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 Talks Miss Grand International 2014 - Queens of Africa

Hello world!!!

I hope you and yours are doing well. I'm doing fabulous, thanks be to God! In this post, I'll like to highlight the African queens that will be participating in the upcoming Miss Grand International Pageant. The first Miss Grand International pageant was held last year, and the current titleholder is Janelee Chaparro from Puerto Rico who won the title on November 19, 2013.

Miss Grand International 2013 Janelee Chaparro from Puerto Rico

In an effort to contribute to peace among all, the Miss Grand International beauty pageant adopted a social cause, known as “Stop the War," and MGI delegates work to deliver this message internationally and in their home countries. Over the past year, I have observed this pageant via social media; being one of the newest events in pageantry, they have done very well in promoting their brand and showing their relevance, as well as the fact that the reigning queen has served beautifully. The second Annual Miss Grand International 2014 pageant is set to take place on October 7th in Bangkok, Thailand.

Miss Grand International 2013 visiting students in South Sudan

Miss Grand International 2013 with some children while in the Philippines

The Republic of Sierra Leone has not yet been represented at this pageant. Meet the women representing their respective countries from the continent of Africa. All the best to these African queens!!!

ALGERIA

Miss Grand Algeria 2014 Soumia Benmebrouk

BOTSWANA
Miss Grand Botswana 2014 Lillian Dlamini

CAMEROON

Miss Grand Cameroon 2014 Leticia Ndzana

CONGO
Miss Grand Congo 2014 Naise Gumanda

EGYPT
Miss Grand Egypt 2014 Nada Zakaria

ETHIOPIA
Miss Grand Ethiopia 2014 Hiwot Mamo

GHANA
Miss Grand Ghana 2014 Hanniel Jammin

IVORY COAST (Cote D'Ivoire)
Miss Grand Ivory Coast 2014 Richlove Amissah

MAURITIUS
Miss Grand Mauritius 2014 Dolesswaree Charum

NAMIBIA
Miss Grand Namibia Maila Kalipi

NIGERIA

Miss Grand Nigeria 2014 Tessy Bibowei

SOUTH AFRICA 

Miss Grand South Africa 2014 Ane Reynolds

SOUTH SUDAN

Miss Grand South Sudan 2014 Diana Stevens

TANZANIA

Miss Grand Tanzania 2014 Lorraine Marriot

ZAMBIA

Miss Grand Zambia 2014 Atieno Winnie-Fredah Kabwe

ZIMBABWE

Miss Grand Zimbabwe 2014 Lillie Immaculate Chopamba

Good luck to the African queens, as well as my home country girl, Miss Grand USA 2014 Sara Platt.



Ruby B. Johnson,
Your Miss Sierra Leone USA.

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Miss Sierra Leone USA Attends 2014 Ecumenical Prayer Service For Eradication of Ebola Virus

Hello world!!!

I hope you and yours are doing well. I'm doing great, thanks be to God! On August 10th, I attended an ecumenical prayer service for the eradication of the deadly Ebola virus at the Good Samaritan Lutheran Church, organized by host pastor Reverend Gloria Malake Cline-Smythe. The purpose of this event was to pray for Sierra Leone with the theme of "Bringing Hope To A Hurting Nation." Sermon was delivered by Reverend Dr. Abdul K. Sesay. I was honored to do the opening prayers in Krio.

Reverend Gloria Malake Cline-Smythe and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson praying in Krio

Under the organization of Rev. Cline-Smythe, this prayer service was brought by the Washington metropolitan inter-denominational coalition participating clergy from Maryland, District of Columbia, and Virginia. Minister Ken Turay hosted the prayer service. Sacred readings and reflections were done by Bishop Lucy Anthony, Rev. Thomas and Rev. Fifi Bhai Kamara. Prayers for houses of worship, hospitals, clinics, medical professionals, the Sierra Leonean people, caretakers, educational institutions, etc. were done by Rev. Antoine Ellong, Rev. Silas Nicol, Ms. Audrey Pabs-Garnon, etc. Vote of thanks given by President of National Organization of Sierra Leoneans in North America (NOSLINA) and Miss Sierra Leone in DC board member Ms. Suna Nallo.

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson praying in Krio

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson and Reverend Dr. Abdul K. Sesay

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

In addition to my prayers done in Krio, individuals from the congregation led opening prayers in Limba, Mende, Temne, Yoruba, French, as well as Muslim prayers. The inclusion of the variety of prayers with regards to ethnic groups and religion is because Sierra Leone is a unified and religiously-tolerant nation. His Excellency Ambassador Bockari Kortu Stevens (Sierra Leone's Ambassador to the United States) was in attendance and gave the opening statement.

United Sierra Leoneans Praying for the Nation

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Rev. Sesay requested we pray for three things to pray for Sierra Leone during his sermon: purity, plead for his cause (mercy, grace), and petition (ask God to intervene). Also, he requested women and men of different age groups to come to the altar and represent the demographic of our nation, Sierra Leone. Collectively, we prayed for our Salone.

Sierra Leoneans Praying in Unity for the Eradication of the Deadly Ebola Virus

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson and Ms. Audrey Pabs-Garnon (humanitarian and educator)

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Before heading inside for the prayer service, my friend told me to do an elegant "beauty queen pose" for this picture. Well, THIS is what I did (photo below). Oh so queenly. Haha! Live your best life, be happy, be goofy, and laugh at yourself. It's good for the soul.

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

As most of you may know, the Ebola virus spread is destroying our nation currently and as believers I highly trust that we do our physical best but also trust in the Almighty. Let us continue to pray for Sierra Leone, as well as our West African neighbors: Guinea, Liberia, and Nigeria. We are Sierra Leoneans, we will prevail. God bless the districts of the Republic of Sierra Leone.

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson leading a prayer in Krio

Republic of Sierra Leone national anthem (first stanza)

High we exalt thee, realm of the free;

Great is the love we have for thee;

Firmly united ever we stand,

Singing thy praise, O native land.

We raise up our hearts and our voices on high,

The hills and the valleys re-echo our cry;

Blessing and peace be ever thine own,

Land that we love, our Sierra Leone.

- written by Clifford Nelson Fyle, composed by John Akar

Ruby B. Johnson,

Your Miss Sierra Leone USA.

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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