In 2020, Folake founded AWỌ in response to the death of George Floyd and the global awakening it ignited. AWỌ, meaning "skin" and also "color" in Yoruba Language, is a social justice nonprofit dedicated to creating spaces where historically unheard or misrepresented stories can be shared, expressed, and celebrated. AWỌ's innovative programs use education, storytelling, music, dance, and the arts to address systemic racism, social inequality, and cultural silos. Through these efforts, AWỌ bridges gaps between communities, empowering people to connect and collaborate.
Folake’s vision for AWỌ is rooted in her belief that an incomplete understanding of humanity perpetuates social inequalities and generational traumas. By amplifying the voices of marginalized and misrepresented people, particularly those of darker-skinned individuals, AWỌ fosters a sense of belonging, inclusion, and shared humanity. The organization’s initiatives span workshops, school forums, and curated experiences, targeting youth and families as agents of change for dismantling systemic injustices and rewriting cultural narratives.
Folake’s leadership reflects her commitment to building bridges across divides, leveraging her Yoruba heritage and global experience to inspire others. She envisions a world where people from all walks of life come together to honor their shared humanity and create a more equitable and inclusive society.
In 2020, Folake founded AWỌ in response to the death of George Floyd and the global awakening it ignited. AWỌ, meaning "skin" and also "color" in Yoruba Language, is a social justice nonprofit dedicated to creating spaces where historically unheard or misrepresented stories can be shared, expressed, and celebrated. AWỌ's innovative programs use education, storytelling, music, dance, and the arts to address systemic racism, social inequality, and cultural silos. Through these efforts, AWỌ bridges gaps between communities, empowering people to connect and collaborate.
Folake’s vision for AWỌ is rooted in her belief that an incomplete understanding of humanity perpetuates social inequalities and generational traumas. By amplifying the voices of marginalized and misrepresented people, particularly those of darker-skinned individuals, AWỌ fosters a sense of belonging, inclusion, and shared humanity. The organization’s initiatives span workshops, school forums, and curated experiences, targeting youth and families as agents of change for dismantling systemic injustices and rewriting cultural narratives.
Folake’s leadership reflects her commitment to building bridges across divides, leveraging her Yoruba heritage and global experience to inspire others. She envisions a world where people from all walks of life come together to honor their shared humanity and create a more equitable and inclusive society.
