On November 22, Columbia’s Urban Music Association (CUMA) presented Urban Stitch Wear, a fashion show combining urban fashion with music. Held at HotHouse: the Center for International Performance and Exhibition, and sponsored by the AEMMDept, the show attracted 100 attendees. The focus of the show was on expanding the definition of “urban.” “Urban has been stigmatized [as just] a black thing,” explains CUMA President Jonathon Johnson. “We are trying to make it city-wide.” CUMA faculty advisor, Damon Smith, agrees. “Urban is not black; it’s not white; it’s not hip-hi; not gospel. It’s taking the best of everything and creating something new.”

     Twenty student worked since August to produce the fashion show. Urban fashion designers, such as Kansas City’s Sikes Styles and Chicago designers Afrodisiak Clothing LLC and Double Stitch Wear, were chosen for their cutting-edge designs. Music was provided by DJ Jermel Garland, a CUMA member. Davion and Nova, a hip-hop act from Columbia also performed. 

     Urban Stitch Wear helped CUMA raise funds to produce a music business conference. Designed to bring artists and music promoters together to talk about careers in the music industry, the conference is scheduled for two days in May, 2006. CUMA, a student organization specializing in urban music, fashion, and the diverse aspects of music business, is in its tenth year.