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. During the one-man exhibit by renowned Sierra Leonean artist Sahr Songu Mbriwa, known professionally as Bondumani, pageant titleholders joined YHRI to promote human rights awareness through art, outreach, and community engagement.
Bondumani's hyperrealism style, which has been showcased on CNN, makes images appear to jump out of the canvas. He displayed a dozen pieces recently brought from Sierra Leone and gave a live demonstration of his technique, allowing attendees to participate. As founder of the Bondumani School of Art in Freetown, he is seeking support to provide free art lessons for talented youth in Sierra Leone who cannot afford tuition.
Ambassador Amara Sheikh Mohammad Sowa of Sierra Leone attended as a special guest and delivered remarks emphasizing the importance of art in society. 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.
Beth Akiyama, Executive Director of the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office and former board member of YHRI, thanked attendees and 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 expressed gratitude to the ambassador and his staff for supporting Bondumani's work and his dream for the art school in Freetown.
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. The event engaged over 100 attendees with free educational materials from YHRI, available at youthforhumanrights.org. The DC Chapter also shares updates at Facebook.com/YHRDC.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, created after World War II, includes 30 rights that all people have universally. Despite its importance, surveys show few people know about it. Through public events, media outreach, and creative collaborations, Miss Africa USA and YHRI are helping bring the declaration to new audiences. Earlier this year, they participated in a program in Cameroon to bring human rights education to schools there.
YHRI, a nonprofit founded in 2001, educates youth about the UDHR through art exhibits, concerts, and community events. Youth and adults join volunteer chapters worldwide, like the Washington, DC chapter, to educate youth in their communities. YHRI proudly celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.
