Kente Ball to weave African arts, elegance and cuisine
African arts, culture and cuisine will take centre stage at the picturesque Gaylord National Resort & Convention Centre, National Harbor, Maryland, USA, when the inaugural Kente Ball is held on Saturday, April 26, 2025.
The Kente Ball gala is a fundraising event dedicated to celebrating African arts and cuisine. It is organised by the Sankofa Foundation, a non-profit cultural organisation based in Maryland, USA.
“Kente refers to a brightly coloured textile, made of hand-woven strips. The Sankofa Foundation chose ‘kente’ for its gala event with the hope that the many colourful threads will represent people from many different cultures,” says Cosby Cohen of the Sankofa Foundation.
The evening promises not just glamour, but soul. Attendees adorned in resplendent kente will indulge in rich African cuisine as they are treated to an eclectic mix of music, creating the perfect atmosphere for dancing and celebration.
The African Union Ambassador to the USA, Dr Hilda Suka-Mafudze, is the keynote speaker for the event. Other speakers include the Director for Diaspora Affairs, Office of the President of Ghana, Kofi Okyere Darko; CEO and President of Du Plain Global Enterprises, Jan Du Plain; Pastor of Union Methodist Church in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, Rev Twanda King; Director of International Business at the Prince George’s County Economic Development Centre, Mr Martin U. Ezenma; and President of the Council of Ghanaian Pastors and Churches, USA, Bishop Glover Evans Kwasi Mawuli.
Grace will meet glamour on the red carpet, which will be hosted by award-winning actress and founder/CEO of Kinky Matters, Ms Lydia Forson.
Acclaimed actor and educator Adjetey Anang will serve as the main event host, guiding the evening with eloquence and flair. Beauty queens from the Ms Senior America pageants will also make an appearance.
Before the grand dinner unfolds, a VIP Pre-Dinner Cocktail Hour will be curated by the Founder of the Women’s Global Institute Trade Bureau, Marcia L. Dyson. This intimate networking space is designed for foreign dignitaries, local businesses, and individuals interested in trade and investment opportunities in Africa.
