Tradition meets style: black culture on the Legacy Awards black carpet

Like spirited family gatherings, Sunday’s Legacy Awards black carpet was a joyous celebration of Black culture, creativity and excellence. For many, the evening was an opportunity to showcase their heritage through fashion, hair, makeup and accessories. From bold fabrics reminiscent of African royalty to intricate hairstyles honoring ancestral traditions, this year’s styles were a living expression of cultural pride and self-expression.

I had the opportunity to witness it all up close and talk to some of the guests. Everyone showed up and showed off, but here are nine unique outfits that celebrate our culture in the most beautiful way.

d’bi.young anitafrika

The presence of dub poet, playwright and performer d’bi.young anitafrika on the black carpet was simply a cultural flex. Celebrating African heritage and storytelling through fashion, they wore a bold Ankara print tuxedo by Enagancio. Also striking: Anitafrika’s large, mint-green beaded earrings — purchased during her stay in South Africa. “When I think about storytelling… I think of my clothes as the embodiment of visual storytelling,” she said. “I will absolutely use African print because I want to tell this story – our vitality, resilience and persistence in celebrating even when we experience the deepest degradation.”

Weyni Mengesha

Director and Icon Award winner Weyni Mengesha embraced the modern age, paying homage to her roots with the traditional Albaso hairstyle of Ethiopia and Eritrea. “I represent my mom’s boys,” she said. “It’s a hairstyle I grew up watching my mother wear and braided when we went to weddings.” Mengesha’s look wasn’t just a fashion statement — it was a tribute to the women who raised her and the Legacy Awards for creating a space for her to fully embrace her culture.

George Sully

Award-winning designer George Sully hit the black carpet in a smartly tailored blue suit from black-owned menswear company Fari Hara. As the founder of the accessories brand Sully & Son Co. and visionary of Black Designers of Canada – a non-profit organization supporting Black creatives in fashion, graphic design and interior design – Sully passionately celebrates Black excellence in fashion. “Of course I had to represent,” he said.

Donisha Prendergast

Donisha Prendergast – director, actress and member of the legendary Marley family – presented herself in a style rich in culture and heritage. Dressed in a handmade short-sleeved wool sweater from the French brand Creole and a vintage denim skirt from her aunt Cedella Marley’s Catch a Fire line. Prendergast’s outfit was as much about provenance as it was about fashion. “We can’t keep our roots, even on the red carpet,” she said. Her thrift earrings reflect her commitment to reuse and recycling – part of her culture and lifestyle.

Sheronna Osbourne

Actress and director Sheronna Osbourne hit the black carpet in a bright pink dress by Nigerian designer Kadiju paired with a custom hat by local black artist JKB Studios. Osbourne’s look was pure art; both bold and purposeful. “It’s especially important to me to wear black designer clothes – especially women’s ones – because tonight is about celebrating our victories,” she said.

Aqyila

R&B singer Aqyila lit up the black carpet in a mesmerizing gold gown by Johannesburg designer Gert-Johan Coetzee. Aqyila said the design inspired by South African royalty made her feel like she was “dipped in gold”. She emphasized her love for South African culture and her strong connection with its fan base. Her flawless hair and makeup done entirely by a black woman in glam style added the finishing touches to her regal ensemble. “I feel like a princess,” she said.

Queeny Kuffour

Actress, writer and content creator Queeny Kuffour has totally turned up the black girl magic. The Digital Creator Fan Choice Award nominee accessorized with statement jewelry, including stunning gold Sankofa earrings. “Sankofa is an Adinkra symbol that means ‘go back and get it,’” she said. She also honored her Akan culture with traditional Ghanaian beaded bracelets worn during the Adowa dance, which she grew up performing with her mother. Kuffour’s look was a bold and elegant tribute to her heritage.

Karlyn Percil

Life coach Karlyn Percil beautifully combined cultural pride and sustainable fashion with a bright red tulle skirt from Beni Boo Styles, a low-cut top from Value Village, and Khoi earrings. And her African-shaped bracelet came from Rwanda. “It’s a reminder not only of my African roots, but also a reminder to celebrate them because there is so much cultural erasure in our daily lives,” she said.

Inwardness

Popular DJ and producer Intrinity performed loud and proud. He wore a limited-edition Toronto Maple Leafs jersey in collaboration with Canadian brand Too Black Guys during this year’s NHL All-Star Weekend. “Too Black Guys is a great Toronto brand that was created in the 1990s to unapologetically represent the Black experience,” he said. And the “Too Black” inscription on the back was a strong accent. “I was supposed to put on a jacket, but I had to do it completely consciously,” he said. “I couldn’t be more proud to wear this t-shirt at the largest celebration of Black excellence in Canada.”

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Nneka Elliott is a former award-winning television personality turned lifestyle content creator. She shares her love of beauty, style and wellness, and her adventures as a millennial mom @nnekaelliott.