TASTE OF AFRICA GALA

July 6, 2018 The Ballroom at Bayou Place Hosted by [Former] Houston Rockets Player LUC MBAH A MOUTE

The first annual TASTE OF AFRICA GALA hosted by Houston Rockets player Luc Mbah A Moute was a prestigious A-list fundraising event that included an African dinner, live and silent auctions, comedy performance, traditional dancing, and a cocktail reception making the celebration of Africa complete. Houston’s Afro Culture Weekend is an international celebration that raises awareness about Africa, the mother of civilization. By 2023, it strives to be described as the biggest celebratory experience in African culture. Master and Mistress of Ceremonies, Joshua Dada and Mercy Jordan, graciously introduced the traditional entertainment and honorees. Mayor Sylvester Turner delivered an inspiring speech, Hon. Amanda Edwards followed introducing the keynote speaker and our host for the evening, Luc Mbah A Moute. Jeffrey Wallace, President of the Greater Houston Black Chamber of Commerce introduced the evening’s award honorees — The M12 Capital Achievement Award: Dr. Seun Adigun, Nigeria’s Historic Women’s Bobsled Driver and the M12 Outstanding Community Award: Gayle Brand, President Houston Division, Chicago Title Houston. Kevin Scully ran an intense live auction raising much needed funds for the foundation. Closing remarks were given by Raoul Keddy, Chair of the Afro Culture Host Committee and Managing director of Raked International. Also on the Host Committee are Mazda Denon – Mayor’s Office of Trade & International Affairs, Antwi Atuahene – Noir et Noire, Ashley Aminah-Marque Productions, Oumar Orozi – Ghost Label.

It was a fabulous evening where friends of every culture gathered together to celebrate how the cultural diversity and enormous richness of Mother Africa makes the world a better place!

The Luc Mbah A Moute Foundation – www.mamfoundation.com is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization based in Houston, Texas dedicated to inspiring children around the world to believe in themselves, believe in their chances no matter how hard their circumstances are. Going through difficult times as a kid himself, Luc Mbah A Moute is determined to help the kids of the U.S.A., Africa and the rest of the world, contributing in issues such as education, health, and nutrition. Partnering with established and key organizations, the Foundation takes action and makes an impact in communities and individuals that need help and can use Luc Mbah A Moute’s story as an inspiration to set goals for their lives. Guided by Luc Mbah, the Luc Mbah A Moute Foundation has helped several thousand individuals to follow their dreams, get medical treatment, get school supplies, help their community and more through different programs such as the boys and girls of the future, supporting the community, notebook giveaway, bringing the gift of hearing to the world, going back to give back and more. The foundation has been active in the Hurricane Harvey Relief work being done in Houston helping with donations, clean up, and community morale.

The 2nd Annual Afro Week is planned for June 25-29, 2019. For more information and sponsorship opportunities send an email to raoulkeddy@rakedinternational.com or info@marqueproductions.com

by: Heidi Powell-Prera

https://www.heidipowell-prera.com/International-Focus-Magazine