Miss Sierra Leone USA Serves As Judge at Howard University's Miss/Mr. Afrique 2014 Pageant

Hello world!!!

I hope you and yours are doing well. I've been busy and trying to keep up with life, thanks be to God. On October 11th, I was invited and asked to be a judge at Howard University's 7th Annual Miss and Mr. Afrique 2014 pageant. This year's theme was "Timeless: The Battle for the Crown." The show was hosted by the very funny social media pair and comedy duo known as 2 Stupid Goats: Dulo (IAmDulo) and Dami (AphricanApe).

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Comedian Dami of AphricanApe and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

This annual event is organized by the students in Howard University's African Students Association. There were eight contestants, four women and four men vying for the titles of Miss Afrique 2014 and Mr. Afrique 2014, respectively. One thing that was interesting about this pageant is that although every contestant was from an African nation, they represented countries different from the land of origin. Seven out of the eight contestants were originally from Nigeria. All of the contestants did a phenomenal job in all areas of contribution: country representation, talent, bio-walk, and on-stage-question. They all represented their designated countries with pride, elegance, and knowledge.

Miss Fanta Traore (Howard University's African Students Association President), Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson, and Miss Matilda Johnson (Mr/Miss Afrique pageant coordinator)

CONGRATULATIONS to Miss Ashley Dike who represented Guinea-Bissau on winning the Miss Afrique 2014-2015 title (pictured below). Ashley Dike is a senior in sports medicine with a minor in chemistry from Houston, Texas/New Orleans, Louisiana by way of IMO State, Nigeria. She considers herself a free spirit; she loves to dance, design, have fun, learn new things, and help others. She aspires to be a naturalistic pharmacist, and an advocate for social change for the world especially Africa. Her ultimate life goal is to use the gifts God has blessed her with to be a continuous blessing to her family, friends, community, and the world.

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson and Howard University's Miss Afrique 2014-2015 Ashley Dike

CONGRATULATIONS to Mr. Okeychukwu Uzoho from Nigeria, who represented Liberia, on winning the Mr. Afrique 2014-2015 title (pictured below). Okeychukwu is a junior in Political Science from Bowie, Maryland. He is an active member of the DC, Maryland, Virginia (DMV) Club and the African Students Association. During his freshman year, he was on the step and stroll team. Right now he is working on acquiring his degree so that he may pursue his dream of becoming a defense attorney. He wants to be the voice for young black men who can’t defend themselves against a corrupt justice system. Another dream of his is to be able to bring his cousins from Nigeria so they can receive an education in America like they’ve always wanted. His mother is a pastor so he has always been deeply rooted in the teachings of our Lord. He tries to put the Word into everything he does and it has inspired him to always help those less fortunate.

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson and Howard University's Mr. Afrique 2014-2015 Okeychukwu Uzoho

Overall, I had a great time at the pageant and enjoyed all the cultural presentations by the dancers and various performers. Congratulations to HU's ASA for a successful event, and it was a pleasure serving as one of the judges at this occasion. AFRICA OYE!!!

Royal Selfie: African Queens
Miss Sierra Leone USA and Howard University's Miss Afrique

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2012-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

We face neither east nor west; we face forward. - Kwame Nkrumah

Ruby B. Johnson, 

Your Miss Sierra Leone USA.

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Miss Sierra Leone USA Serves As Judge At The 2014 Miss Tanzania USA Pageant

Hello world!!!

I hope you and yours are doing well. I've been really busy but happy, thanks be to God! Due to my busy schedule, I've been behind on a couple blogs but I plan to make it up starting NOW! On August 30th, I attended the 2014 edition of the Annual Miss Tanzania USA pageant to serve as a judge. The inaugural edition was last year, in which I also served as a judge, and it felt great returning as a judge this year in support of this wonderful African diaspora pageant. The Second Annual Miss Tanzania USA was hosted by the always entertaining Gil Ingles, who is always a blast to watch in action.

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Returning Judges:
Designer and Actor Mr. Peter S. Walden and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

It was exciting to be serving as a judge at the pageant with the always stylish Mr. Peter S. Walden (wearing his own Peter S. Walden Collection suit); he's the designer of the Perfect Gentleman by PSW suit collection. Both of us were judges last year, so it felt good to see a familiar face in the judges panel.

Red Carpet Host Ms. Veronique Blay and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson and Congolese Singer/Dancer Patience Ibembo

The entertainment for the night was the talented and beautiful, Ms. Patience Ibembo. With her beautiful voice and dancing skills, it was a pleasure watching her perform multiple times during the night. Patience is a singer and dancer from Congo, and a former dancer for artist Koffi Olomide. She's a lovely lady, and so sweet! She's definitely a crowd pleaser, and had the audience very much involved in all her performances. I kept whispering to my fellow judge, Peter S. Walden, that if I wasn't on judge duty, I'd have been on stage dancing with her. Make sure you check out her music online and grab a copy of this amazing African woman's work!

East and West African Queens:
Miss Tanzania USA 2014-2015 Aycha Cheyo and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

CONGRATULATIONS to the beautiful and very talented Miss Aysha Cheyo, who was crowned Miss Tanzania USA 2014-2015 and one of the United State's new African diaspora queens. This lady has such a beautiful voice, and during her talent performance I was so moved by her voice that I had my eyes closed just to enjoy her voice and focus on its beauty. Her big bright smile captivated the audience, and her countenance warmed our hearts. She performed throughout the night with grace and intellect. I wish her all the best during her time of service as reigning queen. Congratulations to Miss Tanzania USA 2014 First Runner-Up Kupewa Mushala and Miss Tanzania USA 2014 Second Runner-Up Jessica Kalemera.

Miss Tanzania USA 2014 Miss Congeniality Grace Mtingi demonstrating the skills of a construction worker during talent presentation

One of the memorable moments for me at this event happened during the talent presentation. Before I get into this, let's rewind a bit. I'm currently a final year student in Mining and Minerals Engineering and attaining a minor in Women's Studies Leadership at Virginia Tech. My personal platform as Miss Sierra Leone USA is advocating for the recruitment and retention of girls and women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. With all that said, let's come back to this event. During the talent presentation, one of the Miss Tanzania USA 2014 contestants came out in a hard hat, reflector vest, boots, etc. and I got so excited inside of me (it took a lot out of me not to start jumping in joy and tears when she got on stage). This contestant, Ms. Grace Mtingi, mentioned that she's a construction worker and would be demonstrating one of her tasks and its purpose in this job. This is something I have never seen done before for talent and was so excited to see something so unconventional and unique in a pageant. My goal in life is to acknowledge and promote the diversity of girls'/women's passions, and that women truly can do anything. Girls and women can have beauty AND brains! Watching Grace on stage was watching my platform of advocating for girls/women in STEM on stage, my dream was coming true. Grace was crowned Miss Tanzania USA 2014 Miss Congeniality, and observing her performance on stage and the volume of screams from folks in the audience for her, I'm sure she's very deserving of this title.

CONGRATULATIONS to the Miss Tanzania USA Class of 2014. These ladies did a phenomenal job on stage, and presented themselves with confidence and poise, and of course African elegance. They are all remarkable, and I hope they will continue to live out their dreams, maintain their passions, and be women of substance in their various communities. Once again, congratulations my African queens.

Miss Tanzania USA 2014 Court and Judges

AFRICAN QUEENS
Representing Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Sierra Leone

Overall, I had a wonderful time at the event. Additionally, the food was very delicious, the foodie in me was very pleased with the service and the content of my plate. Thank you for feeding me, Tanzania! Special thanks to Ma Winny Casey (owner of the Miss Tanzania USA pageant), Ms. Diana Michieka, Ms. Pendo, Gil Ingles, and the entire Miss Tanzania USA production team. You've created a wonderful organization that showcases the beauty and culture, as well as the many things the people of Tanzania can offer. Thank you to the Tanzanian community in the United States for taking me with open arms and promoting African unity. Tanzania Oye! Sierra Leone Oye! AFRICA OYE!!!

My dress for this event was designed by my lovely grandmother, Mrs. Bola Johnson, in Salone. Fambul den na Salone. Are you looking a seamstress that can make the best afrikana designs and many more in Freetown? Well worry no more and visit Leslen Ventures Tailoring and Boutique at 58 Dundas Street. Mrs. Bola Johnson sabi so en ple an wit matirial, in kayn no de. For example, she created my afrikana look for this event and several other outfits I've worn during my Miss Sierra Leone USA appearances. She's not only the best designer in Sierra Leone, but my lovely and amazing grandma. For more information, contact +232 77763001 or leslenventures@yahoo.com. Tell her I sent you!!!

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

This world was not created piecemeal. Africa was born no later and no earlier than any other geographical area on this globe. Africans, no more and no less than other men, possess all human attributes, talents and deficiencies, virtues and faults. Haile Selassie

Ruby B. Johnson,
Your Miss Sierra Leone USA.


Photo credit:
Life Depicted Productions

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Miss Sierra Leone USA Attends 2014 Africa-U.S. Summit's Private Sector Forum

Hello world!!!

I hope you and yours are doing well. I have been very busy but happy, thanks be to God! As a result of my busy schedule lately I am a couple of blog posts late, but I'm catching up now. On August 4th, I attended African Leadership Magazine's Africa-US Private Sector Forum 2014, one of the events held in commemoration of the inaugural Africa-U.S. Summit 2014. This event was held at The National Press Club in our nation's capital, District of Columbia. Special thanks to the Sierra Leonean Empowerment Network (SLEN) for providing me with the opportunity to connect with the Miss Africa Foundation and being a part of this event.

When You Believe Foundation, Inc. Founder/CEO and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014
Ruby B. Johnson

When You Believe Foundation, Inc. Founder/CEO and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014
Ruby B. Johnson

The theme of this Forum was "Partnership For Increased Technical and Financial Investment Into Africa." Speakers include: His Excellency Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania, Business Owner and former Republican Presidential nominee Herman Cain, Civil Rights activist Reverend Jesse Jackson, and many more.

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson along with His Excellency President of Tanzania Jakaya Kikwete handing out awards

Attending this event was a learning experience, and I have never been in such a summit talking about issues relating to my continent of birth (Africa) and adopted home (United States). I had the honor of escorting the president of the United Republic of Tanzania His Excellency Jakaya Kikwete to his seat, as well as handing out an award for the special induction into the African Leadership Hall of Fame.

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson (in green afrikana)

"President Obama welcomed leaders from across the African continent to the nation’s capital for a three-day U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, the first such event of its kind. The Summit, the largest event any U.S. President has held with African heads of state and government, built on the President’s trip to Africa in the summer of 2013 and aimed to strengthen ties between the United States and one of the world’s most dynamic and fastest-growing regions. Specifically, the August 4-6 Summit advanced the Administration’s focus on trade and investment in Africa and highlighted America’s commitment to Africa’s security, its democratic development, and its people. At the same time, it highlighted the depth and breadth of the United States’ commitment to the African continent, advanced our shared priorities, and enabled discussion of concrete ideas to deepen the partnership." (White House, 2014)

Sierra Leonean Queens:
Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson, Miss Heritage Sierra Leone 2013-2014 Ramzain Suma, and Miss Samira.

Sierra Leone's Representatives:
Businessman and philanthropist Dr. Adonis Abboud and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

At the event, I met Mpule Kwelagobe. Escorting the President of Tanzania to his seat was an honor for me, as well as seeing many African leaders but meeting this woman was extra special for me. Hailing from Botswana, Mpule represented her nation at Miss World 1997 and went to become Miss Universe 1999 from Botswana, and the first woman from Africa and of African ancestry to win the Miss Universe title. She is one of my pageant role models and my goodness she is so sweet in person (she gave me multiple hugs). During and after her reign, Mpule has been recognized and honored as a human health rights activist, especially for her fight against HIV/AIDS and advocacy for youth and women to have greater access to sexual reproductive education and services.

Activist and Miss Universe 1999 Mpule Kwelagobe and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Mano River Queens: Sierra Leone and Guinea
Miss Guinee North America 2013-2014 Fatoumata Diabate and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

"At its core, the Summit was about fostering stronger ties between the United States and Africa. The theme of the Summit was "Investing in the Next Generation." Focusing on the next generation is at the core of a government’s responsibility and work, and this Summit provided an opportunity to discuss ways of stimulating growth, unlocking opportunities, and creating an enabling environment for the next generation." (White House, 2014)

Beauties With A Purpose:
Miss Guinea North America 2013-2014 Fatoumata Diabate and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Civil rights activist Reverend Jesse Jackson and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

One of the best parts of that day was seeing Africans take over Washington, DC with their outfits and just by being, because of the 2014 U.S.-Africa Leadership Summit that week. I got to bond with folks at the summit, on the streets, and in the train. Because of this special occasion, I got to make new friends from Rwanda, Congo, Zambia, Namibia, etc. UNITED AFRICANS!

Founder/CEO of When You Believe Foundation, Inc. and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

African and American Woman With A Purpose:
Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 and When You Believe Foundation, Inc. Founder/CEO Ruby B. Johnson

I dream of the realization of the unity of Africa, whereby its leaders combine in their efforts to solve the problems of this continent. I dream of our vast deserts, of our forests, of all our great wildernesses. - Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela

Ruby B. Johnson,
Your Miss Sierra Leone USA.


Photo credit:
Life Depicted Productions

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Sierra Leonean Empowerment Network (SLEN) Conference 2014

Miss Sierra Leone USA Teams Up With South African Embassy on 2014 Nelson Mandela International Day

Hello world!!!

I hope you and yours are doing well. I'm doing great, thanks to the Almighty. On July 18th, I volunteered with the United States Embassy of South Africa at the So Others Might Eat (SOME) homeless shelter for Mandela Day. The annual Nelson Mandela International Day, July 18, was launched in recognition of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela’s birthday on July 18th, 2009. It is more than a celebration of Madiba’s life and legacy. It is a global movement to honor his life’s work and act to change the world for the better. The message behind Mandela Day is simple – each individual has the ability and the responsibility to change the world for the better. My personal platform as Miss Sierra Leone USA is Advocating for SHERO, and S stands for service; therefore, a Day like this is very near and dear to my heart. Also, I've always admired the work and seen Tata Madiba as my honorary great grandfather.

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Mandela Day is a global call to action that celebrates the idea that each individual has the power to transform the world, the ability to make an impact. It was inspired by a call Nelson Mandela made in 2008, for the next generation to take on the burden of leadership in addressing the world’s social injustices when he said that “it is in your hands now”. Since the late Nelson Mandela fought for social justice for 67 years, it is recommended that individuals utilize 67 minutes on Mandela Day and make a positive contribution in their community. Mandela Day is not meant as a public holiday, but as a day to honor the legacy of Nelson Mandela, South Africa's civil rights leader and former President, and his values, through volunteering and community service. I may not be South African but because of Papa Mandela, an African girl like me grew up in a nation like Sierra Leone in peace and freedom with lots of African pride. Because of Africans like Papa Mandela, I can.

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

On Mandela Day, individuals in South Africa and around the world rallied together in community service in honor of Tata Madiba's birthday and lifelong service to the world. In commemoration of this Day, I teamed up with the Embassy of South Africa in the United States to do my 67 minutes of service. Multiple programs were set up by the embassy, and I had the opportunity to serve at the SOME homeless shelter. As some of you may know, I've been volunteering at the SOME dining room over the past months. However, for Mandela Day I got to volunteer at the SOME affordable housing shelter in a different location. For Mandela Day, activities involved: cleaning the shelter, gardening, planting flowers, cleaning the playground, and many more.

Miss Sierra Leone USA Ruby B. Johnson and Ms. Anne Cornelius (Embassy of South Africa staff member)

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson and SOME staff member

SOME staff member and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson and SOME staff member

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson with Embassy of South Africa and SOME staff members

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson with Embassy of South Africa and SOME staff members

Overall, I had a great time serving with these wonderful women and men as we continue the legacy of Tata Madiba. While cleaning up, the South African embassy staff and individuals taught me some words in Xhosa (one of the official languages in South Africa) and I taught them some words in Krio. As we kept talking and getting to know each other, we realized how much similar we all are as Africans regardless of the artificial regional boundaries in our continent. In addition, they admired my dedication to service and proud that young folks are still energetic about giving back. A couple of them even recommended I pay a visit to Africa's "rainbow nation," and by God's grace I plan to do that in the future.

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson with fellow Mandela Day volunteers

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson with fellow Mandela Day volunteers

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

There is nothing I fear more than waking up without a program that will help me bring a little happiness to those with no resources, those who are poor, illiterate, and ridden with terminal disease. - Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela

Ruby B. Johnson,
Your Miss Sierra Leone USA.

T-shirt: When You Believe Foundation, Inc.

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Miss Sierra Leone USA Attends 2014 Grand Opening of Crystal Restaurant - Taste of Marieland

Hello world!!!

I hope you and yours are doing well. I'm doing well, thanks be to God. Last Sunday, I attended the grand opening of Crystal Restaurant - Taste of Marieland in Hyattsville, Maryland. The owner of this restaurant is Senegalese US-based Chef Marie Joe. This event was hosted by Angolan US-based personality Gil Ingles, and there were many wonderful music and dance performances. Of course, there was delicious food!

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Ruby Red!
Miss Sierra Leone USA 2012-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson and Chef Marie Joe (Owner of Crytal Restaurant - Taste of Marieland)

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson getting introduced by event MC Gil Ingles

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson and music producer Gil Ingles

1/2 of My Dynamic (Photography) Duo
Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson and Mrs. Mikki Rafik (Videographer of Life Depicted Productions)

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson and Chef Marie Joe on the dance floor

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson and Chef Marie Joe on the dance floor

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson and Troy-Massa (health consultant and high school friend)

Ma Winny Casey (Fashion Designer of Mitindo Nite, and Owner of Miss Tanzania USA pageant) and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson and Miss Sao Bangura (Actress/TV Personality)

Miss Laetitia Mbukapindu (Miss Congo USA 2005 and Founder/CEO of Mz. Congo Model and Talent Agency)

Right-Left:
Rapper Asuzu performing next to Chef Marie Joe, Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson, and Koby Maxwell

Actor/Singer/Producer Koby Maxwell and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson and rapper Asuzu

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson having fun on the dance floor with Chef Marie Joe and Troy-Massa

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson having fun on the dance floor

Overall, I had a great time at the event. It entailed yummy food, great people, as well as awesome music and dancing. If you are ever visiting the state of Maryland, I recommend you visit this restaurant and enjoy the delicious African cuisine.

Chef Marie Joe (Owner, Crystal Restaurant - Taste of Marieland) and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2012-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Can you guess my favorite color???
Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

If you really want to make a friend, go to someone's house and eat with him... the people who give you their food give you their heart. - Cesar Chavez

Ruby B. Johnson,
Your Miss Sierra Leone USA.

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Photo credit:

Life Depicted Productions

Lex Xander Productions