WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Miss Africa USA Pageant and the DC Chapter of Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI) strengthened their ongoing partnership by holding 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, professionally known 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.
Ambassador Amara Sheikh Mohammad Sowa of Sierra Leone attended as a special guest, delivering remarks alongside the artist and Miss Africa USA representatives. The Embassy of Sierra Leone is located 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. Bondumani, founder of the Bondumani School of Art in Freetown, aims to gain support for free art lessons for talented youth in Sierra Leone who cannot afford tuition.
Miss Africa USA Diana Melissa Ngoumape and First Princess Adeola Shonubi spoke about their commitment to empowering women and the importance of human rights. Shonubi also serves as the new President of Youth for Human Rights Maryland. Organizer Beth Akiyama, Executive Director of the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office and former board member of YHRI, 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 for supporting Bondumani's work and his dream for the art school.
The partnership between Miss Africa USA and YHRI fosters opportunities for youth to champion human rights education across communities in 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, media outreach, and creative collaborations, they help bring the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) 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.
The UDHR, created after World War II, includes 30 human rights that all people have universally. Despite its importance, surveys show few people know about it. Educational materials from YHRI are available free at www.youthforhumanrights.org, with DC Chapter updates at Facebook.com/YHRDC. The event highlighted how art can be a powerful medium to promote human rights awareness and community engagement.
