Virginia Union University alumna Pia Roberts is redefining HBCU storytelling by bringing her alma mater’s history to life through fashion, film, and technology.
Through Genius League Studios, Roberts is bringing VUU’s history and legacy to life through fashion, documentary filmmaking, and NFC technology. Ahead of the September 24 launch of the Virginia Union-inspired capsule, Roberts spoke about the inspiration behind the project, the history that surprised her during her research, and her vision for using fashion as a way to preserve stories, spark curiosity, and introduce a new generation to the impact of HBCUs.
You’re a Virginia Union alumna, so what was the moment when you realized you wanted to turn your personal connection to the university into an entire creative project?
Pia Roberts: The initial idea for a VUU-inspired capsule actually came when I saw the Ralph Lauren x SpelHouse collaboration. There are 106 HBCUs, but it seems as though only about 10 HBCUs are afforded big-deal opportunities. So I thought, if my alma mater wasn’t getting big apparel deals. I’d create a capsule with the same level or even better quality and with a personal connection, considering I went to the school…