SAN BERNARDINO, CA — A dazzling blend of vintage fashion, live entertainment, and powerful advocacy is coming to San Bernardino as two local leaders’ team up to raise awareness about mental health in an often-overlooked demographic—women over the age of 50.
Linda Hart, founder of the African American Health Coalition, and LuCretia Dowdy, founder of LUE Productions Community Umbrella Services, proudly present “Stepping Back into the Fifties: A Fashion Show and Luncheon.” Taking place on Saturday, June 28 at The Premier Event Hall in San Bernardino, this innovative event will celebrate the beauty, resilience, and inner strength of mature women while tackling critical issues surrounding mental health.
Designed to uplift and empower, the fashion show will feature African American women over 50 modeling vintage 1950s attire as a symbol of timeless confidence. Beyond the runway, the event aims to provide a safe space for conversations about the emotional and mental wellness challenges faced by older women—many of whom are caregivers, grandmothers, and longtime community pillars who often struggle in silence.
The luncheon will also serve as a fundraiser for two key nonprofit organizations: LUE Productions Community Umbrella Services and the African American Mental Health Coalition. Both groups are committed to advancing community well-being and mental health advocacy throughout San Bernardino County and beyond.
Adding to the day’s excitement will be a full lineup of live performances. Television icon Kiki Shepard, best known as the longtime host of It’s Showtime at the Apollo, will make a special guest appearance. Attendees will also enjoy entertainment from old-school R&B group The Bromatics, Lue Dowdy and The LueBella’s, soloist Maurice Howard, and comedian Kevin Davis, also known as “The Marine of Comedy.” DJ After 5 will provide the soundtrack for the afternoon.
Guests will be treated to catering by Sophisticated Hot Dogs and can explore an Art Walk, shop local vendor booths, and participate in community opportunity drawings.
Organizers are currently inviting additional sponsors, vendors, and models aged 50 and over to participate in the event. With tickets priced at $65, community members are encouraged to purchase early via TicketLeap or by calling 909-567-1000 to reserve physical tickets without online fees.
For questions or participation inquiries, contact event coordinator Lue Dowdy at Lue.info@yahoo.com.
The event will take place on Saturday, June 28, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with doors opening at 10:30 a.m. It will be held at The Premier Event Hall, located at 320 North E Street in San Bernardino. The event is made possible through the generous support of sponsors, including the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce, Youth Build Inland Empire, The Enterprise Building, Mac Rome Farms, and LUE Productions. For more information about the event or the organizations behind it, visit lpcommunityumbrellaservices.com and theaamhc.org.
