The founder of the African Women Power (AWP) Network, Mary Olushoga, is set to return to the stage at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) for its 40th Annual Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., scheduled for 10:30 a.m. today, January 19, 2026.
The historic event, which honours the life and enduring legacy of Dr. King, will see Olushoga perform alongside The Fire Ensemble, an intergenerational pop-up choir rooted in Black Gospel music and led by Troy Anthony.
The annual tribute brings together artists, civic leaders, and community members to reflect on Dr. King’s vision of justice, equality, and collective progress.
Expressing her excitement ahead of the performance, Olushoga said she was honoured to once again share the stage with The Fire Ensemble in New York City.
She described the opportunity as a meaningful moment to celebrate the arts, community, and the legacy of Dr. King alongside a vibrant and engaged audience.
Don’t Miss This: Microsoft begins search for new Kenya country manager as Phyllis Migwi exit
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is also expected to join the programme later in the day as part of the commemorative activities.
Beyond her performance career, Olushoga is widely recognised as an award-winning community and economic development expert whose work focuses on creating wealth-building opportunities for low-income and underserved communities worldwide.
She serves on the Executive Steering Board of the Nigeria National Plastic Action Partnership, a multi-stakeholder initiative under the Federal Ministry of Environment in collaboration with the Global Plastic Action Partnership of the World Economic Forum.
Through the AWP Network, Olushoga has supported and trained more than 36,000 entrepreneurs across Africa in partnership with over 48 organisations, helping women and girl entrepreneurs in Nigeria access more than $300,000 in grant and equity-free funding. These initiatives have contributed to the creation of over 2,800 jobs.
The organisation has also launched pioneering programmes, including the EcoAction Summit for climate entrepreneurs, high-impact procurement training for women-owned businesses, the Agropreneur Project, and the Dream Initiative for youth entrepreneurs.
In 2020, the AWP Network introduced its Vendor Programme to increase the participation of women entrepreneurs in large retail supply chains across Africa, forming partnerships with major retailers such as ShopRite Nigeria, Miniso Nigeria, Jara Stores, Prince Ebeano, and Next Cash n’ Carry.
Founded in 2012, the African Women Power Network is dedicated to advancing the success of African entrepreneurs. Olushoga is also a mentor, speaker, writer, and small business advocate whose work has been presented at global institutions including the UK House of Lords, Harvard University, Yale University, the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, and the United States Department of Labor.
She holds a bachelor’s degree from Union College, a master’s degree from Baruch College, and has served as a public policy fellow at the University at Albany’s Center for Women in Government and Civil Society.
Olushoga is the recipient of numerous international awards and fellowships and has featured on major global media platforms including BBC World News, BusinessDay Nigeria, Channels Television, and The Guardian Nigeria.
BAM’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute marks its 40th year in 2026 and will feature remarks from Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II, dance performances, musical showcases, and family-friendly programming, continuing its tradition of celebrating individuals and communities advancing Dr. King’s vision.
