Image via Erika Smith

By: Mira Donaldson, Staff Writer 

In the midst of an era marked by unprecedented mass consumption and a looming financial recession, there is an unspoken expectation that those with more should extend their resources to those with less. College students represent a demographic in the United States requiring specific support. The Believers House, a church in Atlanta, Georgia, hosted a clothing drive in collaboration with local beauty social media influencer Angwi Tacho. 

Tacho’s YouTube channel features “Get ready with me” videos, clothing hauls, and weekly vlogs.

“Angwi started vlogging in college,” Tacho’s sister, Akwi Tacho said. “She’s really giving back to where she started from.”

The event was spearheaded by 2017 Spelman alumna Josse Muldrew who noticed Tacho’s desire to declutter her wardrobe and contribute to the well-being of younger women.

“As soon as I saw that she was interested in partnering with a church or a school, it was a no-brainer,” Muldrew remarked. “She was just very open and ready to go.”

Muldrew first visited the Believers House during her senior year, immediately feeling a profound connection.

“I grew up going to church, so I was looking for a church home,” Muldrew shared. “A group of me and my friends decided to come here my senior year, and I literally felt so connected.”

Tacho’s reason for organizing the clothing drive offered valuable advice to influencers seeking positive impact.

“We wouldn’t have these platforms without the people that support us. We should always remember to give back and spread kindness,” Tacho emphasized. “This was my first clothing drive ever, and there’s not a word for it. This was a priceless moment in my life.”

For Tacho, this act of giving back represents a full-circle moment.

“This is emotional for me because I usually took clothes that people donated at church when they were babies,” Tacho’s mother, Glory Tacho said.

Beyond receiving stylish clothes and beauty products, students also had the opportunity to connect with fellow local students across campuses.

“There were a couple of freshmen that I had never spoken to before,” Sam Funez, a sophomore Spelman student said. “I can definitely say I made new friends in the process.”

“It’s encouraging to see what she is doing,” Aubresha Tarrance, a senior at Georgia State said. “I think Atlanta needs a lot more community.”

Copy Edited by: Auzzy Byrdsell, Editor-in-Chief