Founder & CEO, African Cultural Fashion Heritage Initiative, Inc. (ACFHI)

Temitope Kayode is a visionary cultural leader, fashion advocate, author, and nonprofit executive serving as the Founder and CEO of the African Cultural Fashion Heritage Initiative, Inc. (ACFHI), a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to multicultural celebration, cultural preservation, and fashion empowerment. Through bold leadership and community-centered programming, Kayode has positioned ACFHI as a leading platform advancing African and diaspora fashion, heritage, and creative excellence in Maryland, across the United States, and internationally.

Africa Fashion Week Maryland & Maryland Africa Fashion Week (AFWMMAFW)

Under Kayode’s leadership, ACFHI proudly presents Africa Fashion Week Maryland & Maryland Africa Fashion Week (AFWMMAFW)—a signature cultural event that has evolved far beyond a traditional fashion showcase. The event is free and open to the public, offering an immersive cultural experience that celebrates African fashion, Black History Month, Valentine’s & A Love Affair Experience, and a prestigious Best Dressed Award Presentation.

AFWMMAFW has grown into a powerful cultural and artistic movement designed to spotlight Maryland’s rising influence on global fashion, style, and innovation, while expanding equitable access to arts and culture for diverse communities.

A Global Platform Rooted in Culture & Economic Empowerment

The mission of AFWMMAFW 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, the platform empowers designers, models, artisans, creatives, and entrepreneurs by providing visibility, professional development, and access to global markets. Through world-class runway productions, curated exhibitions, and immersive cultural showcases, AFWMMAFW connects talent to opportunity—locally, nationally, 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,” — Temitope Kayode

African Cultural Fashion Heritage (ACFH)

African Cultural Fashion Heritage (ACFH) is a prestigious cultural platform dedicated to celebrating the richness and diversity of African heritage. Hosted annually—typically in June—ACFH empowers designers and creatives worldwide while serving as a bridge between African fashion, culture, and the global stage.

Founded by Temitope Kayode, the platform highlights the beauty of African heritage through fashion, culture, and storytelling, while providing African and diaspora brands with opportunities to access the U.S. market and beyond.

ACFH Mission Highlights:

• Empower African designers and creatives internationally

• Provide a global platform for African brands

• Celebrate African heritage through fashion, culture, and storytelling

Government Recognition & Official Honors

In recognition of its cultural and community impact, the Anne Arundel County Council 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.

These honors recognized ACFH’s outstanding commitment to cultural diversity, heritage preservation, and creative empowerment across Maryland and beyond, while acknowledging the leadership of Temitope Kayode and the collective efforts of designers, models, artisans, vendors, and volunteers.

“This recognition affirms that cultural fashion is more than art—it is a movement rooted in unity, education, and economic empowerment,” — Kayode

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 nonprofit foundation committed to celebrating the richness, beauty, and diversity of Black, African, Caribbean, and global cultures. Founded by Temitope Kayode, ACFHI empowers local and international creatives through fashion, storytelling, education, and heritage preservation.

As a transformative cultural platform, ACFHI bridges African fashion and heritage with the global stage—uniting communities, amplifying voices, and inspiring the next generation of talent.

Our Mission

• Empower local and international designers

• Promote African American and diaspora-owned brands

• Preserve and share heritage through fashion, exhibitions, and storytelling

• Educate youth about cultural roots, history, and pride

Platforms Presented by ACFHI

• African Cultural Fashion Heritage (ACFH)

• Maryland Fashion Week & Fashion Week Maryland (MFW/FWM)

• 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 growth of both 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.

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.

Author, Educator & Advocate for Empowerment

Temitope Kayode is also an accomplished author and educator whose work reflects a deep commitment to cultural pride, digital literacy, and economic empowerment. His published works include:

• Starting Your Own Fashion Business

• AI Profits Unleashed: Earning Online Made Simple and Smart

• Divided by Distance, United by Blood — a poignant exploration of shared journeys and layered family stories across continents

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.
Website: www.acfhinitiative.org
Email: info@acfhinitiative.org