Celebrate African fashion, music, and entrepreneurship at Zeeoma Foundation’s inaugural Rooted & Rising Gala.
The youth marketplace opens at 2 p.m., featuring goods by African artisans curated and sold by participants in Zeeoma’s youth entrepreneurship program. The gala follows from 5–11 p.m., with a Nigerian dinner, fashion show, Africa travel experience, and a live performance by Nigerian Afrobeats artist Teni Apata. Dr. Amber Howlett-Bayoc will be recognized as the 2026 Zeeoma Bridge Builder Honoree.
Under the theme “Turning Talent into Trade,” the event supports opportunities for emerging entrepreneurs in St. Louis and Africa to learn, trade, and earn together.
Attire is black tie or Afro luxury. Gala tickets are $300 per person or $3,000 per table.