A13 The Afro-American June 20, 2026 - June 26, 2026
Global Chiefs for Change Gala celebrates leadership, culture and service The guests came from near and far to take part in the Global Chiefs for Change Gala, hosted by Dr. Ezi Mecha, on July 13. The event was held at the Holiday Inn Columbia East-Jessup. The celebration featured global dialogue and an awards ceremony. The Rev. Dr. Agorom Dike delivered the ceremony address, which was titled, “The Altar and Ofor: Chieftaincy Redeemed for Kingdom of God.” Dr. Reney Key, legal consultant for the
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, received the Icon of Ethnic Change and Advancement Award. Marcellus Crews, CEO of Crewsing LLC, received the outstanding Humanitarian and Economic Development Leadership Award. Chief Dr. Bernard Mitchell, recipient of Chieftaincy Title Nomination Recognition Certificate, accepted his award all the way from Nigeria via Zoom. A royal procession started the celebration followed by a performance by the DMV Igbo Cultural Dance Group. AFRO photos / Patricia McDougall
Chinedu Ogbulie (left), Dr. Haywood A. Robinson III, who serves as pastor of The People’s Community Baptist Church, and Marcellus Crews, CEO of Crewsing enjoy the Global Chiefs for Change Gala.
Chief Paschal Agubuzo (left) and his wife, Lolo Iris Agubuzo, share a moment with Rev. Dr. Agorom Dike, who served as keynote speaker.
By Patricia McDougall Special to the AFRO
Shown here, U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Janquil Jackson, a senior enlisted leader.
Dr. Ezi Mecha, CEO of TrendCrafters, speaks.
Mr. Edwin Roan addresses the crowd.
Mrs. Shola Aroloye speaks to those gathered for the women’s panel.
Shown here, Nevaeh Williams, a 19-year-old bachelor of fine arts student from the Edna Manley College of Visual and Performing Arts. Williams is a painting major.
Yvonne E. Clarke serves as mistress of ceremonies.
Honoree Dr. Renee Key (left) enjoys a moment with Rev. Mary Charles Nwoke.
Honoree Mr. Izuckukwu Obioma Nweke plays the ọjà, a type of Nigerian flute made of wood.
Dr. Chandra Wilson, a World Network Global Chiefs for Change program board member, speaks.
His Royal Majesty Kwashie Gborlor IV (front, left), the divisional chief of Negleshie Amanfro for the Greater Accra Region of Ghana, and Her Royal Majesty Sulton Falanga Sula Pene Nyundu dance with Chief Favour Okeiyi (back, left) and Dr. Ezi Mecha, founder and CEO of World Ebony Network.
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