The Miss Africa USA Pageant and the DC Chapter of Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI) strengthened their partnership by hosting a special cultural and educational program at the First Friday: Art Walk Dupont Circle. The event featured a one-man exhibit by renowned Sierra Leonean artist Sahr Songu Mbriwa, known professionally as Bondumani, whose hyperrealism style has been showcased on CNN. Bondumani displayed a dozen pieces recently brought from Sierra Leone and gave a live demonstration of his technique, allowing attendees to participate in painting a partially completed portrait.
Ambassador Amara Sheikh Mohammad Sowa of Sierra Leone attended as a special guest and delivered remarks alongside the artist and Miss Africa USA representatives. The embassy is located near the historic Fraser Mansion where the exhibit was held. Ambassador Sowa congratulated Bondumani and emphasized the importance of art in today's society. Bondumani is the founder of the Bondumani School of Art in Freetown, Sierra Leone, and is seeking support to provide free art lessons for talented youth who cannot afford tuition.
Miss Africa USA Diana Melissa Ngoumape, who traveled from Indiana, spoke about her commitment to empowering women. First Princess Adeola Shonubi, also the new President of Youth for Human Rights Maryland, addressed the importance of human rights. Organizer Beth Akiyama, Executive Director of the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office and former YHRI board member, said, "People of every nation must know their 30 human rights. Governments of the world must make the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights known and followed for the sake of peace and prosperity for all." She thanked the ambassador and his staff for supporting Bondumani's work and his dream for the art school.
The Miss Africa USA Pageant, founded by Dr. Lady Kate Ndi 20 years ago, has long championed humanitarian leadership among African women in the diaspora. This partnership with YHRI fosters opportunities for youth to champion human rights education across the U.S. and abroad. Earlier this year, they participated in a program in Cameroon to bring human rights education to schools. Through public events and creative collaborations, they are helping bring the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to new audiences.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, created after World War II, includes 30 rights that all people have. Despite its importance, surveys show few people know about it. Educational materials distributed at the event are available free at www.youthforhumanrights.org, with additional DC Chapter updates at Facebook.com/YHRDC.
