f o u n d e r s In s ig h t s '
elcome to TrooRa’s Global African Influence issue, where we celebrate one undeniable fact: Africa isn’t just influencing the world—it’s redefining it. This issue is our love letter to the global ripple effect of African culture, creativity, and innovation. We’ve gathered stories that highlight Africa's rich legacy and how it’s shaping everything from fashion to food, art to activism, and beyond. Africa’s cultural heartbeat echoes everywhere. Chef Kavachi Ukegbu takes us on a culinary adventure with the Art of Fufu, mixing tradition with global appeal. Then there’s gumbo queen, Mary Campbell, stirring up flavors from her grandmother’s kitchen to honor the Great Migration and its lasting influence on American soul food. African food meets the world, and the world is hungry for more. In fashion, we’ve got Victor Anate, the creative genius behind Vicnate, who marries the modern with the timeless. His designs are as bold as a Lagos sunrise and just as striking in Paris, New York, or Milan. Meanwhile, Nigerian photographer Otagburuagu is redefining beauty standards globally, capturing the radiance of Black skin and the unshakable strength of Black women. He’s shifting the lens—literally and metaphorically. Our art section pulses with the childlike wonder of Francis Essoua (Enfant Précoce), whose vibrant pieces transport you to a world where creativity knows no bounds. And don’t miss Jilchristina Vest’s mural, honoring the women of the Black Panther Party—a powerful blend of art and activism that spans continents.
But Africa’s influence isn’t confined to galleries and runways. We’re seeing it in innovation, too. Take Kigali, a city rising from its history to become a tech hub for the world, or Lumka Jordan, who’s revolutionizing design with her mobile kitchen island—proof that African creativity knows how to tackle even the most modern challenges like load shedding. Africa is turning problems into solutions with style to spare. And let’s talk about beauty—clean beauty, to be exact. Brands like Nokware Skincare are proving that Africa has always had the answers to healthy, natural living. They’re taking age-old secrets and packaging them for today’s world, leading the global charge for sustainable, clean beauty. We’re also inspired by the story of Scott Harrison, founder of charity: water, whose journey began in West Africa. His work bringing clean water to millions worldwide stands as a testament to the transformative power of compassion and action. Harrison’s story reminds us of the deep connection between Africa and global humanitarian efforts— showing that a single mission can change countless lives across the globe. From Trinah Kakyo fighting for LGBTQ rights on an international stage to Tony Green’s AP African American Studies class shaping the next generation of thinkers, Africa’s influence is felt in ways big and small, local and global, personal and political. It’s complex, layered, and endlessly fascinating. Explore the stories, and see how the continent is weaving its magic across the globe. A+
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