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, the initiative 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
At the African Cultural Fashion Heritage Initiative, our mission is to:
Empower Local and International Black and African Designers
We provide creative professionals with meaningful opportunities to grow, connect, and thrive within the fashion industry—locally and globally.Promote African American and Diaspora-Owned Brands
Our platform brings African and Caribbean fashion into the spotlight, showcasing diverse designs and rich cultural identities in the U.S. market and beyond.Preserve & Share Heritage Through Fashion
We highlight the beauty of African, Caribbean, and Black American traditions through fashion shows, cultural exhibitions, and storytelling—educating Black children about their roots, history, and pride.
What We Support
AFRICAN CULTURAL FASHION HERITAGE INITIATIVE INC is proud to support:
African Cultural Fashion Heritage (ACFH)
Maryland Fashion Week & Fashion Week Maryland (MFWFWM)
Africa Fashion Week Maryland & Maryland Africa Fashion Week (AFWMMAFW)
These platforms give Black youth, women, and men artisans the opportunity to become global supermodels, showcase handmade products, and express cultural excellence through curated fashion events.
A Movement of Culture, Style & Empowerment
Our initiative is more than a fashion showcase—it’s a movement rooted in purpose and cultural pride. Through a variety of programs and events, we aim to contribute to the development of luxury and mainstream fashion by supporting:
Runway Shows
Marketplace Exhibitions
Business of Fashion Talks
Beauty Pageants
Cultural Attire Displays
African Wax Print & Textile Showcases
Our Vision
We envision a world where Black and African creatives are celebrated globally, where fashion is used as a tool for sustainability and social change, and where culture is honored, preserved, and uplifted in every stitch, runway, and spotlight.
Our platform exists to educate, empower, and connect inspirational brands and individuals—breaking barriers, building industry structure, and redefining heritage through the powerful lens of fashion.
Join Us in This Mission (ACFHI)
We welcome donors, partners, and supporters to stand with us as we give voice, platform, and purpose to Black excellence through fashion.
Support the African Cultural Fashion Heritage Initiative, and help us:
Tell our stories through fashion expression
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.