From having their ethnicity questioned to facing outright violence, people with albinism of African descent struggle with many forms of discrimination. According a United Nations report, approximately 76 albinos in Tanzania have been murdered since 2000.

“Proudly Albino,” hopes to change perceptions of Albinos and increase awareness with a celebration and fashion show. The event, which was held in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, is the first of its kind.

“We want to reinforce the visibility of albinos in the upper spheres of society and create role models that allow parents of albino children to not feel ashamed,” said Yan Mambo, an event organizer tells the AFP.

The “Proudly Albino” event, which was held last fall, features models of all ages strutting down the runway. The organization also offers job training and mentorship, as many albinos struggle to find employment.

Malian music legend Salif Keita, a prominent African albino, has been using his fame to bring attention to “Proudly Albino.”

“It is completely unacceptable for humans to sacrifice other human beings, it comes from ignorance,” says Keita.