Demeatria Boccella and her business partner, Darnell McLaurin, are spotlighting the beauty of the African diaspora in Pittsburgh one event at a time. Their Africanism Gala, held at Ice House Studios in Lawrenceville Thursday night, was packed with attendees, leaving only standing room for the showcase of African fashion, music and culture. The event was a vibrant celebration of Black creativity.
The gala’s tagline, “Fashion as a Symbol of Hope,” captured its essence. All proceeds from the event benefit the Africana Initiative, which supports programming for local students and Black creatives.
Marie Louise, a native of Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa, and owner of Authentically African by MOA, was among the attendees. She creates handmade African jewelry and lives in the North Hills. “I’m so happy to be here and see my culture represented,” Louise said, donning a headpiece adorned with cowrie shells.
For Boccella, executive director of Fashion Africana, representation has been a cornerstone since she founded the organization in 2001 as a street fashion show to promote Black and brown models. Alongside McLaurin, they co-founded Utopia Modeling Agency.
“I grew up in the inner city where I didn’t see people who looked like me working in the industry, and that fueled my insecurity as a young person. Things have evolved, but we still have work to do,” she said. “I am so intentional and passionate about creating and celebrating fashion and the arts, where our young people can see reflections of themselves because representation really matters. This is a space where our youth can see reflections of themselves while celebrating Black creativity.”
Several students from the residency program at Pittsburgh Milliones 6-12 University Preparatory School in the Hill District were in attendance.
“For young people to see and participate in our programming is crucial. Many are interested in design, fashion and storytelling, and that’s how we capture their interest. We have fun with them through our Festival Africana programs,” Boccella said.
This was the gala’s second year, with the theme “Welcome Home.” The evening featured dance performances, a fashion show, musical acts, including a performance by Rhymefest, and the honoring of Broadway director and producer Kenny Leon. Throughout Ice House Studios, a gallery showcased the vibrancy and beauty of the global African diaspora with moving images, clothing, photography and lighting. The gallery also featured Kiya Tomlin’s designs.
“What Demeatria has created to celebrate African culture in America is humbling and incredible,” said Dr. Che “Rhymefest” Smith, who performed at the gala. “Our young people also need to know that they are more powerful than whatever odds are against them. Now, more than ever, it is important to express ourselves through our fashion and spirit.”
Meleana Felton, head teaching artist for the August Wilson Monologue Competition’s New Voices, has worked with Boccella for 14 years.
“Seeing her vision come to life and being part of it gives me purpose. It reminds me how vital representation is. Now, I am the representation for young biracial beauties in the world. I hope people felt a sense of true community and love. If we can do more of this in Pittsburgh, we can move mountains,” Felton said.
Designs by Dion Dewand Marcia Lafalaise from Côte d’Ivoire were highlights of the evening. Lafalaise, whose brand Lafalaise Dion was featured, showcased pieces with intricate beadwork, cowrie shells and bold, effortless shapes. Models embraced natural beauty, wearing curls and afros.
“I bring the stories of my tribe and ancestors,” said Lafalaise, who is beginning a month-long residency with the Africana Initiative. “I wanted to showcase the beautiful craftsmanship of my people and the richness of the African continent.”
Models Ashanti Hildreth and Chevy Knight reflected on the significance of the word “Africanism.”
Knight said, “It’s an honor to represent the culture we come from, our roots. It means everything to tap into our histories, reclaim identities taken from us, and understand that our world clock is far older than 400 years.”
Hildreth, the gala’s main face, said, “This experience feels like a family reunion … a welcoming home for all of us across the diaspora.”