Founding Story
Amplifying The Power of Art, Culture & Collective Action to Accelerate Liberation
The Liberated People Foundation (LPF) is a newly registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has emerged from over a decade of cultural activism built through the Liberated People (LP) lifestyle brand.
In 2012, Gbenga Akinnagbe, a Nigerian-American actor who grew up navigating fenced shelters and run-down projects in Montgomery County, Maryland- launched Liberated People with a simple but radical premise: a t-shirt could be a declaration of solidarity. By printing the liberation dates of nations across the globe onto wearable art, LP gave people something to carry with them; a reminder that the struggle for freedom is universal, and that it unites us more than our differences ever could. Over the following decade, LP donated proceeds to the Trayvon Martin Foundation, the Black Women’s Blueprint, and organizations fighting for criminal justice reform and human rights. Gbenga served on the board of MoCADA, became board president of Refoundry (supporting formerly incarcerated individuals), and used his platform from The Wire to Broadway’s To Kill a Mockingbird, to speak truth to power. The Liberated People Foundation is the next chapter. It is what happens when a movement grows up and decides it is time to build the infrastructure to match its ambitions.
Our Vision
Our Mission
Whether you’re a philanthropic partner, a creator seeking support, or a movement leader in need of space- we want to hear from you.
Meet The Board
Gbenga Akinnagbe
founder/CEO
Gbenga is an award-winning actor, writer, and activist best known for his acclaimed roles in HBO’s The Wire and The Deuce. Born in Washington, D.C. to Nigerian immigrant parents, his career has always been driven equally by storytelling and social justice.
In 2012, Gbenga founded Liberated People to inspire action against global injustices — partnering with causes including the Trayvon Martin Foundation and Black Women’s Blueprint. For Gbenga, liberation is not a destination — it’s a daily practice.
Elsie Adewa
Board Member
A communications and public relations strategist with over two decades of experience across East Africa, Elsie has held senior roles at Brand Kenya Board, WPP Scangroup, Nation Media Group and BusinessCom Consulting among others, delivering integrated communication strategies for some of the region’s most prominent multinationals, corporates, government and media organisations. She has designed large-scale training programmes, led complex multi-stakeholder campaigns, and advised institutions ranging from commercial banks to national ministries. She holds a Bachelor of Communication from the University of Canberra, Australia, and holds certifications in ESG, Google Cloud digital leadership and AI.
Ken Winell
Board Member
Ken is a technology executive and digital strategist with over two decades of experience driving innovation across healthcare, sports, retail, and nonprofit sectors. As Co-Founder of Nexus Digital Group and former CTO at Tough Mudder and Greater Than One, he has built a career on using technology to solve real human problems — including a tenure as Director of Information Technology at the Robin Hood Foundation. A sought-after voice on AI strategy and digital transformation, Ken is known for pairing technical depth with a genuine commitment to people and community. At Liberated People Foundation, he brings that same conviction to the mission of building a fairer, more just world