The Miss Africa USA Pageant and the DC Chapter of Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI) held a special cultural and educational program at the First Friday: Art Walk Dupont Circle, featuring a one-man exhibit by renowned Sierra Leonean artist Sahr Songu Mbriwa, professionally known as Bondumani. The event aimed to promote human rights awareness through art, outreach, and community engagement.
Bondumani, whose hyperrealism style has been showcased on CNN, displayed a dozen pieces of his art recently brought to America from Sierra Leone. He gave a live demonstration of the hyperrealism technique on a partially completed portrait, allowing attendees to take turns painting. Bondumani is the founder of the Bondumani School of Art in Freetown, Sierra Leone, and is working to gain support for free art lessons for talented youth in Sierra Leone who might not otherwise afford tuition.
Ambassador Amara Sheikh Mohammad Sowa attended as a special guest and delivered remarks alongside the artist and Miss Africa USA representatives. The Embassy of Sierra Leone is located just steps from the historic Fraser Mansion where the exhibit was held. Ambassador Sowa congratulated Bondumani and emphasized the importance of art in today's society.
Miss Africa USA Diana Melissa Ngoumape, who traveled from Indiana for the event, spoke about her commitment to empowering women. Miss Africa USA's First Princess Adeola Shonubi also spoke as the new President of Youth for Human Rights Maryland. Both highlighted the importance of human rights and their commitment to empowering women.
Beth Akiyama, Executive Director of the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office and former board member of Youth for Human Rights International, thanked attendees and 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 Bondumani School of Art.
Miss Africa USA and YHRI foster opportunities for youth to champion human rights education across communities in the United States and abroad. Earlier this year, they participated in a program in Cameroon to bring human rights education to schools. Through public events, media outreach, and creative collaborations, the pageant's leadership and titleholders are helping bring the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to new audiences.
Founded by Dr. Lady Kate Ndi 20 years ago, the Miss Africa USA Pageant has long championed humanitarian leadership among African women in the diaspora. This month's Art Walk event highlighted that mission. Miss Africa USA Diana Melissa Ngoumape of the Central African Republic and 1st Princess Adeola Shonubi of Nigeria engaged the more than 100 attendees to enlighten them on the free educational materials from Youth for Human Rights International.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was created at the newly formed UN after the atrocities of World War II. It includes the 30 human rights that all people have universally. Despite its importance, surveys show few people have heard of it or know their rights. Educational materials distributed at the event are available free at www.youthforhumanrights.org, with additional DC Chapter updates at Facebook.com/YHRDC.
