The recently concluded U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, hosted by President Joe Biden, demonstrated the United States’ enduring commitment to Africa, and underscored the importance of U.S. Africa relations and increased cooperation on shared global priorities.
As a media company catering to the African and Black multicultural diaspora communities in the U.S, it was significant that we received the credentials as a diaspora led media to cover the 3-day summit. I knew that my presence at these spaces as the founder and Editor in Chief of TANTV required a more intentional appearance that would showcase what our platform stands for.
I have always thought of fashion as a way of expressing oneself. For that reason, I chose to wear clothing from the African-owned fashion brand Anuure during the summit. Anuure has a modern, corporate style with a hint of cultural heritage, which made it a great fit for the event.
Anuure is a fashion label with an ambition to create apparel for the everyday woman who desires to be fashionable yet relaxed. The style does not follow trends, but rather focuses on the individual’s personal identity. This brand blends traditional African themes with modern trends. Established in Maryland, the brand is making its mark in the African-American fashion scene due to its inventive designs and meticulously crafted garments. The mission of Annure is to create clothing that brings joy and boosts self-assurance for the woman that loves fashion, lives life to its fullest, and is unashamed of taking up her own space.
My goal as the CEO of TANTV, a platform that strives to promote positive representation of Africans and multiculturalism, was to make a bold statement with my wardrobe choice. I decided to wear Anuure that honored African culture and heritage and demonstrated my support for African-owned business and brands. It was a great opportunity to highlight the beauty of African fashion and the talent of our diaspora designers.
Check out the custom-made ensembles from Anuure and the intriguing people I interacted with at the summit:
The Amaka Jacket and Crop Pants
The Innovators Gathering, held on December 12, brought together 250 entrepreneurs, investors, and celebs to recognize the growth of two-way investment and trade opportunities to be declared at the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit. It was organized by the Secretary of State, the Office of Global Partnerships, Prosper Africa, and the Tony Elumelu Foundation, with support from Google. Among the attendees were Idris Elba, Yvonne Orji, Tony Elumelu, Mayor Eric Adams, Mayor Muriel Bowser, and remarks by the former President Barack Obama. The event aimed to support U.S. investors and African and Diaspora innovators.
Honored to have been one of the 250 entrepreneurs invited to the Innovators Gathering held at the State Department. For this event, I wore the Amaka Jacket and Crop Pants.
The African Modernized Pant Suit
The first day of the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit kicked off with a focus on the vital role of civil society and the strength of our African diaspora communities in the United States. It featured a range of sessions on topics from trade and investment, to health and climate change, to peace, security, and governance, to space cooperation. The event on this day was held at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Nifemi Puff Sleeve Jumpsuit
U.S. Africa Business Forum (USABF), organized by the U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Corporate Council on Africa in connection with the Prosper Africa initiative, happened on the second day of the Summit (December 14) and was focused on two-way business and investment relationships that would sustain Africa’s participation in the world economy, fuel invention and entrepreneurship, and promote progress in significant areas.
I chose to wear the Nifemi Puff Sleeve Jumpsuit because it was very comfortable and still professional. Many people assume being in media is all about glamour but truth be told, it’s insane behind the scenes! This event had high security in place which meant it was not easy to access. Vehicles had to be parked blocks aways from the main location. I knew my day would involve lots of walking and moving around, so I had to be dressed comfortably while still looking professional. I met with several business leaders such as Tony Elumelu and my friend Emana Shunnom who is a Senior Policy Manager at Cybastion.
Chiamanda One Sleeve Midi Dress
On this day, the Nigerian embassy held a townhall at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel which I was invited to. I chose to wear the Chiamanda One Sleeve Midi Dress because it was a time to unwind after a tough week. The dress was casual and made me feel sophisticated, elegant and confident. I met with the Nigerian President H.E Muhammadu Buhari and the first ever Nigerian female ambassador to the U.S H.E Dr. Mrs Uzoma Emenike.
Ayo Gathered Sleeve Mini Dress
I wore the Ayo Gathered Sleeve Mini Dress to the Gabon Business Awards. It was one of the side events on the margins of the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, to highlight Gabonese Entrepreneurship in North America. The goal of this Conference and Awards presentation was to coordinate efforts, bridge gaps, and comprehensively examine strategies to give more visibility to entrepreneurship for Gabonese Citizens in North America and to educate on business opportunities and strategies for start-ups and active entrepreneurs.
