On Sunday, Nov. 24, Ghanaian American media mogul and founder of Heirs of Afrika Koshie Mills hosted her 7th Annual International Women of Power Awards Gala.
The star-studded event took place at the Sheraton Grand Los Angeles Hotel in downtown L.A, and honored Black women from the Diaspora and Africa who are influential leaders, innovators, and powerful symbols in the fields of entertainment, fashion, beauty, business, and social justice.
Before the ceremony, Mills, honorees, and presenters graced the purple carpet in their beautiful African garments. As cameras flashed, they were all smiles.
Stepping into the venue was like immersing yourself into a beautiful African experience. Each table had stunning flower centerpieces that guests were allowed to take home at the end of the night, and bottles of actress, writer, and producer, Issa Rae’s sparkling white wine, Viarae Prosecco.
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Attendees were served delicious cuisine, and once the ceremony commenced, guests were captivated by the sounds of African drummers. Host for the ceremony, actress Wendy Raquel Robinson, made her entrance dancing to the rhythmic beats.
Robinson thanked Mills for putting this event together to celebrate the global power of Black women. She emphasized how the theme was “ascension” and asked the female guests who she honorary crowned “queens and princesses” to stand, take a deep breath, and repeat the affirmation, “I am a daughter of the soil.”
She then asked the “kings” of the room to stand and repeat, “I am a king of the soil. A son of the soil.”
Actress Pepi Sonuga took the stage to present the Heirs of Afrika “Sankofa” Award to the first honoree of the night, Chiney Ogwumike, a two-time WNBA All Star, ESPN host, and founder of the Queens of the Continent Foundation. She humbly accepted her award as she spoke about her hometown of Texas and what being at the event meant to her as a woman of African descent.
Grammy Award-winning artist Ledisi presented the Entertainment Roar “Nya Gidi” Award to actress Meagan Good, who could not attend the ceremony, but sent a heartfelt video message to express her gratitude.
Actress Ryan Destiny presented the Goddess Beauty “Duafe” Award to actress and singer Sierra McClain. She danced her way on stage and was in tears shortly after revealing she didn’t feel as confident as she thought she would, but felt seen and would trade that for feeling confident any day. She looked straight at Mills and expressed how happy and humbled she felt being honored.
There was a short intermission as people danced and took pictures before actor, director, and entrepreneur Kofi Siriboe introduced his mother, Mills, to the stage. He told guests a story about his mom, who was a nurse, driving him to auditions after work when he was younger. She would be exhausted, but still made sure she supported his dreams. He described her as being dedicated and compassionate before she came to the stage and embraced her with a big hug.
She gave grace to God and said that this event almost didn’t happen because she had some medical issues. She said God told her this was her mission and ministry and that is the reason she is standing on stage today.
She continued by thanking her sponsors and crew and invited her other son, Qwesi, and her husband on stage to pose for photos.
International pop star Estelle performed a few of her songs including her hit singles “Come Over” and “American Boy” that had the audience all on their feet dancing and singing along.
Visionary executive and the current Chief Marketing and Communications Officer for the NAACP Aba Blankson presented the “Media Titan “Dame-Dame” Award to entrepreneur and musician Shavone Charles, and Zeus Network President/CEO Lemuel Plummer presented the Lionheart Business “Akofena” Award to Janeisha John.
To close out the awards, actress, writer, and producer Yetide Badaki presented the Warrior “Adinkrahene” Award to Caroline Wanga, who gave a captivating, poignant speech about her journey to get to where she is today.
For more information on Heirs of Afrika, visit: https://heirsofafrika.com/
