Gambrills, Maryland—
Temitope Kayode, Founder and President of the African Cultural Fashion Heritage Initiative, Inc. (ACFHI), a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, proudly announces the return of Africa Fashion Week Maryland & Maryland Africa Fashion Week (AFWMMAFW), scheduled for Friday, February 13, 2026, at The Village, located at 1326 Main Chapel Way, Gambrills, MD 21054.
The highly anticipated event will feature a Red Carpet at 6:00 PM, followed by the main program at 7:00 PM. AFWMMAFW 2026 is free and open to the public, offering an immersive cultural experience celebrating African fashion, Black History Month, Valentine’s & A Love Affair Experience, and a prestigious Best Dressed Award Presentation.
Under Temitope Kayode’s visionary leadership, AFWMMAFW has evolved into more than a fashion showcase—it is a powerful cultural and artistic movement designed to spotlight Maryland’s growing influence on global fashion, style, and innovation.
A GLOBAL PLATFORM ROOTED IN CULTURE & ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT
The mission of Africa Fashion Week Maryland & Maryland Africa Fashion Week is to elevate fashion as culture, art, and economic opportunity on a global scale, while positioning Maryland as an emerging international destination for creativity, tourism, and innovation.
At its core, AFWMMAFW empowers designers, models, artisans, creatives, and entrepreneurs by providing access to visibility, professional development, and global markets. Through world-class runway productions, curated exhibitions, and immersive cultural showcases, the platform connects talent to opportunity—locally and internationally.
“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, Founder and President of ACFHI.
MARYLAND: A RISING FASHION & CULTURAL HUB
Maryland is a state rich in cultural diversity and creative energy. Its communities are deeply passionate about style, identity, and self-expression. AFWMMAFW was created to harness that passion—transforming Maryland into a fashion-forward hub and nationally recognized center for creativity, while driving economic growth across counties, throughout the State of Maryland, and extending its impact globally.
AFWMMAFW proudly serves as an international bridge between African and diaspora designers, artists, and the U.S. fashion market, celebrating heritage, excellence, innovation, and identity.
GOVERNMENT RECOGNITION & OFFICIAL HONORS
In recognition of its cultural impact, 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, officially honored D.M.V. African Cultural Fashion Heritage (ACFH) with Citations of Recognition during its 4th Annual DMV African Cultural Fashion Heritage & Awards Night.
The citations celebrated ACFH’s outstanding commitment to cultural diversity, heritage preservation, and creative empowerment across Maryland and beyond. They recognized the leadership of Event Operations Director Temitope Kayode, alongside the designers, models, artisans, vendors, and volunteers whose collective efforts made the 2025 celebration a remarkable success.
“This recognition affirms that cultural fashion is more than art—it is a movement rooted in unity, education, and economic empowerment,” Kayode added.
SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The African Cultural Fashion Heritage Initiative extends sincere gratitude to:
- Anne Arundel County Council
- Councilwoman Allison Pickard
- Councilman Pete Smith
- Office of the State’s Attorney, Prince George’s County
- Aisha N. Braveboy
- Office of the Current Prince George’s County Executive
- Office of Councilwoman Wala Blegay
All family members, sponsors, partners, indigenous organizations, and community supporters who continue to champion the mission of ACFHI.
ABOUT THE AFRICAN CULTURAL FASHION HERITAGE INITIATIVE (ACFHI)
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, ACFHI 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
- Empower local and international Black and African designers
- Promote African American and diaspora-owned brands
- Preserve and share heritage through fashion, exhibitions, and storytelling
- Educate Black youth about their roots, history, and cultural pride
Platforms Supported by ACFHI
- African Cultural Fashion Heritage (ACFH)
- Maryland Fashion Week & Fashion Week Maryland (MFWFWM)
- Africa Fashion Week Maryland & Maryland Africa Fashion Week (AFWMMAFW)
A Movement of Culture, Style & Empowerment
Through runway shows, marketplace exhibitions, business-of-fashion talks, beauty pageants, cultural attire displays, and African textile showcases, ACFHI contributes to the development of luxury and mainstream fashion industries worldwide.
Our Vision
We envision a world where Black and African creatives are celebrated globally, where fashion drives sustainability and social change, and where culture is honored, preserved, and elevated in every stitch, runway, and spotlight.
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
ACFHI welcomes partners, donors, sponsors, and supporters to stand with us as we:
- Tell our stories through fashion
- 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.
Media & General Inquiries
Africa Fashion Week Maryland & Maryland Africa Fashion Week (AFWMMAFW)
Website: www.afwmmafw.org
Email: info@afwmmafw.org
African Cultural Fashion Heritage Initiative, Inc.
