The fourth edition of the ICON360 x PLC DETROIT HBCU Professor Summit, which brings together HBCU fashion educators and business leaders, will take place in Detroit at Pensole Lewis College of Business & Design (PLC Detroit), the only HBCU in Michigan and the only HBCU in the country with a design concentration. The summit, which takes place from June 15–16, 2026, offers a solutions-focused experience aimed at improving HBCU education and creating more opportunities for entry into the fashion and design industries. The fact that only 15% of HBCUs in the US offer design degree programs highlights how urgent such initiatives are.
Streetwear pioneer April Walker, two-time Academy Award-winning and five-time Academy Award-nominated costume designer Ruth E. Carter, and Wilson Smith III, the “Godfather of Sneaker Design,” will all share their perspectives at the two-day event. Together, they will help educators better prepare students for an increasingly competitive and changing industry while providing firsthand perspectives on creativity, innovation, and cultural impact.
The summit is intended to provide useful value in addition to inspiration. In addition to learning more about PLC Detroit’s model as a first-of-its-kind HBCU pipeline for design-focused education and professional development, attendees will participate in conversations about portfolio development, recruiter expectations, and curriculum alignment.
“Bringing the HBCU Professor Summit to PLC Detroit is about aligning education with real industry opportunity,” said Dr. D’Wayne Edwards, President of Pensole Lewis College of Business & Design. “When we equip HBCU professors with the right tools and connections, we’re supporting institutions and shaping the future of the global design workforce.”
ICON360, a nonprofit started by Brandice Daniels during the COVID-19 pandemic to assist designers of color during a period of unparalleled disruption, is the driving force behind the initiative. In order to close long-standing gaps in access and industry connectivity, what started out as the nonprofit branch of Harlem’s Fashion Row swiftly grew to include a focus on HBCU fashion programs.
“Our commitment quickly expanded to include HBCU fashion programs, recognizing the urgent need for more inclusive growth within the industry,” Daniels adds.
Since its inception in 2020, ICON360 has granted more than $2 million to Black fashion designers and HBCUs, supporting both creative talent and institutional growth.
This year’s summit is backed by major global brands, including American Eagle Outfitters, Nordstrom, Nike, and Foot Locker—an indication of growing industry recognition that diversifying the talent pipeline requires direct investment in education.
Registration is now open for the two-day program at https://www.hfricon360.com/2026hbcuprofessorretreat
