Miss Africa USA and Youth for Human Rights International Partner to Promote Human Rights Education at Art Exhibit in 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 took place during a one-man exhibit by renowned Sierra Leonean artist Sahr Songu Mbriwa, known professionally as Bondumani, who has been featured on CNN for his hyperrealism style, which makes images appear to jump off the canvas.

Miss Africa USA pageant titleholders joined YHRI to promote human rights awareness through art, outreach, and community engagement. Ambassador Amara Sheikh Mohammad Sowa attended as a special guest and delivered remarks alongside the artist and the Miss Africa USA representatives. The Embassy of Sierra Leone is located just steps from the historic Fraser Mansion where the exhibit was held.

Bondumani showed a dozen pieces of his art recently brought to America from Sierra Leone. He gave a live demonstration of his hyperrealism technique on a partially completed portrait and allowed others to take turns painting on the piece. Bondumani is the founder of the Bondumani School of Art in Freetown, Sierra Leone. While in the U.S., he is working to gain support for free art lessons for talented youth in Sierra Leone who might not otherwise afford tuition.

Ambassador Sowa congratulated Bondumani and gave moving remarks emphasizing 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 spoke about their commitment to empowering women and the importance of human rights.

Organizer 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 emphasized the need for people to know their 30 human rights as outlined in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). Educational materials distributed at the event are available free at youthforhumanrights.org, with additional DC Chapter updates at Facebook.com/YHRDC.

Miss Africa USA and Youth for Human Rights International foster 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 there. Through public events, media outreach, and creative collaborations, the pageant’s leadership and titleholders are helping bring the UDHR 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 First Princess Adeola Shonubi of Nigeria engaged the more than 100 attendees to enlighten them on the free educational materials from YHRI.

The UDHR 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, yet by survey few people have heard of it or know what their human rights are. Youth for Human Rights International is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating youth about the UDHR through creative outreach, including art exhibits, concerts, and community events. Since 2001, YHRI has inspired young people to become champions of peace, tolerance, and human dignity. This year, YHRI celebrates its 25th anniversary educating youth around the world.

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