FASHIONAFRICANA FOUNDER DEMEATRIA BOCCELLA. (PHOTOS BY CHIEF IKHANA-HAL-MAKINA)
The New Pittsburgh Courier was there as “The AFRICANISM Gala 2025,” presented by FashionAFRICANA in collaboration with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, took place at Heinz Hall, Downtown, Nov. 8.
It was an evening of fashion and culture celebrating the impact of Black women and artistry. The event included a VIP reception, a presentation of AFRICANA Icon Awards and an afterparty celebration.
FASHIONISTA AND HAIR STYLIST ROBYN GREER, MIDDLE, AT THE AFRICANISM GALA.
There was also the U.S. premiere of “The Unspoken Elegance of Stillness: A Love Letter to Black Women,” by British filmmaker Simon Frederick (“Black is the New Black” and “They’ve Gotta Have Us” on Netflix). The film’s score, composed by GRAMMY-nominated composer Carlos Simon, was performed live by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.
“Simon Frederick was introduced to FashionAFRICANA through our co-producer, Sandra Aristide Soteriou, and our shared mission of celebrating global Black identity and artistry,” said Demeatria Boccella, who founded FashionAFRICANA in 2001, in a statement to the Courier. “His work deeply aligned with the AFRICANISM Gala’s theme, making this collaboration a natural and powerful pairing.”
URBAN LEAGUE OF GREATER PITTSBURGH PRESIDENT AND CEO ESTHER L. BUSH.
The Icon Awards for this year went to Swin Cash, Olympic and WNBA champion, philanthropist and McKeesport native, and Fatou Jobe, an international fashion model and cultural ambassador.
Proceeds from the event benefited the AFRICANA Initiative, which provides transformative educational experiences for youth through creative expression, mentorship and access to Black artists, designers and cultural leaders in Pittsburgh and across the U.S.
AMONG THOSE IN ATTENDANCE WERE PITTSBURGH MAYOR ED GAINEY, WITH WIFE, FIRST LADY MICHELLE GAINEY, LEFT.