Courtesy of Terri L. Fowler
Local resident and red-carpet photographer, Rochelle Porter, was honored with a new name and awareness of her ancestry at an annual event bringing together the African Diaspora and host family from the continent of Africa. Obioma, (O-Bee-Ah-Ma), is the Nigerian name bestowed on this 2026 inductee of the African Focus, Incorporated, (AFI). This is a registered non-profit organization based in California that focuses on the growth and well-being of Africans all around the world. Through AFI awards are given to inducted individuals who have made a lasting impact through their work and dedication to uplifting the human condition.
This year as one of its 18 inductees, Mr. and Mrs. Tony and Linda Hawkins nominated Porter for her altruistic efforts as a business owner, fashion designer, photographer, and community activist. She was the only San Diegan selected for the 20th Annual Goodwill Awards & Family Induction ceremony held on April 25, 2026, at the Renaissance Los Angeles Airport Hotel in Los Angeles, CA. The induction was issued by King Royal Highness H.R.M. Oba Oyeditan Olanite, the Onimeko of Imeko of Nigeria. The host families from several African countries, Cameroon, Ghana, and Nigeria are represented each year.
The evening highlighted the ongoing services and programs led by nominees and awardees from various businesses, programs, and professions. This honor came as a surprise to Porter who replied, “What and honor to be chosen for what I’ve done for the City of San Diego and this community – and the coverage for what I’ve done in Hollywood and San Diego.”
She has been working for over 25 years in the community, providing coverage and photographic content for events and activities from around the city of San Diego and the surrounding counties. Porter has used her photographic abilities to capture various moments in the Fashion District of Los Angeles, NAACP Image Awards shows for TV One, numerous red-carpet appearances with Oscars and Emmy-nominated actors, such as Louis Gosset Jr, Kareem Abul Jabar, A.C. Green, Muhammad Ali, Kobe Bryant, and other NBA, NFL, NBL, Rugby, and Soccer players. In addition, she has captured and filmed noted entertainers such as Smokey Robinson and contemporary political figures, Michelle and Barack Obama.
Locally, she has lent her dynamic talents in photography with outlets including Indian Voices, The Voice & Viewpoint, High Desert Gospel News, The Chocolate Voice, and worked for The San Diego Monitor. But this recognition caught her by surprise, “I never knew anyone was watching me and acknowledging me and appreciating what I do, not just overlooking me,” she added.
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