KANSAS CITY, Mo. — It's a three-day birthday celebration in the 18th and Vine District.
On Tuesday, the legendary Buck O'Neil would have turned 107 years old. In celebration, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is hosting a party — one that will be thrown in style.
"I'm excited because we're bringing high fashion back to 18th and Vine," said Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.
Both on and off the field, O'Neil was always suited up. That's why the museum is kicking off the weekend celebration with Rock the Vine, a fashion show, on Friday.
"Five amazingly talented designers coming together to celebrate the style of Buck O'Neil, who was as dapper as anyone you'd ever want to meet," Kendrick said.
Angela Brown-Kendall is one of the five designers, but she's also the creator of the show. She's working with 10 models who will be wearing her designs on Friday.
"Ten of my models in my designs, in everything that I've designed and I've made," Brown-Kendall said.
The stage is set for not only a fashion show, but also a concert on Saturday and gospel salute on Sunday.
"We call it fashion, funk and faith," Kendrick said.
O'Neil, who died in 2006, accomplished great things throughout his career, including becoming the first African American coach in the Major Leagues. He was also one of the founders of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, which is why the museum continues to honor him.
"We want people to understand just how important Buck O'Neil was, not only to Kansas City but to this nation," Kendrick said.
Tickets are available online and at the museum. The proceeds will benefit the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.
