The Full Story
About
In 2023, African Americans of Excellence (AAOE) was founded in Frederick, MD, by Yemi Fagbohun. He envisioned a platform to spotlight the unseen and unrecognized African Americans in Frederick County. Through art, videography, and photography, he sought to tell their stories, fostering unity and healing within the community.
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Yemi collaborated with the African American Resources Cultural and Heritage Society (AARCH), requesting nominations for seven individuals whose contributions exemplify excellence and impact in the community.
That same year, Yemi partnered with Galsight Gallery and Frederick Lifestyle Magazine to showcase artwork, videography, and photography. The event drew a crowd of several hundred, eager to show their support. Inspired by the overwhelming response and the spirit of "healing, togetherness, and community," Yemi decided to move the 2024 event to the Weinberg Center for the Arts.
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In 2024, over 850 individuals attended the event, described as a "kaleidoscope of people" demonstrating the community's desire for unity. A photographer, a videographer, and 32 middle school students created portraits of the honorees, capturing their essence through various mediums. The event was marked by a "showering of appreciation for the palpable love in the room." The works created by the photographer, videographer, and young artists were auctioned, with proceeds donated to the honorees' chosen nonprofits.
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In 2025, Yemi introduced an educational component to the initiative. Selected high school art students were given the opportunity to work on their first professional project, including an exhibit and sale of their artwork. This experience provided students with real-world insights and helped them develop the "muscle memory" required to succeed as professional artists.
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Additionally, seven diverse professional artists, seven videographers, and seven photographers will create individual portraits of the honorees. Their work, along with the students' pieces, will be auctioned, with proceeds benefiting the honorees' chosen nonprofits. This collaboration will highlight the power of art in celebrating excellence and supporting meaningful causes.
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Yemi is eagerly anticipating this year's event at the Weinberg Center for the Arts on February 5, continuing the journey of healing, hope, recognition, and community through art and storytelling.
In addition to the work of others, each year Yemi Fagbohun personally creates artwork for each honoree, which is also auctioned to benefit their chosen nonprofits.

Mission
The African Americans of Excellence in Frederick, MD, celebrates the rich contributions of African Americans through local art and student works. Our mission is to inspire, educate, and promote community healing by fostering dialogue, understanding, and unity while honoring cultural achievements.
Vision
The vision is to create a lasting cultural legacy in Frederick, MD, where African American contributions are celebrated, preserved, and recognized as vital to the community's identity. Through cultural awareness, healing, and inspiring exhibits, we aim to bridge divides, promote inclusion, and honor diversity for future generations.
