The Black To Africa Foundation Hosted an Evening to Remember at Zero Bond

To celebrate Juneteenth and 50 years of hip-hop, The Black To Africa Foundation celebrated an evening at Zero Bond hosted by Maxwell Osborn, Selah Marley (daughter of Lauryn Hill and granddaughter of Bob Marley), and Isan Elba (daughter of Idris).

The organization originated when luxury travel agent Lestina Trainor and her partner, creative consultant Suhayb Ibn M Zarroug, joined forces with actor and model Alton Mason on a trip during Black History Month to promote Black tourism in Kenya. Soon thereafter the Black To Africa Foundation was born. Officially launched in March of 2023, the nonprofit gives young Black Americans a chance to visit Africa. The mission statement laid out on their website says it all. “We aim to foster connections and understanding between Black Americans and Africans to dispel harmful myths that create separation. By promoting cultural exchange and connections, we can create a stronger and more united Diaspora.”

Cold cocktails helped curtail the hot summery night as conversations kept on beat courtesy of DJ Jus Ske and DJ Lil Fax Machine, who blasted hip-hop throwbacks. Nigerian artist Laolu Senbanjo embellished partygoers with hand-drawn body illustrations, which turned out to be wearable masterpieces all on their own. Creative Director Susan Linss, known for Beyonce’s Black Is King was also honored amidst the celebrations. Also in attendance were: New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Kailand Morris, Whitney Peak, Sydney and Madison Utendahl, Grace Duah, Kevin and Lindsay Chenault, Cole Brown Riley Burruss, Milna, Alek Wek, Nyema Tubman, and Madisin Rian. It was a magical evening.