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The city of Brooklyn came together for a two-day celebration honoring the life, legacy, and cultural influence of the late Bashar “Pop Smoke” Jackson with the annual Pop Smoke Day and Pop Smoke Fashion Gala, presented by the Shoot For The Stars Foundation.
The events served as both a heartfelt tribute and a celebration of a legacy that continues to shape music, fashion, and culture. Through the vision of his mother, Audrey “Mah Smoke” Jackson, the annual events have grown into a movement centered around community, creativity, opportunity, and empowering the next generation.
“Black Smoke has always been about more than clothing,” shared Jackson. “It’s about continuing Shar’s vision by creating opportunities for emerging creatives, celebrating our culture, and inspiring the next generation to dream bigger than they ever imagined.”
On July 20, which would have been his 27th birthday, Pop Smoke Day welcomed thousands of community members, families, youth organizations, local leaders, artists, and supporters to Canarsie Park for a free family festival of celebration rooted in service and neighborhood pride.
Through the Shoot For The Stars Foundation, the annual event featured a community parade, youth basketball championship, live entertainment, games, educational resources, health initiatives, giveaways, and programming designed to inspire Brooklyn’s youth while honoring one of its own.
SiriusXM host and media personality Swaggy Sie broadcast live from the event and helped bring the day’s energy and emotion to listeners nationwide while celebrating the artist she knew both personally and professionally.
Matvey Zabbi
On the following evening (July 21), the celebration continued as the Brooklyn Museum hosted the annual Pop Smoke Fashion Gala, an elegant black-tie fundraiser celebrating the late artist’s influence on fashion, music, and culture.
The Swaggy Sie, who reflected on his larger-than-life personality, unwavering belief in his hometown, and impact, hosted the event, which blended luxury fashion, live performances, philanthropy, and storytelling. DJ AK kept the energy high throughout the night as guests gathered to celebrate Pop Smoke’s lasting imprint on style and culture.
The evening’s most defining moment was the fashion showcase of Black Smoke’s “DISRUPTION” collection, led by Audrey Jackson alongside creative director Javier Valencia. The collection paid tribute to his fearless approach to fashion through elevated streetwear, bold silhouettes, vibrant color palettes, and signature design elements inspired by his unmistakable style. Several pieces incorporated “07.20” as a tribute to the artist’s birthday.
Matvey Zabbi
To reflect Black fashion’s diversity and innovation, the runway included standout collections and designs from legendary streetwear pioneer Karl Kani, Maria Mootoo, Noni Styles, Gangwani Collection, EMVE, Hellen Sarmiento, and Scohe. The gala also featured musical performances by Obasi Jackson, Pop Smoke’s brother, reggae artist Suckarie, and vocalist Carlton Terrance Taylor.
As the crowds dispersed after two unforgettable days, one message remained clear: Pop Smoke’s legacy isn’t simply being remembered—it continues to be lived.
