Ilfenesh Hadera

Happy Earth Day 💚

🎞️ Treasure trove 🎞️

Only time eastbound has ever felt like heading home @chezfifinyc 🌹

In June 1996, my hero, Asfaha Hadera—founder of Afrikin International Services @afrikininternational —sat down with Dr. Roscoe C. Brown (a Tuskegee Airmen Commander and host of ‘African American Legends’) to reflect on the history of the organization (then called African Services Committee), his journey to the United States, and his vision for the future. Thirty years later, we remain steadfast in honoring that legacy: providing free, life-saving support to the most vulnerable, grounded in his belief that there can be no lasting socioeconomic growth without health, and that self-help initiatives are the strongest path to sustained economic stability and independence. Over the last three years, we have moved our focus entirely to our programs in Northern Ethiopia, a region devastated by war, famine, and drastic cuts to international aid. Thanks to the generosity of our community, AIS has:
– Installed beehives for women farmers
– Repaired and maintained laboratory equipment used to diagnose and treat infectious diseases
– Distributed essential nutritional support
– Established new farms for female-headed households In short, we have helped build households equipped with the resources to grow, harvest, and access pathways to health—honey, eggs, poultry, milk, and meat that provide both nourishment and income in local markets. I watch this interview and I’m struck by a man whose unshakeable drive to uplift and empower guided his every step. Dad came to the United States in pursuit of a place where he could live out his calling to serve—and he honored that calling until his last breath. This #GivingTuesday, we invite you to join us once again in carrying Asfaha’s mission forward and helping create a fairer, more equitable world. Link in bio for both AIS and the full-length interview. With love and gratitude,
Ilf #Africa #GivingTuesday #Ethiopia #Gratitude #asfahahadera #ilfeneshhadera #health #honey #honeybees #sustainability #farming #farmlife #nonprofit

Princess Rambo ting

Jamaica~ My grandmother was in the Peace Corps in Mandeville in the 80s when she stumbled upon Treasure Beach in Saint Elizabeth Parish which has been absolutely devastated by Hurricane Melissa. My favorite tree, the spindly buttonwood older than me, gone. Golden Sands run by Miss Jackie who hosts my mother, grandmother and I every year and had just rebuilt after Hurricane Beryl, devastated. Roads washed out, homes flooded, roofs peeled back, animals displaced. Jake’s and Jack Sprat mashed up beyond recognition. The animals, Olive’s brother who I saw running down the road near Miss Linda’s shop last time I was there and wanted so badly to bring home. What of Smurf’s Cafe and Wise Wellness? Jamaican owned small businesses that keep Jamaica, Jamaican. There is no place on earth like it and there are no people quite like the Jamaican people. Resilient and grateful, even in the wake of such tragedy and destruction. All my people are safe and despite having lost so much, give thanks for life. I know I’m not alone in my heartbreak, if Jamaica has given you even a fraction of what it’s provided me over the years, please considering donating to help the island in what will be a long and arduous recovery. . . . I have tagged The American Friends of Jamaica and Global Empowerment Mission-both nimble and efficient. AFJ is matching donations up to 1 million USD and if you write in the additional notes section “BREDS” it will go directly to Treasure Beach which has been just decimated. The animals will need help too, shelters will need to be rebuilt, food and clean water replenished, so I’ve tagged JSPCA and Montego Bay Animal Haven both providing vital rescue work and veterinary services on the island. Much love 💛🖤💚

Ilfenesh Hadera (@ilfenator ) opens up about her Harlem roots, her iconic role as Mayme Johnson in @godfatherofharlem , and her latest role as Pam King in @officialspikelee ’s “Highest 2 Lowest,” where power, loyalty, and secrets shape every corner of New York. Now streaming on @applefilms . Read Ilfenesh’s interview: vestalmag.com LINK IN BIO (@vestalmag )   On the cover Ilfenesh wears @zimmermann Photographer @kevinsinclairphoto Fashion Editor @davianlain Interviewer @david_gargiulo Hair @ursulastephen @aframe_agency Makeup @yumi_mori @kalpana_nyc using @makeupforever Photo Assistant @anistmn Stylist Assistant @mphilicia Hair Assistants @thebeautifulthingz @arianascanvas Talent @ilfenator @wolfkasteler #vestal #vestalmag #ilfeneshhadera #highest2lowest #spikelee #appletv #applefilms #zimmermann

Spent the morning getting ready with my darlings @porschefabulous & @brianbuenaventura_ . Caught the most chic and beautiful @kallmeyerofficial show (thank you @madelynn_matichak_ 🤍 and congratulations @daniellakallmeyer !) at @craneclubrestaurant complete with a private tour of the space (thanks @ronniemadra !) Sat next to the stunning and kind (and most talented) @deneebenton AND caught up with my sis @patinamiller who gave me the hug (I knew) I needed. All that before 1pm. I used to say “no” to most things, yesterday was a reminder that good things come to those who allow them.

I brought Olive back from Treasure Beach in February 2024, in April papa was diagnosed with stage 4 Lymphoma. Every morning, when I got home from overnights at the hospital and crawled in bed, this little angel would burrow under the covers and up under my arm, warm breath on my neck, and sleep with me until I was ready to get up and face the day. Thank you Princess Olive for all the love and comfort and happiness you’ve brought us. The fastest girl in the dog park, lover of frozen mango, belly rubs, all my most expensive underwear and any toy tia Marisol @lookitsmarisol sends. Hater of peanut butter, house flies and strangers who try to pet her. Affectionately known on the block as “killa”, what was life without your perfect, silly, savage self? #internationaldogday

I call this one ‘Elvira: Mistress of the Disco’ I was obsessed with Elvira when I was a kid, I think she got Halloween three years in a row. I didn’t meet @sophiagraziellasignorelli until 2012(?) But her dad Jim Signorelli directed “Elvira: Mistress of the Dark” maybe we can get him to direct me in the sequel, Soph…tell him I’ve got the perfect dress. So much fun this day, thank you @voguemagazine and thank you to the most charming @luxurylaw Vogue: @voguemagazine Photographer: Dan Jackson | @studio_jackson Fashion Editor: Law Roach | @luxurylaw Hair: Sondrea “Dre” Demry-Sanders | @dre_on_hair Makeup: Susie Sobol | @susiesobol Global Entertainment Director: Sergio Kletnoy | @sergiokletnoy Global Creative Director: Raul Martinez | @raulmartinez1024 Visuals Director EU: Jamie Spence | @jamiedspence Manicurist: Megumi Yamamoto | @megumiyamamotonyc Tailor: Tae Yoshida for Carol Ai Studio Tailors | @tae.y1122 Set Design: Montana Pugh | @not.thestate Produced by: PRODn | @faragoprojects