Author name: ladykate

New York, January 2011—On Friday, February 18th, 2011, philanthropist MacDella Cooper, Founder of the MacDella Cooper Foundation and the MCF Academy will host L’AFRICANA NIGHT at the finale of New York Spring fashion week. The event honored Mr. Barry Segal with a Lifetime Achievement Award (for his philanthropic commitment to sub saharan Africa) Ms. Bisila Bokoko as L ‘Africana Woman of the Year (for her commitment to eradicating illiteracy in Africa) Ms. Anna Schilawski will receive L ‘Africana Volunteer of the Year (for her commitment to the children of Liberia). The Reigning Miss Africa USA Fifi Soumah graced this occasion as a Special Guest of the Foundation to support the mission and vision of the organization.  Education of children especially girls is very close to Miss Fifi Soumah’s heart as she launches her own Foundation ‘Tears Away’ which provides scholarships for young girls in Guinea. Queen Fatoumata (Fifi) Soumah on the Red Carpet at the MacDella Couper Foundation Fund Raiser in New York City. The evening, hosted by Actor and activist, Mr. Isaiah Washington,  kick ed off with a live musical performance by Pop diva Zelma Davis, a collective designers runway show featuring African inspired garments designed exclusively for L ‘Africana Night by a range of designers including: Korto Momolu, Jedda Khan, Sunhee Hwang,  Issa Sorogo, Taylor Forrest, Lucia Eastman, Irina Shabayeva, Tedd Ion, Farai Simoyi and Selma Berisalic Starfinger. Following the show, each dress was  auctioned off. Queen Fatoumata (Fifi) Soumah and Renowned Actor Isaiah Washington Interviewed by Hollywood TV The Red Carpet reception and the taste of Africa Banquet kicked off at 6:30pm with the award presentation, runway show and performances starting promptly at 8:00 pm.  The night  included special appearances by: Actor Matt Dillon, and roster of world-class models including Millen Magese, Georgette Beidel, Animata Steele, Aminat Ayinde, Ashley Harris, Danijela Lazarevic, and Melissa Arocha to name a few. Queen Fifi Soumah is interviewed by the Press at the MacDella Cooper Foundation Event in New York City. L’Africana is a brand platform built around the design, creation, promotion, and distribution of African fashion, art, music, accessories, culture & cuisine. To date, African-inspired brands have primarily catered to Africans and a small number of non-Africans. L’Africana aspires to be a brand with strong international appeal through the fusion of African aesthetics and sensibilities with modern design, quality, and workmanship. Ms Korto Momolu,  Fashion Designer from Project Runway and Lady Kate Njeuma, CEO of Miss Africa USA. All proceeds from the event  benefited the MCF Academy for orphans and abandoned children in Monrovia, Liberia. The MCF Academy is the first tuition free boarding school dedicated to orphan and abandoned children in post-war Liberia. The Academy opened its doors on Christmas Day 2010 and will ultimately house and educate 200 children.