A Bridgeport fashion designer says Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. has influenced her life and the clothing she designs.

Ashley Hogan's clothes feature patriotic colors and are inspired by the themes of independence, equality and self-determination.

She also draws inspiration from the civil rights movement.

"These designs that I brought to the table are like me standing by Martin Luther King," says Hogan.

Hogan, a self-described amateur designer, says King's message is tailored to motivate anybody with a dream.

She wants to share that message and positivity with young people so they are able to achieve their dreams.

"Nothing can stop you. You have to work hard at everything you do. You have to be positive. You have to shine bright because people did not lay down their lives for us to fall short. They laid down their lives for us to fly high, to be perfect in the skin we're in, to love us as we are," she said.

Hogan has created a GoFundMe to promote her clothing and exhibit them in Washington D.C. during Black History Month 2025.