via Wikimedia
Naomi Campbell headlined the 2019 Forbes Woman Africa Leading Women Summit, a celebration of women doing it big in African business, science, entertainment, and sports.
Her love for Africa ran deep as she spoke about its contributions to fashion and the world:
“My passion project is Africa. It is such a beautiful, rich culture, with minerals and so many natural resources. The narrative and perception also have to change. It is understood in the wrong way.”
Naomi went on to emphasize that we need to protect African cultural genius while demanding structural investment!
“For me, the workmanship, the textiles, this is what we need to keep on the continent. We cannot allow other brands and designers from the West to come in and take your textiles.”
“[Brands] need to come to this continent, not just come in and out and take, but [invest] in the infrastructure and make a commitment to the communities in Africa.”
Don't forget that Nelson Mandela dubbed Naomi Campbell his “Honorary Granddaughter” back in the day for her humanitarian work, using her platform to promote his Children’s Fund, Made in Africa Foundation, among other organizations.
Naomi Campbell highlighted the contributions of the African continent, the need to protect our culture, and how we can change the narrative of Africa - now that’s something we can all model!