A celebration of ancestry, identity, and global connection — from Dumfries to West Africa

By Mayor Derrick R. Wood

February 22, 2026

Some events are just events.

And then there are moments that feel like they were meant to happen long before anyone walked in the room.

Crown & Culture: On the Runway — The Diaspora Fashion Show Brunch became one of those moments.

What started as a celebration of fashion and heritage turned into something deeper — a gathering where identity, ancestry, culture, and purpose all met in one place.

More Than a Fashion Show

From the moment guests arrived, the atmosphere told the story.

The room was filled with vibrant attire, proud families, and a sense that this was about more than style, it was about connection.

Designers showcased pieces that honored the African diaspora while showing how culture continues to evolve across generations.

And guiding us through the afternoon with energy, warmth, and purpose was our phenomenal MC, Queen Adez, who kept the program flowing seamlessly while helping each moment land with intention.

Culture You Could Taste

The celebration didn’t just live on the runway.

It lived at the tables.

A huge thank you to Chef Dee and Royalty Reign Catering, whose brunch didn’t just feed guests — it elevated the entire experience.

The presentation, the flavor, the care, and the professionalism reflected exactly what this event was about: excellence rooted in culture.

Food has always been one of the strongest carriers of heritage.

And Chef Dee delivered a spread that made guests feel both welcomed and celebrated.

Her contribution wasn’t just service, it was part of the story.

A Poem That Named Something Bigger

One of the most moving moments of the afternoon came when Lilly Rokosz delivered a powerful poem reflecting on the meaning of our names.

Her words reminded us that a name is never just something we’re called.

It carries history.

It carries identity.

It carries legacy.

In a room already full of pride and cultural expression, her poem helped ground the day in something deeper — a reminder that our roots shape our future.

The Moment No One Could Have Planned

Later in the program, we shared my African ancestry results, which revealed maternal lineage connected to the Balanta and Brame people of Guinea-Bissau.

That alone was meaningful.

But what happened next made the moment unforgettable.

Earlier in the event, my wife Monique had been talking with Lakia about food allergies — specifically tree-nut allergies.

As they compared notes, they joked that maybe they were from the same place.

Neither of them knew how real that comment might be.

When the ancestry reveal happened, Lakia opened her own ancestry app to check.

And right there, she realized her lineage pointed to the same place.

What began as a casual conversation over food turned into something powerful — a reminder that history connects us in ways we often don’t realize.

Moments like that can’t be planned.

They just happen.

Culture in Motion

Beyond the emotional moments, the day was filled with celebration.

Designers showcased their work with pride.

Drummers filled the room with rhythm that pulled people to their feet.

Families laughed, talked, and connected.

At one point, it stopped feeling like a program.

It just felt like community.

Gratitude for the People Behind the Moment

Events like this don’t happen because of one person.

They happen because of a village.

Special appreciation to:

• Queen Adez, for masterfully guiding the program as MC
• Chef Dee and Royalty Reign Catering, for delivering an exceptional brunch experience
• Lilly Rokosz, for her powerful poem on the meaning of our names
• Nana Rokosz, whose leadership, coordination, and attention to detail held the entire event together and made the space beautiful
• Kojo and his family, whose presence and support helped anchor the cultural spirit of the day

And to our sponsors and partners recognized in the program — thank you for investing in something that celebrates culture while supporting impact.

From Runway to Real-World Impact

Crown & Culture was not only about celebration.

It was also about purpose.

Proceeds from the event support the hydro-garden service project in Ghana, helping create sustainable food systems and opportunity for communities there.

That connection matters.

Because this event wasn’t just about where we come from.

It was about what we do with that connection.

What This Event Really Meant

Crown & Culture reminded us that culture isn’t something we only remember.

It’s something we live.

It shows up in what we wear.

In what we name our children.

In what we cook.

In what stories we tell.

In what communities we build.

And sometimes, it shows up in the realization that we may be more connected than we ever imagined.

That’s what made this day special.

And that’s why it won’t be the last.