A Mississippi-born U.S. Air Force veteran and entrepreneur is honoring her late daughter by providing food and essential supplies to struggling families in West Africa while building stronger connections between Black Americans and their African heritage.
Nationwide — Alexis “Lexii” Williams, a Black American mother, military veteran, and entrepreneur originally from Gulfport, Mississippi, is turning the heartbreaking loss of her daughter into a mission of hope for families more than 5,000 miles away in Ghana, West Africa. Through a humanitarian initiative called The Pokrom 100, she is raising funds to provide food and essential household supplies to 100 Ghanaian families, particularly widows, elderly residents, orphans, and households with children.
Williams, who previously served in the U.S. Air Force, never imagined that her personal journey of healing would eventually lead her to become a respected community leader in Africa. After losing her daughter, Lauren, she founded Aloha Glamour, a fashion business that introduced her to Ghanaian artisans and their craftsmanship. What began as a business relationship eventually inspired her to visit Ghana, a West African nation with deep historical and cultural connections to African Americans through the transatlantic slave trade. During her travels, she developed meaningful relationships with local residents and was eventually selected to serve as a Development Queen Mother, a traditional community leadership role focused on improving the lives of local families.
Now, she is using that leadership opportunity to make a tangible difference. Her immediate goal is to raise $2,330 by December 15, 2026, to provide food packages for 100 households. For just $23.30, supporters can sponsor one family and help provide rice, cooking oil, tomato paste, seasonings, and other essential food items, including treats for children. The $23.30 donation amount was intentionally chosen to honor Ghana’s international telephone country code, +233. Supporters can also sponsor two families for $46.60 or ten families for $233.
For Williams, the initiative is about much more than distributing food. It represents an opportunity for Black Americans to reconnect with their ancestral continent while making a meaningful impact on families facing economic challenges. Ghana has become an increasingly important destination for African Americans interested in exploring their heritage, investing in Africa, and building relationships with communities across the diaspora. Williams hopes her efforts will encourage more Black Americans to see Ghana not simply as a place to visit, but as a place where they can build lasting partnerships and contribute to positive change.
“Lauren will always be my daughter. Being her mother continues to shape how I live and serve,” she said. “Grief taught me how much it matters to have people who remember you, check on you, and help carry life’s responsibilities. That is what village means to me.” Her commitment to service has already extended beyond food assistance. Williams has personally contributed resources toward the development of a borehole, which can help provide access to groundwater for a community of approximately 10,000 residents. Her long-term vision includes additional water projects, youth sports training camps, health facilities, vocational education programs, and community development initiatives.
Williams is also breaking barriers in pageantry and cultural education. After entering her first pageant at age 40, she went on to become Ms. Black Mississippi USA 2024 and currently holds the title of Mrs. Black Ghana International Ambassador. She is also the founder of Healing Crown Alliance, an organization dedicated to supporting families affected by pregnancy and infant loss. Through school visits, cultural workshops, and her educational publication *Culture Club*, she teaches young people about African heritage, traditional headwraps, entrepreneurship, and the importance of embracing their cultural identity.
“I come from the hood in Gulfport, Mississippi,” she said. “At 40, I was stepping onto a pageant stage for the first time. Today, I am learning the language and protocols of a community that entrusted me with a responsibility.” Her remarkable journey from military service and personal tragedy to international community leadership demonstrates how one person’s determination can create opportunities for others. She also hopes to collaborate with HBCUs, churches, businesses, educators, healthcare professionals, and African American organizations interested in supporting humanitarian and educational projects in Ghana.
She is inviting individuals, families, churches, alumni associations, and businesses across the United States to participate in The Pokrom 100 campaign. Donations will support the purchase and distribution of food packages, with updates planned to document the campaign’s progress and the families served. For Williams, every contribution is another opportunity to honor her daughter’s memory while reminding people that compassion and community can extend far beyond national borders.
To sponsor a family or support the initiative, visit: https://gofund.me/4f1c99634
Cash App donations are also accepted at: $nanaabenalexi
About Alexis “Lexii” Williams
Alexis “Lexii” Williams is a retired U.S. Air Force veteran, entrepreneur, cultural educator, and humanitarian leader originally from Gulfport, Mississippi. She is the founder of Aloha Glamour and Healing Crown Alliance, a former Ms. Black Mississippi USA, and the reigning Mrs. Black Ghana International Ambassador. Her work focuses on connecting African American and Ghanaian communities through cultural education, entrepreneurship, grief advocacy, and sustainable community development.
For press inquiries, contact 228-229-0745 or nanaabena.hcaf@gmail.com