The African poet Maya Angelou once said, “How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!” Today, across Africa and America, there is a quiet revolution of hope taking place. She–roes” are blazing trails and rising to the challenges of rebuilding and re-invigorating their continent. And orphans are, increasingly, putting their faith in these woman as capable and upstanding saviors. What do these women have in common? They are woman guided by wisdom, blessed with humility, and driven by justice. They are woman with a vision for their families, their communities, their nations, and all of humanity. Liberian-American MacDella Cooper, Founder of the MacDella Cooper Foundation and the MCF Academy is one such woman.

Where many might see insurmountable blockades and barriers, MacDella sees possibility and promise. Faced with the formidable task of getting orphans in Liberia back to school after years of civil war, as well as empowering and inspiring the next generation of Liberian leaders; Macdella Cooper deserves more than recognition and celebration. She deserves our steady support, as she grooms Liberian orphans with an education at MCF academy; built with fundraising money to give the underprivileged children a chance to lead their country to a better future.

MacDella Cooper, hosted the inaugural “L’Africana Night” celebrating the beauty, culture, music, art and cuisine of Africa. The event honored philantrophist and entrepreneur Barry Segal with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his philanthropic commitment to Sub-Saharan Africa. Bisila Bokoko, who seems to be on a roll with awards in 2011, received L‘Africana’s Woman of the Year award for her commitment to eradicating illiteracy in Africa and Anna Schilawski received L ‘Africana Volunteer of the Year, for her commitment to the children of Liberia.

The event was anchored by Actor and activist, Isaiah Washington, with live musical performances by pop diva Zelma Davis, Saycon Sengbloh, 2C, Jojo Abot, Harriet and Brittany, and Danny Soto and the Lost Production. The night also showcased a fashion show featuring African inspired garments designed exclusively for L ‘Africana Night by a range of designers including: Korto Momolu, Jedda Khan, Sunhee Hwang, Issa Sorogo, Taylor Forrest, Lucia Eastman, Irina Shabayeva, Tedd Ion, Farai Simoyi and Selma Berisalic Starfinger. The models on the runway included Millen Magese, Georgie Badiel, Animata, Steele, Aminat Ayinde, Ashley Harris, Danijela Lazarevic and Melissa Aroc. The afterparty at Nikki Beach was also superb!

All proceeds from the event benefit the MCF Academy for orphans and abandoned children in Monrovia, Liberia.