This 17-Year-Old Wore 'A Black Lives Matter' Dress to Prom

From Seventeen

For most teens, prom is the time to dress up in the sparkliest, most extra dress you can find and channel Kylie Jenner. But for 17-year-old Milan Bolden-Morris, the event is a chance to spread a message about something much bigger.

The Florida teen wore a black and white mermaid gown covered in the faces of people who were wrongfully killed, to honor the Black Lives Matter movement.

The dress includes the faces of Trayvon Martin, Sandra Bland, Michael Brown, and countless others who have died as a result of racism and police brutality. The moving ensemble was created by Miami-based designer, Terrence Torrence.

Milan says she chose to wear the dress to protest the violence that people of color face. "I have a younger brother and to see these issues that go on, its scary to think that maybe one day that could be him," she told Seventeen.com.

"It is also vital to not only to recognize these young black men and women who died under unnecessary circumstances but to highlight that all life is sacred. When anyone [dies] regardless of what color, it's sad and unfair and shouldn't be overlooked."

Rightfully, Milan has gone viral for her powerful statement and people across the internet are pouring in their support.

However, getting internet fame was not Milan's intention. "The sole purpose was to convey [this] message, it was never about me or how I look in it, just the message. These issues reoccur more often than not and should be handled."

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