COUNTY COUNCIL OF ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY & PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY STATE’S ATTORNEY HONOR DMV AFRICAN CULTURAL FASHION HERITAGE WITH OFFICIAL CITATIONS
Anne Arundel County, Maryland – The County Council of Anne Arundel County and the Office of the State’s Attorney for Prince George’s County, under the leadership of Aisha N. Braveboy, proudly presented official Citations of Recognition to D.M.V. African Cultural Fashion Heritage (ACFH) in honor of its 4th Annual DMV African Cultural Fashion Heritage & Awards Night. This honor celebrates ACFH’s outstanding commitment to cultural diversity, heritage preservation, and creative empowerment across Maryland and beyond.
The citations recognize the leadership of Event Operations Director Temitope Kayode, along with the contributions of designers, models, artisans, vendors, and volunteers who made the 2025 ACFH Awards Night a remarkable success. This celebration of African excellence beautifully highlighted the vibrancy, elegance, and rich traditions of African fashion and culture—right in the heart of the DMV region.
“Every great designer starts with a dream. Every confident model begins with a chance. At the African Cultural Fashion Heritage Initiative, we’re building that chance—one runway at a time,” said Temitope Kayode, President of ACFH.
“We are truly honored to receive this recognition from Anne Arundel County and the Prince George’s County Office of the State’s Attorney, and we are grateful to be seen and supported by leaders who believe in cultural heritage, creativity, and community.”
This year’s edition of ACFH was a powerful example of how community-driven platforms can bridge gaps, build futures, and celebrate untold stories. Through fashion showcases, cultural storytelling, and artistic expression, ACFH continues to empower local and international creatives by offering a global stage to elevate their voices and talents.
The ACFH Team Extends Sincere Thanks To:
-
Anne Arundel County Councilmembers
-
Councilwoman Allison Pickard
-
Councilman Pete Smith
-
Office of the State’s Attorney Aisha N. Braveboy
-
Office of the Current Prince George’s County Executive
-
Office of Councilwoman Wala Blegay
-
All family, friends, sponsors, and indigenous organizations who supported the mission and vision of ACFH.
This recognition affirms that cultural fashion is more than art—it is a movement rooted in unity, education, and economic empowerment. For our INITIATIVE (ACFHI) please visit
Where Fashion Meets Identity, and Culture Becomes Global
The African Cultural Fashion Heritage Initiative (ACFHI) is a prestigious nonprofit foundation committed to celebrating the richness, beauty, and diversity of Black, African, and Caribbean cultures. Founded by visionary leader Temitope Kayode, the initiative empowers both local and international Black creatives through fashion, storytelling, and heritage preservation.
As a transformative cultural platform, ACFHI bridges the gap between Black and African fashion, heritage, and the global stage—uniting communities, amplifying voices, and inspiring the next generation of talent.
Our Mission
At the African Cultural Fashion Heritage Initiative, our mission is to:
-
Empower Local and International Black and African Designers
We provide creative professionals with meaningful opportunities to grow, connect, and thrive within the fashion industry—locally and globally. -
Promote African American and Diaspora-Owned Brands
Our platform brings African and Caribbean fashion into the spotlight, showcasing diverse designs and rich cultural identities in the U.S. market and beyond. -
Preserve & Share Heritage Through Fashion
We highlight the beauty of African, Caribbean, and Black American traditions through fashion shows, cultural exhibitions, and storytelling—educating Black children about their roots, history, and pride.
What We Support
AFRICAN CULTURAL FASHION HERITAGE INITIATIVE INC is proud to support:
-
African Cultural Fashion Heritage (ACFH)
-
Maryland Fashion Week & Fashion Week Maryland (MFWFWM)
-
Africa Fashion Week Maryland & Maryland Africa Fashion Week (AFWMMAFW)
These platforms give Black youth, women, and men artisans the opportunity to become global supermodels, showcase handmade products, and express cultural excellence through curated fashion events.
A Movement of Culture, Style & Empowerment
Our initiative is more than a fashion showcase—it’s a movement rooted in purpose and cultural pride. Through a variety of programs and events, we aim to contribute to the development of luxury and mainstream fashion by supporting:
-
Runway Shows
-
Marketplace Exhibitions
-
Business of Fashion Talks
-
Beauty Pageants
-
Cultural Attire Displays
-
African Wax Print & Textile Showcases
Our Vision
We envision a world where Black and African creatives are celebrated globally, where fashion is used as a tool for sustainability and social change, and where culture is honored, preserved, and uplifted in every stitch, runway, and spotlight.
Our platform exists to educate, empower, and connect inspirational brands and individuals—breaking barriers, building industry structure, and redefining heritage through the powerful lens of fashion.
We welcome donors, partners, and supporters to stand with us as we give voice, platform, and purpose to Black excellence through fashion.
Support the African Cultural Fashion Heritage Initiative, and help us:
-
Tell our stories through fashion expression
-
Elevate Black culture on a global stage
-
Redefine tradition through beauty, identity, and legacy
Together, we are shaping the future of fashion through heritage, creativity, and unity.