The ICON360 x PLC DETROIT HBCU Professor Summit heads to Detroit at Pensole Lewis College of Business & Design (PLC Detroit)—Michigan’s only HBCU and the nation’s only design-focused HBCU—marking its fourth year convening HBCU fashion educators and industry leaders.
The summit delivers a solutions-focused experience dedicated to advancing HBCU education and expanding pathways into the fashion and design industries, June 15–16, 2026. Only 15% of HBCUs in the United States offer design degree programs, underscoring the urgency of initiatives like this.
The two-day convening will feature insights from some of the industry’s most influential voices, including two-time Academy Award–winning and five-time Academy Award–nominated costume designer Ruth E. Carter, streetwear pioneer April Walker, and the “Godfather of Sneaker Design,” Wilson Smith III. Together, they will offer firsthand perspectives on creativity, innovation, and cultural impact, while helping educators better prepare students for an increasingly competitive and evolving industry.
Beyond inspiration, the summit is designed to deliver practical value. Attendees will engage in discussions around portfolio development, recruiter expectations, and curriculum alignment, while also gaining a deeper understanding of PLC Detroit’s model as a first-of-its-kind HBCU pipeline for design-focused education and professional development.
“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.”
The initiative is powered by ICON360, a nonprofit founded by Brandice Daniels during the COVID-19 pandemic to support designers of color during a time of unprecedented disruption. What began as the nonprofit arm of Harlem’s Fashion Row quickly expanded to include a focus on HBCU fashion programs, addressing longstanding gaps in access and industry connectivity.
“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
