The Miss Africa USA Pageant and the DC Chapter of Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI) deepened their ongoing partnership by hosting a special cultural and educational program at the First Friday: Art Walk Dupont Circle. The event took place during a one-man exhibit by renowned Sierra Leonean artist Sahr Songu Mbriwa, known professionally as Bondumani, whose hyperrealism style has been showcased on CNN. Hyperrealism creates images that appear to leap off the canvas, magnifying the subject's excitement.
Ambassador Amara Sheikh Mohammad Sowa attended as a special guest and delivered remarks alongside Bondumani and Miss Africa USA representatives. The Embassy of Sierra Leone is located near the historic Fraser Mansion, where the exhibit was held. Bondumani displayed a dozen pieces recently brought from Sierra Leone and gave a live demonstration of his hyperrealism technique on a partially completed portrait, allowing attendees to participate. 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.
Ambassador Sowa congratulated Bondumani and emphasized the importance of art in society. Miss Africa USA Diana Melissa Ngoumape spoke about her commitment to empowering women, and First Princess Adeola Shonubi, now President of Youth for Human Rights Maryland, highlighted the importance of human rights. Organizer Beth Akiyama, Executive Director of the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office and former YHRI board member, stated, "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.
Miss Africa USA and YHRI foster opportunities for youth to champion human rights education across U.S. communities 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 championed humanitarian leadership among African women in the diaspora. This month's Art Walk event highlighted that mission, with Ngoumape and Shonubi engaging over 100 attendees and distributing free educational materials from YHRI.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was created after World War II and includes 30 rights that are universal to all people. Despite its importance, few people have heard of it or know their rights. Educational materials distributed at the event are available at www.youthforhumanrights.org, with additional DC Chapter updates at Facebook.com/YHRDC.
