The Californer - African Arts Academy's SF MODEFA and The Legend of Zaouli Charity Gala to Transform Saint Mary's Cathedral This Father's Day

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Where Tradition Meets Innovation: A Celebration of Culture, Fashion, and Community on Father's Day, Commemorating Juneteenth, and International Ethnic Day. The African Arts Academy proudly presents SF MODEFA 2025 (San Francisco Modern Ethnic Fashion Week), an extraordinary charity gala taking place on Sunday, June 15, 2025, from 5pm to 10pm

SAN FRANCISCO - Californer -- The African Arts Academy proudly presents SF MODEFA 2025 (San Francisco Modern Ethnic Fashion Week), an extraordinary charity gala taking place on Sunday, June 15, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM at Saint Mary's Cathedral. This landmark event coincides with Father's Day and celebrates both Juneteenth and International Ethnic Day, highlighting tradition, innovation, and global unity through fashion, music, food, and storytelling.

The theme for this year revolves around "The Legend of Zaouli," an untold West African tale that honors a dance mask called "Zaouli." The evening features a runway show of ethnically inspired haute couture by international designers, immersive art exhibitions, and exotic Nigerian cuisine by Chef Dinnis Itua, offering a dynamic cultural experience.

"This event is more than a fashion show—it's a tribute to cultural heritage and humanity," says Leye Martin (Fely Tchaco), President and Executive Director of African Arts Academy. "SF MODEFA celebrates cultural justice, sustainability, and world peace through creativity."

Key Highlights of SF MODEFA 2025:

ModVation Diversity Ventures Panel:
"AI Ethics, Data Ownership, and Cultural Integrity in the Digital Age: "— A thought-provoking debate moderated by Aytakin Shelovi (Femigrants), featuring tech industry leaders such as Eddie Landsberg & Elizabeth Farley (Fondu), Hesam Jafari (Buzzable), Helene Victoria Blossom (Netara), Maryam Khosriva (Stir Bar Lab), Bisi Obateru (Just I Guide), Papa Yaw Quainoo (Bloomberg), and Margarett Mitchell (Epi Center MedSpa).

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Black Excellence Juneteenth Forum:
A celebration of leadership and resilience, featuring Willie L. Brown Jr., Brigette LeBlanc (Black Chamber of Commerce), Frederick Jordan (F.E. Jordan Associates), Y'Nad Burrell (Glass House PR), and Charleston Pierce. Moderated by Emmanuel Nado (KALW) and Sumayyah Nuriddin-Green (Disney Pixar's Inside Out 2).

Live world music performances by a diverse lineup of acclaimed artists:
Zemanel Fortes, Fely Tchaco, Bouchaib Abdelaid, Keldamuzik, Alliana Lili Young, Freddy Clarke, Bisi Obateru, Terrence Tanjong, and comedian Danny Dechi.

Miss SF MODEFA Diversity Cultural Ambassador Pageant
This is the first-ever beauty pageant dedicated to promoting multicultural representation in the Bay Area.

Special Guest Presentation:
Romy-Dominique Youngquist, founder of The Gold Influence, introduces her groundbreaking e-book, The Transcendent Wealth Codex, which proposes a new paradigm for financial empowerment and industry transformation.

A Gathering of Leaders and Communities Through Collaboration

SF MODEFA 2025 stands as a powerful testament to cultural unity and civic engagement. The event has garnered broad bipartisan support, uniting influential figures such as California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, CPA (Diversity Cultural Ambassador and Honorary Model), former Mayor Willie L. Brown Jr. (Gala Chair), and community advocate Leonard Lacayo.

Esteemed community leaders, including Ethel Reddy (President and Founder of the Asian Foundation), Alla Bolsheva, Michelle Alameda Prior, David Perea, Mayra Aguiar, Lou Zamble Eugenie, Devi Seetharaman, Alina Radu, Eugene Polyak, Daniel Cartagena, and Terrence Tanjong, will also contribute to this celebration of diversity and innovation. A full list of participants can be found on our website.

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This event is made possible in part by the San Francisco Arts Commission's Cultural Equity Initiative Grant, along with the generous support of a wide network of cultural organizations and community partners.

Legendary fashion photographer Mark Gunter and Getty Images will document this landmark event with the artistry it deserves.

🎟️ Tickets are available now:
Purchase Here

Or on Buzzable:
https://web.buzzable.app/activity?activityId=7C5G4virMS8XXkQWQzO2
Or Eventbrite at:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sf-modefa-2025-tickets-1351327048579

📞 Media Contact:
African Arts Academy | (650) 834-2038
📧 africanartsacademy@gmail.com
🌐 africanartsacademy.org/modefa | modefasf.com

About African Arts Academy
The African Arts Academy is a San Francisco-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to preserving African and African Diaspora arts through education, performance, and cultural entrepreneurship. Its mission is to empower underrepresented communities and foster cross-cultural appreciation and understanding.