Hampton University Students to Participate in Fashioning the Future: An Afrofuturistic Conversation with Alumnae Ruth E. Carter On March 31

Courtesy of Hampton University

Hampton University students will participate in an exciting and exclusive virtual event, ’Fashioning the Future: An Afrofuturistic Conversation with Ruth E. Carter’hosted by the Taubman Museum of Art on March 31, from 1pm-3pm.

Carter’s exclusive conversation will discuss the concept of Afrofuturism, the role that HBCU’s have played in her success, challenges she has overcome throughout her journey, and more. Included is a tour of the exhibition currently on view at the Taubman Museum of Art, Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design, which features the actual costumes worn in 11 of her movies, including “Coming 2 America,” and the iconic film “Black Panther.”

The Taubman Museum of Art, located in Roanoke, Va., is proud to present more than 60 costumes by Carter, as well as sketches and ephemera illustrating her in-depth historical research and design process for each project. In addition to Carter’s costumes for Oprah Winfrey, Denzel Washington, and Chadwick Boseman, the exhibition also features garments worn by luminaries such as Angela Bassett, Eddie Murphy, Lupita Nyong’o, Rosie Perez, and Forest Whitaker, demonstrating the varied work Carter brings to the screen. Onsite and virtual tours of the exhibition are still available. Contact lkraushaar@taubmanmuseum.org or call 540-204-4127 for more info.

Carter won the Oscar in the Best Costume Design category for her work in the 2018 film, “Marvel’s Black Panther,” at the 91st Academy Awards in February. Carter’s win made her the first African-American to win in the Costume Design category and it was the first-ever Oscar for Marvel Studios. Carter is the first African-American costume designer to be nominated for an Academy Award. Carter received nominations for Best Costume Design for Spike Lee’s “Malcolm X” in 1993 and Steven Spielberg’s “Amistad” in 1998. She is also the costuming force behind movies such as “School Daze,” “Love & Basketball,” “Lee Daniels’ The Butler,” “Selma,” “Dolemite Is My Name,” “Coming 2 America,” and the upcoming “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.”

In February 2021, Carter was the second Costume Designer to be honored with a Star, following Edith Head who was honored in 1960 when the Walk of Fame was created. Her star is located at 6800 Hollywood Boulevard. Carter is the first Black costume designer to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Majoring in Theatre Arts at Hampton, Carter has worked in the entertainment industry for over three decades. Her unparalleled ability to develop an authentic story through costume and character has made her one of the most sought-after and renowned costume designers today.

Carter also served as the keynote speaker at Hampton University’s 148th Commencement Ceremony in 2018.