn’t just a rite of passage anymore. It’s a stage.
We’re talking crystallized corsets, embroidered tuxedos, motorcades, professional photographers, and send-off parties that look more like weddings. In many Black communities, prom has become a dazzling display of creativity, self-expression, and joy. Think of it as a teen Met Gala—shaped by tradition and TikTok.
But there’s more to prom than just the glamor; it also raises deeper questions—about identity, performance, social media, and how a new generation is redefining what celebration looks like.
This hour, guest host Racquel Stephen dives into prom as fashion statement, cultural ritual, and social phenomenon.
Our guests:
- Tania Casini, local designer specializing in custom prom fashion
- Kasey Casini, fashion designer at Tania Casini
- Nathaniel Johnson, local designer specializing in custom prom fashion
- Jeffrey McCune, Jr., Ph.D., founding chair of the Department of Black Studies and the University of Rochester
