On March 1, 2025, we didn’t just host a fashion show—we made a statement. Crown & Culture: A Fashion Tribute to the African Diaspora was a night where history, identity, and creativity took center stage.

In a time when some are attempting to diminish the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), we chose to celebrate our diversity, embrace our inclusion, and demand equity. Delegate Candi King and I have always stood firmly on these values, and Crown & Culture was a perfect example of why this work matters.

A Night of Fashion, Music, and Black Excellence

From the moment you stepped into the Clyde N. Washington Jr. Community & Recreation Center, you could feel the energy. Guests arrived in stunning Afrocentric attire—vibrant prints, regal headwraps, and bold statement pieces that honored the legacy of our ancestors. The event was a full sensory experience, featuring:

• A breathtaking runway showcase featuring both traditional and modern African-inspired fashion.
• Live performances by The Heritage Village Project, Poet Sensie Bonjo and the High Society Band that filled the space with the sounds of our history.
• A Black-owned marketplace with designers, artisans, and entrepreneurs selling authentic African-inspired apparel and accessories.
• Powerful words from Delegate Candi King and myself about why celebrating and protecting our culture is more important than ever.

But what truly made the night special were the unforgettable moments that left the crowd in awe.

The Moment No One Expected

When people arrived at Crown & Culture, they expected to see a celebration of African heritage—but they probably didn’t expect to see their mayor walking the runway as if he had just stepped off a plane from Accra, Ghana.

Dressed in traditional African attire, I confidently took to the stage, embodying the strength and pride of the diaspora. The audience's reaction was electric—laughter, applause, and a few stunned faces.

But the most powerful moment came afterward when several Ghanaian men in the audience approached me and said, “You look more Ghanaian than most Ghanaians!”

That moment reinforced something I have always believed:

🌍 Culture is not about where you were born.
🌍 Culture is about connection.
🌍 And no matter where we come from, we belong to this legacy.

Delegate Candi King captured this beautifully when she told the crowd:

"I wasn’t born in Africa, but Africa was born in me."

That is the essence of Crown & Culture. We don’t need permission to embrace our identity. We don’t need approval to celebrate our traditions. We carry our culture with us wherever we go.

Why Crown & Culture Matters Now More Than Ever

We live in a time when DEI efforts are being challenged, when some want to erase the very policies that ensure fairness and representation for our communities. But we refuse to be silent.

📌 We celebrate our diversity—we do not stay defeated.
📌 We embrace inclusion—we reject exclusion.
📌 We demand equity—we will never settle for less.

That is why Delegate Candi King has been such a strong voice in the General Assembly, fighting for the policies that matter most to our communities—from education and economic opportunity to protecting Black culture through initiatives like the CROWN Act, which ensures that no one is discriminated against for wearing their natural hair.

If we want to continue moving forward, we must ensure leaders like Delegate King remain in office.

The Team Behind the Vision

No event of this scale happens without dedicated visionaries working behind the scenes.

✨ Capriece Piper was the mastermind behind the show. She designed the run of show, curated the entire experience, and ensured that every moment of the night felt intentional and powerful. As emcee, she brought energy, authenticity, and leadership to the stage, keeping the audience engaged from start to finish.

✨ Nana Rokosz worked closely with Capriece to bring the show to life. She ensured the models were on point, the decor reflected the elegance of our culture, and the entire evening ran seamlessly.

✨ Chef Dee of Royal Reign Catering provided an unforgettable culinary experience that paid tribute to the flavors of the diaspora.

✨ The designers, vendors, and performers who showcased their artistry ensured that everyone left inspired, empowered, and more connected to the African diaspora.

To each of them—thank you. This night would not have been possible without your dedication and talent.

How You Can Take Action

Crown & Culture was a moment—but our movement continues. If we want to ensure that our culture remains protected, represented, and celebrated, we must take action.

🖤 Support Leaders Who Fight for Our Community:
💙 Make a contribution today to re-elect Delegate Candi King and ensure she can continue fighting for us in the General Assembly.
Donate Here NOW 

📸 Want to relive the night? View event photos & highlights: Photo Gallery 

We are more than our struggles.
We are more than a moment.
We are a movement.

#CrownAndCulture #BlackExcellence #FashionTribute #DEIMatters #CROWNAct #SupportTheDiaspora #CandiKing #DerrickWood