Can I get a round of applause please! The celebration of CaringKind Forget-Me-Not gala’s 30th anniversary earlier this week was nothing short of extravaganza, pomp and circumstance! The week long festivities commenced with carefully hand picked committee members and devout supporters of the organization to co-host shopping frenzies, which essentially took over the shopping strip on Madison Avenue. A portion of the proceeds benefited the charity’s mission of assisting caregivers of family members living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. I proudly served as one of the co-hosts and one of the 100 Women of Impact! My dear friend Esther Blair Schiffman and I were assigned to the swanky boutique of Ramy Brook to close out the week long shopping events. Other store participants included Alice and Olivia, Varley, Veronica Beard, et.al. I’m ever so grateful to all the friends who showed and financially supported the cause!

The big gala night took place the next day at the iconic Cipriani where honorees included actress Jane Seymour and long time supporter Tim Walsh from the firm KPMG. Actor David Hyde Pierce once again did the honors of assuming his long standing role as the Master of Ceremony. He literally had a room full of esteemed guests in a chokehold with tear jerk speech that left every pair of eyes wet with his profound heart tugging speech. Jane Seymour’s speech didn’t spare us either. You’d have to be built out of stone not to have been moved by the messages delivered that evening.

The fundraising part of the evening could have rivaled a stock trading battle at the New York Stock Exchange. I thought I could steal the exquisite resort in Roundhill, Jamaica by swiftly raising my paddle twice. I was quickly humbled when the bidding war sent it to the stratosphere! Another in Umbria, Italy had me tuck my paddle sadly between my knees with grinding teeth. The highly anticipated afterparty soon followed… or so we thought. The ongoing NBA finals hoping to nab the NY Knicks a golden moment against the Spurs turned the already congested New York traffic onto its head, especially with the President in town as one of the spectators. The gridlock not only hindered party revelers from easy access to the venue, the guests already in house were enamored with the venue’s jumbo TV screens watching the game! The match literally stole the after party’s momentum. The band was basically left entertaining themselves, as you can see from the reel posted on instagram. The after party would have been the first ever of its kind for the organization, which enlisted myself, and 5 others to co-host the fête. One of which included Montgomery Frazier whose recently deceased better half Ben was honored by the said afterparty. Overall, the week long festivities raised almost $3 million. CaringKind is no doubt one of my favorite charitable organization to support. They do throw one of the meanest party in town during gala season. I’m always happy to heed their call to duty in support of their great cause. Judging by the end of the reel posted on instagram, it’s safe to say I helped close the dance floor with the gorgeous band leader Onye belting out my name out loud through the speakers. I’m happy to report that my fellow co-host and dear friend of mine, the one and only couturier Malan Breton designed and styled my look for the ocassion in a light as feather floor length multilayered, detailed bodice chiffon ball gown with cute satin bow accents. And in true Cinderella form, I dipped out before the carriage turned into uber by midnight! It was indeed a night to remember! Until next time, cheers!

Click here to see the video from the event posted on instagram.

CaringKind President Eleonora Tornatore and honorees Tim Walsh

Montgomery Frazier

Fern Mallis

Jane Seymour

David Hyde Pierce

Gemma Kahng

Malan Breton and Angel Pai

At the Ramy Brook shopping event with Lisa Zari and my co-host Esther Blair Schiffman

No words can describe how much the African Union pulled all the stops to host probably the swankiest feast for the auspicious Africa Day in the big apple. The week long celebration commenced with a flag raising ceremony at Bowling Green, downtown Manhattan, an occasion spearheaded by the incomparable Mr. Len Ejiogu. This event, which will conclude tonight at the African Center in Harlem, would mark the city’s first Muslim Mayor’s Africa Day, being a Ugandan-Indian-American… this celebration is quite significant. Despite Mayor Mamdani’s absence, although he did send a representative, the guests lists rivaled the who’s who of United Nations’ African dignitaries. Just about every African nation’s Ambassadors and esteemed dignitaries were in attendance, all proudly decked out in various fine African attires. The honorable UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed blessed the auspicious occasion with her presence and gave a profound speech that resonated with guests with admiration and tremendous respect. She joined the African Union’s Permanent Observer to the United Nations Ambassador Mohammed Fathi Edrees in cutting the celebratory cake, shortly after, guests dined on a bounty of delicious sumptuous meals from various parts of Africa. The feast looked more like an African Thanksgiving, food was in abundance. I myself greedily navigated two full plates piled high of various vegetarian dishes. Not one person went home on empty stomach. For one night, we forgot about our borders, lines drawn by colonizers, dividing tribes and traditions. As a proud Nigerian myself, I forgot about my own origin and simply morphed with my fellow Africans from all religions, traditions and mindset. It felt like one big family coming together to celebrate diversity, perseverance, tenacity, comradery, and aspirations.

Considering the current political climate we’re experiencing worldwide, this couldn’t have come at a better time. An era we can all appreciate and celebrate our unique cultures and traditions. A time to remind each other not to be divided mentally by lines drawn in the sand. A gentle reminder that a single match stick is easy to break than a bunch of match sticks, every day should feel like Africa Day. I’m so grateful for my community! Thank you Len Ejiogu and all the African Council and African Union team for all that you do!

Click here to watch the event video posted on instagram.

Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival revelers were robbed of the St. Patrick’s Cathedral iconic grand entrance steps this year, thanks to heightened security due to the political unrest casting a blanket all over the world at the moment. Not only was it missing the legendary elaborate floral arrangements at the imposing double doors where content driven influencers and multi generation families gather for pictures and videos, it was barricaded to prevent even a fly from getting near the steps, much less the door! Alas! If there’s one thing New Yorkers know how to do, it’s making the best out of a downer. Not even rain could keep us away from this parade!

Denizens from every sect of religion take part in this decades long tradition. The usual run of the mill with a few new faces showed up and showed out, dressed in their floral and work of art fineries. Some of which took hours, days and months in the making! They certainly weren’t going to let a few rain drops and forbidden church steps ruin their hard work.

As the saying goes, the show must go on, and that it did, one flower petal on bonnets at a time! We had a fantastic and memorable moments celebrating the end of the Holy Week and officially ushering in spring colors and vibes!

Click here to watch the video posted on instagram.

The barricaded main entrance. 😪😭

What better way to recap and reshare my lived experience of having the honor of participating in the innaugural Mothers to Daughters charitable runway show with my mini me daughter? Of course, it’s now a great way to celebrate Women’s History month! The runway show essentially kicked off the New York Fashion Week last month with a bevy of mother and daughter pairing to strut the runway in sponsored designers creations for the great cause. My daughter was in her element having done this before for yet another charity show not too long ago. I was assigned to wear one of the trademark knit dress designs by Kibonen, a Cameroonian brand with sustainable practice making strong waves around the world with her innovative bold graphics knits inspired by her strong connection to her Cameroonian heritage. My dress was of the Nduop fabric from the Bamileke royalty of Cameroon, appropriately named the “The Mafo Dress”.

The ocassion, under the auspices of its founder Francine Mbvoumbo (who also wore the same outfit by Kibonen before swapping for a Pierre Labiche design), supports Mothers to Daughters’ mission to advance women’s economic, intellectual, and social empowerment through intergenerational mentorship and access-building experiences. A great mentorship opportunity to bring closer the gap of connection, knowledge, and awareness between the individuals in need of it.

For visit Mothers to Daughters website to learn more about helping to further their cause.

Click here to watch the runway show and all the behind the scene fun! It felt like a family affair having so many strong beautiful women and daughters backstage preparing and celebrating such a beautiful cause. It certainly was a day to remember.

Mother to Daughter founder Francine Mbvoumbo

Celebrity stylist Ty-Ron Mayes

Artist King Paris and Francine

I don’t know who needs to hear this. When I say slipping into a Malan Breton creation brings out the alter ego in oneself, it’s an understatement. I had the honor and privilege of coming out of model retirement to walk in one of the biggest fashion show production by Malan Breton at New York Fashion Week, essentially trading my usual front row seat for the catwalk. Malan requested I bring in one of my hand fans and add some drama! I knew I had one job… to dramatically glide in my assigned breathtaking light as a feather couture ball gown, finished off with a Mimi Monroe fascinator, and deliver! The attire was fitted to perfection, literally like a glove! I felt like a French court lady getting ready to be presented to the Roi de France! What a remarkable feeling it was!

Suffice to say, Malan Breton and I agreed to be tight lipped about my participation in the show. Many of our friends in attendance were puzzled as to who was the dramatic new model on the scene. The surprise added to the fun and experience. The entire collection, in true Malan Breton classic sharp cuts, was cohesive, and dare I say, some of the men’s tailored suits in his trademark silhouettes can be worn by all sexes, essentially gender fluid. Perhaps I’m speaking for myself, because I want them all. What a splendid night to remember. I’m grateful to everyone who sent their videos and pictures to me, which enabled the reel posted on instagram to happen.

Thanks to Malan Breton for having me and for producing such a spectacular production that is second to none! Bravo Malan! 

 

Thanks to all of these lovely ladies for dressing me backstage. ❤️

The annual Art Party, a fundraiser soiree, hosted by the Whitney Museum of American Art had everyone and their grandmother on the institution’s premises decked out in their fineries, not even frigid temperatures below Alaskan freezing point could keep well heeled, seasoned and jaded New Yorkers at home. The newly crowned Generation Z, New York City’s First Lady, art aficionado Rama Duwaji, stealthly graced the coveted soirée with her presence, flanked by her best friends. Guests mingled and dined on passed hors d’oeuvres, top shelf libations while moving between floors taking in some of the Museum’s ongoing exhibitions. DJs Dare and Raúl de Nieves were on the turn table spinning hits that had everyone on their feet dancing. Esteemed co-chairs were Steven Beltrani, Micaela Erlanger, Martine Gutierrez, Alexander Hankin, Ego Nwodim, Emma Safir. The star studded affair, which included art collectors and patrons such as Martha Stewart were on hand to help usher the swanky fête. The dress code called for the loudest prints and most vibrant patterns to celebrate bold expression in art, style, and sound. It’s safe to say that most did just that while some choice to br more creative and unique. Revelers were gifted items by some of the sponsors, such as Aesop beauty, fragrance and skincare products.

Click here to watch the video of the event posted on instagram.

DJs Raúl de Nieves

Martha Stewart

DJ Dare

After enduring the long winding lines/queue at the Wholefoods supermarket to top up on my groceries in preparation for the incoming snow blizzard about to engulf the East Coast region, I stumbled upon a mass protest on Union Square in New York City. A location well known for hosting many a protest in American history. Tensions were high last night after the breaking news of Congress approving an increase in budget for ICE agency further their cause in the deportation of immigrants from the United States. New Yorkers from all works of life, ages (including babies), races and gender took to the streets to make their feelings known. The turn out is probably one of the biggest politically driven protest in a while. Armed with their various messages on signages, the chants were loud and clear, calling for the demolition of the ICE agency.

It was another smashing success at 70th annual edition of The Winter Show opening night soirée yesterday at the iconic Park Avenue Armory. The week long art exhibition’s opening gala ticket sales has been serving as a charitable endeavor since the 1950s, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the East Side House Settlement, a community-based organization benefitting the Bronx and Northern Manhattan. The proceeds provide unrestricted funds for East Side House’s life-changing educational and workplace development programs which help more than 14,000 people annually.

The affair offered a great opportunity for friends and family to gather and merrily take in great works of art and connect with friends, old and new. I had the best of time celebrating the moment with some of my dearest; Rebecca Moses, who herself is a great world renowned artist, Nicole Fischelis, Steven Rice, Freddie Leiba, Marilyn Kirschner, and the one and only powerhouse Wendy Goodman, who helped make it all happen.

For more than 70 years, The Winter Show has showcased a breadth of works spanning 5,000 years presented by the world’s top experts in the fine and decorative arts. Held annually at the Park Avenue Armory, collectors, designers, curators, and art enthusiasts have gathered to discover works in myriad mediums from paintings, fine furniture, and design, to jewelry, and contemporary ceramics and glass.

Click here to watch the reel posted on instagram about the event.

Harlem served as the appropriate venue for a much needed affair heralding the African community over the weekend, under the auspices of the NYC African Council with Mr. Len Ejiogu taking the lead organizing such a huge fête. The NYC African Council leadership awards gala dubbed as the much anticipated farewell party for the outgoing city Mayor Eric Adams. Diplomatic representatives of several notable African nations showed up bearing gifts with heart full of gratitudes for the Mayor, which he received wholeheartedly with tear jerking farewell speech, which can be seen at the video link posted below. Mayor Adams made a point to stop at every guests table to shake hands and take pictures with each group. He became the 110th Mayor of NYC, the first to fully incorporate African community into the fibers of the city’s political landscape and affairs. He inaugurated such events as the African Heritage Day, which was sumptuously celebrated annually at the historic Gracie Mansion, the official residence of NYC Mayor, raising of flags of African nations on their respective independence day at the Bowling Green Plaza, and enlisting a handful of Africans as members of his staff.
On my invitation, fashion industry legend and Harlem native Dapper Dan felt right at home as one of the esteemed guests, especially having done so many trips to Africa during a time of rebirth, fresh off the colonial shackles in the 60s. I had a chance to have a deep conversation for well over an hour with the legend. I look forward to exploring more about that later.

A handful of influential Africans in the community were recognized for their unwavering support for the greater good with awards and honors. Honorees included Judge Lola Waterman, Commissioner Aissata M.B. Camara, Dr. Bola Omotosho, Judge Chidi Eze, Commissioner Spencer Chiimbwe, Assemblyman Landon Dais, and Famod Konneh, the Deputy Commissioner NYC Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs NYC.

In true Nigerian form, no party would be complete without the ostentatious display of wealth in the form of money confetti. Dr. Bola Omotosho made sure of a grand entrance when it was his turn to pickup his coveted plaque. Of course, we would expect nothing less.

The NYC African Council advocates for the needs of the African Diaspora community in all of New York City. They facilitate the MBWE certification of African businesses and the appointment of African professionals into city leadership. The African Council achieved so much in the past 4 years and the gala was a celebration of Leadership in the African Diaspora community and their achievements.

Contributions to further their non-profit mission are welcome via donations through Zelle at nycafricancouncil2@gmail.com

Click here to watch the event video posted on instagram.

At a time when grocery prices are soaring through the stratosphere, one of Brooklyn’s historic landmark Churches, the Christ Apostolic Church, using their dedicated 501(c)(3) “The Goke Food Pantry” organization, rises to the occasion weekly to feed the community. The food giveaway endeavor couldn’t have been more relevant at a better time when people are in dire need of provisions, especially with many government employees and some private sectors, now out of jobs. An operation that has been in effect for a dozen years, has seen its growth and size in bi-weekly produce and goods accumulation more than double recently, especially this year. The annual turkey giveaway pre Thanksgiving had a record turn out, this year in conjunction with the Organization for the Advancement of Nigerians (OAN) and AJID Foundation. According to the organization’s cordinator and the Church’s Deacon, Babatunde Thomas, demographic of the 6000+ people fed were about 80% caucasian, 10% hispanic, 5% Middle Eastern, 4% African American and less than 1% Africans, this included low to middle class, stealthly peppered with some well earning individuals, lined up around the avenue length city block to wait their turn in picking up several of the food items carefully arranged outside the Church. It is said that some perched outside from the evening prior to ensure they were one of the first to score the highly coveted turkey, which tends to run out midway through the giveaway. Not even the post office mail man doing his runs could resist making a pit stop to pick up a turkey for himself.

The Church acquires the produce through various means ranging from Food Bank of NY donations which helps them secure federal government grants of about $600,000 annually to operate and fund the purchases, grocery stores such as Wholefoods and purchases made using donations accumulated from the organization’s website.

The Goke Food Pantry organization commits to ensuring the community doesn’t go hungry by giving away produce every other Tuesdays and every other Saturdays monthly to well over 15000 people, with the inclusion of turkey once a year on Thanksgiving week. The turkey is exclusively funded by the Church via donations from the public and congregations.

Nigeria’s Consulate General Ambassador Franklin Abiola Ogunyemi and NYC Councilwoman Shahana K. Hanif were in attendance to present the first batch of turkeys, a symbolic and welcoming gesture that showed how well the community lawmakers are in full support of the organization’s initiatives. The profound love and admiration from all attendees and 60+ volunteers was not lost on me. The joy and happiness of participation amongst everyone was contagious. All volunteers and staff members of the organization work pro bono. Needless to say, they all felt genuinely happy to be there to lend a hand in distributing the goods.

The Christ Apostolic Church was established in 1995, after taking over ownership of the vast property from Bethlehem German Church. Under the stewardship of Pastor (Dr.) Olugbenga T. Famojuro and Deacon Babatunde Thomas coordinating, Goke Food Pantry has expanded beyond their expectations but more can still be achieved to take it to great heights of a more inclusive range beyond Brooklyn. All are welcome from far and wide to come by and pick up a few things to feed their household. This recent turkey giveaway saw people from various religions come by, especially those of Muslim and Jewish faith. At the end of the day, the soul must be fed, regardless of who and how we worship! As the saying goes in Nigeria, “Man must wak!”

For more details on how you can get provisions or to donate to help further this remarkable cause, please visit gokefoodpantry.org

Click here to see the events video posted on instagram

Members of the organization with NY Council woman Shahana K. Hanif

Nigeria’s Consulate General Ambassador Franklin Abiola Ogunyemi

Deacon Babatunde Thomas

Post master scored a turkey too!

Deacon Babatunde Thomas inside the Youth church section of the property

Inside the Church’s main sanctuary