Miss Sierra Leone USA Attends 2013 Little Malaika International Leadership and Multicultural Pageant

Hello world!!!

I hope you and yours are doing well. I'm doing great, thanks to the Almighty. I am back in the US from my Homecoming trip to Sierra Leone, and in the next couple weeks I'll be writing detailed blogs about my time in Salone. In the meantime, remember to read my preview blog post about my trip, and see more photos on my facebook page. Upon my return to the States, I attended the 2nd Annual Little Malaika International Boys and Girls Leadership and Multicultural Pageant on May 25th, presented by Racines Heritage Foundation (RAF) in partnership with Autism Community of Africa (ACA).

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Proceeds from this pageant will support girls' education in Cote d'Ivoire, and children with autism in the Autism Community of Africa organization. Being that my platform as Miss Sierra Leone USA is advocating for SHERO, my platform of advocating for individuals with autism and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) research, and the kids in the pageant gained lots of life skills prior to the main event, I found show to be very relevant.

Ms. Linord Rachel Moudou (Founder of Racines Heritage Foundation) and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013

Ms. Linord Rachel Moudou is the Founder of Racines Heritage Foundation, and owner of the Little Malaika International Pageant. She is also well-known as the Producer & Host of Healthy Living on Voice of America Television (VOA TV). Before joining VOA TV, Ms. Moudou worked as an independent broadcast and print journalist, traveling between Africa, Europe and the United States. She worked for TELE-SUD, a Paris-based television station. She is also the creator, producer, and host of “Spotlight on Africa,” a bilingual (French-English) television and radio program on Public Access Television and New World Radio in Washington DC.

Left-Right:
Miss Central America Belleza Rubi Perez-Howard,
Miss Jayden Baiyewu (represented Trinidad and Tobago & Best National Costume winner),
Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Miss Central America Belleza Rubi Perez-Howard and Miss Sierra Leone USA Ruby B. Johnson

Fact: Racines Heritage Foundation (RHF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting education, inter-cultural dialogue, and helping to improve the quality of life of communities in Africa living in extreme poverty, especially women and children. RHF is a member of the World Federation of UNESCO Clubs, Centers & Associations. The organization works in cooperation with UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, to accomplish its mission in promoting education, culture and intercultural dialogue, part of UNESCO's mission and activities.

Left-Right:
Prince Malaika 2011-2012 Dylan Haaland, Guest,
Miss Central America Belleza Rubi Perez-Howard,
Dyson Haaland (represented Cameroon at the pageant), and
Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013 Ruby B. Johnson, and
Her Excellency Jacinth Henry-Martin (Ambassador of St. Kitts and Nevis to the US; Pageant Guest of Honor & VIP Judge)

Miss Janet Lagah-Bona (Racines Youth Leadership Award Recipient) and
Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013 Ruby B. Johnson

At the event, I had the pleasant surprise of running into the intelligent and beautiful Miss Janet (former Junior Miss Sierra Leone USA). She received the Racines Heritage Youth Leadership Award for her commitment to advocating for and empowering children, as well as being the Founder/CEO of Children Empowerment Foundation. This Salone titi is unstoppable and I know her future can only get brighter!

Miss Sierra Leone USA and Miss Alizah Francois (representing Haiti) receiving Community Achievement Award

Miss Sierra Leone USA and Miss Angel Maiga (representing Nigeria) receiving Public Speaking Award

Princess Malaika 2013 Semai Tewelde and Miss Sierra Leone USA

Semai Tewelde won the title of Princess Malaika 2013. This talented and intelligent eight-year-old represented Eritrea, and won the heart of the judges with her karate talent performance and beautiful presentation of her East African culture.

Miss Sierra Leone USA and Prince Malaika 2013 Alexis Turbat

Alexis Turbat won the title of Prince Malaika 2013. This talented and intelligent seven-year-old represented France and the Philippines, and won the heart of the judges with his poem about Dr. Martin Luther King and his charm in overall presentation.

Left-Right:
Princess Malaika 2013 Semai Tewelde,
Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson,  and
Prince Malaika 2013 Alexis Turbat

Overall, I had an amazing time at this pageant and was impressed by all the participants. From the production, I could tell that they were rightfully trained and deserving to be on that stage. For parents and guardians out there that are looking for a great program that will benefit and empower their children academically and culturally, I'd recommend the Little Malaika International Program.

Ruby B. Johnson,

Your Miss Sierra Leone USA

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Sources:

Little Malaika International