When Style Meets Service: How HBCU Grads Ensure ‘Seersuckers & Sundresses’ Remains The Premiere ‘Commitment To Excellence’ Enriching Experience 

Each summer, Atlanta’s social scene lights up with the vibrant colors and elegant flair of Seersuckers & Sundresses; an event that transcends the classic day party. Beneath the dapper suits and flowing sundresses lies a powerful story of community uplifting, mentorship, and Black excellence, deeply anchored in the values of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

At the core of this year’s Sundresses & Seersuckers movement are three proud HBCU graduates and members of the Delta Mu Mu chapter of Omega Psi Phi, Fraternity, Inc., who bring their brotherhood’s principles to life each year through a celebration that benefits the Commitment To Excellence (CTE) Foundation:

• Patrick C. Daniel, Chairman of CTE and Clark Atlanta University alumnus
• Larry Rasberry, Co-Chair of Seersuckers & Sundresses and Virginia State University alumnus
• Wendell Span, Co-Chair of Seersuckers & Sundresses and Florida A&M University alumnus

Together, they’re infuse the event with the ideals they embraced during their college years; scholarship, leadership, perseverance, and service.

“Our fraternity and HBCU experience taught us the importance of community service and investing in the next generation,” says Patrick C. Daniel, whose own journey embodies the resilience celebrated at many HBCUs, to OffTheYard. “Growing up in a single-parent home without a father figure, I understand firsthand how critical mentorship and opportunity are. Seersuckers & Sundresses is not just a party, it’s a platform to fund programs like our Black Rhinos mentoring initiative, which supports young Black men facing similar challenges.”

Beyond the celebration, the CTE Foundation is actively working to change lives through its Partners in the Promise campaign. “We have a capital campaign called Partners in the Promise, asking men of Omega Psi Phi, chapters, and the community to partner with us to create a better, brighter future for underserved and deserving youth,” he explains. “Anyone can donate directly at www.cteinc.org, those funds support our Black Rhinos mentoring program and scholarships. We have donors with no affiliation who simply see the impact and want to help.”

This commitment to service and impact mirrors the journey of Seersuckers & Sundresses itself, which has grown from humble beginnings into a cornerstone of Atlanta’s cultural calendar.

The roots of Seersuckers & Sundresses stretch back to a smaller-scale event held at Heritage Sandy Springs.

 “It wasn’t about celebrity DJs or headliners; we’ve always focused on the patrons, creating an immersive experience that’s a vibe, a culture, and a celebration of our community,” shares Rasberry.

As the event swelled in popularity, it grew into a dynamic, multi-day experience with signature elements like The Chill Zone, The House of Jazz, and a Cigar Lounge, all designed to honor the richness of Black Southern culture. “Thursday is the Meet & Greet, Friday the Prequel, Saturday the main event, and the afterparty, Sunday is brunch” said Span to OffTheYard. “Moving to Centennial Olympic Park in 2019 was a game-changer, giving us the freedom to innovate and grow without limits,” Span reflects.

Innovation didn’t stop with entertainment. With the launch of the Black Beverage Experience, Seersuckers & Sundresses also began spotlighting Black-owned spirit brands and brewers. “It’s not just about partying,” says Span. “It’s about celebrating and elevating Black entrepreneurship.”

Last year’s event welcomed over 10,000 attendees from various states and countries across four venues and sold out well in advance — a testament to the trust and connection the event has built with the community. 

“When our guests check into the hotel, especially the ladies, we’ve got brothers there to greet them with water and roses,” said Rasberry to OffTheYard. “We believe in creating that magic from the very first touchpoint. It’s never been about hype or exclusivity; it’s about community.”

Raspberry also underscores the intentionality behind the event’s design. 

“We designed Seersuckers & Sundresses to be unlike any traditional fundraiser; think Kentucky Derby vibes but with a deeper purpose,” he explains. “Our trademarked event brings people together for an elegant experience while directly supporting scholarships, health initiatives, and mentoring programs through the Commitment To Excellence Foundation.”

For Span, the work doesn’t end when the music stops. 

“After every event, we listen closely to feedback — from music and food to flow and atmosphere — because this event is truly for the community,” he says to OffTheYard. “We work nearly year-round, 11 months out of the year, to ensure it’s not only flawless but impactful. We want every guest to know their attendance supports real change in Black communities.”

What began as a modest day party has evolved into a cornerstone of Atlanta’s summer calendar — a vibrant space where Black joy, cultural pride, and purposeful impact converge. At its heart, Seersuckers & Sundresses channels the spirit of HBCU excellence, turning celebration into meaningful action.

“Our HBCU journeys instilled in us a dedication to excellence that goes beyond personal success,” reflects Daniel to OffTheYard. “Seersuckers & Sundresses and the Commitment To Excellence Foundation embody those values — transforming a celebration into a movement.”

“My legacy shall be that he gave everything he could and poured out every gift and every resource he had to try to improve the lives of people. No matter where I am, it’s my purpose. It’s my calling to fulfill.”

As the music plays and sundresses swirl, guests do more than just attend — they step into a living legacy rooted in HBCU heritage, fortified by fraternity, and driven by a shared vision for a stronger, more empowered Black future.