Miss Sierra Leone USA at Keep The Promise Rally & March on Washington

Hello world!!!

This past Sunday, I attended the Keep The Promise March on Washington. This Rally and March was organized by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. People in attendance at this event were people living with HIV/AIDS, advocates, politicians, supporters, friends, family, etc.; there were more than 2,000 people in attendance. Speakers included Dr. Cornel West, Tavis Smiley, Ambassador Andrew Young, Michael Weinstein, Jenny Boyce, Reverend Al Sharpton, a video message from Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and many more. The predominant message that was echoed at the Rally and March was the significance and urgency of President Barack Obama and other elected officials to do more in combating this domestic epidemic.

In my personal platform (SHERO), H is for health and E is for education; I chose to attend this event because I saw it as a great initiative for HIV/AIDS awareness in the United States, Sierra Leone, and all other nations. Sexual health and education is very relevant in today's society, and dialogues must be created in order to eradicate the existence of HIV/AIDS in our communities. In a country of 6 million people, Sierra Leone has 49,000 people living with HIV but only 3,660 people are receiving antiretroviral theraphy (ART) according to AHF. Sierra Leone has the lowest treatment proportion of any of the African countries in which AHF has a liaison. Do you know that nearly 1.2 million Americans are now living with HIV/AIDS with nearly 50,000 new infections every year? This is an all-time high according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

An entertaining performance was done by these ladies

Emcee of the Rally, Margaret Cho

Comedian and actress, Margaret Cho, mentioned that she has been involved with HIV/AIDS activism since she was a teenager during the height of the epidemic in the 1980s. She stressed on the importance of finding a cure as well as prevention.

Poetry by Roxanne Hanna-Ware
She has been living with HIV

 Thousands of researchers are in our nation's capital this week for the 19th International AIDS Conference. The conference will take place in the U.S. after 22 years of struggle against U.S. travel restrictions.

Member of the rally who asked to take a picture with me

With Aaron M. Laxton, HIV/AIDS blogger, activist, and public speaker
He had one of the many powerful signs at the Rally and March

Aaron M. Laxton is a dynamic young man that I met at the Rally, who has been living with HIV. Read more about him in his blog, and watch his youtube videos. His story needs to be heard by all.

Michael Weinstein is the President of AIDS Healthcare Foundation. He stated that the Rally and March "...is about a rebirth of AIDS activism across this country. Our message today is the war against AIDS has not been won. Our message today is that the world must keep its promise. Now is not the time to withdraw and also today that the voices of people living with HIV in this organization will be heard."

L to R: Sign language interpreter, Dr. Cornel West, Michael Weinstein, and Tavis Smiley

Dr. Cornel West was one of the keynote speakers at the Rally, and it was great hearing him speak again. I first saw and heard Dr. West speak at my university a few years back when he was invited as the keynote speaker for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, hosted by Virginia Tech's Alphi Phi Alpha. Dr. West is a prominent and provocative democratic intellectual who has taught at the Union Theological Seminary, Yale, Harvard, and the University of Paris.

Tavis Smiley is a broadcaster, author, publisher, advocate, and philanthropist. He is currently the host of the late-night television talk show Tavis Smiley on PBS as well as the The Tavis Smiley Show and co-host of Smiley and West, which he co-hosts with Dr. West.

With Julian B. Kiganda, President of Vibrant Design Group

Flag parade
Miata Jambawai talking about how HIV/AIDS affects Sierra Leone

During the Rally, there were a few countries and U.S. states represented with flags on stage to talk about how their region is affected by this epidemic. I was surprised but happy to see the Sierra Leone flag on stage because it shows that my nation is making HIV/AIDS awareness a priority and making strides towards its end. Representing Sierra Leone was Miata Jambawai, Country Program Manager at AIDS Healthcare Sierra Leone. She came all the way from Freetown for this occasion and will be in DC all week for AIDS 2012. It was a pleasure speaking with her, and I was honored to have carried the Sierra Leone flag during the March with her by my side.

Member of the rally who asked to take a picture with me

Jenny Boyce has been living with HIV

Jenny Boyce is a woman from South Africa who has been living with HIV/AIDS. She shared her story of living with HIV over the past decade, and use of lifesaving antiretroviral treatment (ART). She gave a message full of hope, love, support, and spirituality.

Video message of Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Archbishop Desmond Tutu is a Nobel Peace Laureate, and one of the greatest living moral icons of our time who was a key leader in the fight against apartheid in South Africa. He has been very vocal and active towards ending injustices, including the tragedy of HIV/AIDS in his country and around the world. In addition to HIV/AIDS, he has campaigned to fight against tuberculosis, poverty, racism, sexism, and many more.

With mom, friend's niece, and friend

With my friend, Rolanda

With my mom and friend

Miss Sierra Leone USA next to the AIDS Memorial Quilt display

 The AIDS Memorial Quilt will be on display at various locations around DC, and one can still add a panel or share a memory. Search and view the panels online here.

A very hot and beautiful day in DC

Trying to keep my eyes open for the photo

One of the reasons why I was very proud to have been part of this event is that I got to talk to people about my country, Sierra Leone, due to lots of people asking what my crown and title is for. Some people knew of Sierra Leone, some had never heard of it, and some have heard of it but did not know much. It was great giving them a geography brief about my Republic. A comical moment was when some people thought I was Miss America, and would yell "I love your crown, Miss America!" "You look beautiful, Miss America!" "There she is, Miss America!" "Let's see the wave, Miss America!" I smiled about it when I heard, but I tried correcting some about my title if I had a chance. Many people asked to take pictures with me, and I tried my best to keep my eyes open in the pictures because it was really hot and the sun was shining brightly.

Miss Sierra Leone USA Photo op for Dab the AIDS Bear Project

Ambassador Andrew Young giving his speech

Ambassador Andrew Young is a civil rights leader, ordained minister, former U.S. Congressman, former mayor of Altanta (Georgia) and former United Nations Ambassador. He spoke about his experience as a diplomat and the importance of the global fight against AIDS and why must all "Keep the Promise" on HIV/AIDS.

Photo op

Miss Sierra Leone USA Photo op for CodePink

Photo op for CodePink

Miss Sierra Leone USA in front of the Washington Monument

Rev. Al Sharpton giving his speech

 Reverend Al Sharpton is a civil rights leader and a prolific advocate for the rights and freedoms of the disenfranchised. Known for his work for the betterment of the African American community, Rev. Sharpton's speech talked about the glaring injustice of HIV/AIDS, which disproportionately affects communities of color. He talked about how political and faith-based leadership is essential in the fight against AIDS, and how Churches and faith-based organizations in the United States hold the power to unite communities and to help bring an end to this deadly epidemic.

Miss Sierra Leone USA wearing Boshok Clothing

Photo op for CodePink

Wyclef Jean rocked the stage!

One of the highlights was Wyclef Jean's performance, and I feel strongly to speak for all that he gave us some great entertainment. He gave us some classics and newbies, and his performance was a blast from start to finish. Something I especially loved about Wyclef's performance was seeing Dr. Cornel West dance, it was great seeing a more relaxed and fun side of him. He's actually got some great moves, but Tavis Smiley shied away from dancing and did a few moves at the corner of the stage. Thank you Wyclef for letting me witness that moment!

Wyclef Jean's performance at the Rally

Wyclef Jean performing during the Rally

Umbrellas were out because of the hot sun
Everyone got a free umbrella

Getting ready for the March to start

The Green, White, and Blue flying high in the sky

The U.S. flag leading the March

Miss Sierra Leone USA marching with Miata on the streets of DC with the
Sierra Leone flag

Overall, I thought this was a fantastic event and I took so many lessons from it. Personally, I would have love to have seen and heard more women on stage speaking about the epidemic, as keynote speakers. I think women's perspectives need to be heard about this epidemic and how it affects women personally and also with regards to family and professional life.  Do you know that women constitute more than half of all people living with HIV/AIDS globally, and that women are at least twice as likely to acquire HIV from men during sexual intercourse than vice versa? For women in their reproductive years (15-49), HIV/AIDS is the leading cause of death globally, and women in Sub-Saharan Africa constitute 59% of all people living with HIV/AIDS (The Foundation of AIDS Research). These are some of the reasons why I felt the need to have been part of Sunday's Rally and March, and also why more women's voices need to be heard!

Miss Sierra Leone USA proudly carrying the Sierra Leone flag

I would have also love to have seen and heard the perspective of someone living with HIV/AIDS that is under 30 years old. HIV/AIDS is very relevant to the younger generation and I want people to know that those born after 1990 are not immune to it. Another perspective I wanted to have heard at the the rally was someone who is related/taking care of in some way to someone living with HIV/AIDS. The perspective of HIV/AIDS caregivers is very important

Miss Sierra Leone USA with Miata Jambawai at the end of the March
Check out the guy behind me who creeped on our picture. lol

Get tested. Know your status. Know your partner's status. Safety first at all times. Prevention is the only cure for HIV/AIDS. Speak up. Speak out!

P.S: Special thanks to my mom, friend, friend's niece for being there with me throughout the Rally and March, regardless of how long and hot the day was. I love you all.

Ruby B. Johnson

Your Miss Sierra Leone USA

Did you like my t-shirt? Find it and many more designs at Boshok Clothing.

References:

Keep The Promise 2012

Blink of An Aye Photography

Dab The AIDS Bear Project

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Miss Sierra Leone USA: A Crown That Will Last Forever

Happy Sunday!!!

Hope you and yours are doing well. Today marks the 3rd week since I was crowned Miss Sierra Leone USA, and I'm still taking in all the excitement, responsibilities, opportunities, etc. Yesterday, while reading some passages on Bible Gateway, I came across a reading that really resonated to me with regards to my journey to becoming and being MSLUSA 2012. This passage is 1 Corinthians 9:24-25, it reads "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever."

One of the reasons why I decided to apply myself into the Miss Sierra Leone USA Pageant system is because I wanted to give service to my Sierra Leonean diaspora in the United States, and I saw this title as a gateway for that intent. This is why one of the pillars of my personal platform, SHERO, is service. Having purpose, I did lots of research, practice and asked questions in order to be successful in this endeavor. Like the passage says, many will compete but only one will get the prize and by God's grace I did my best to be the one. I was so invested in this that sometimes my mom made comments that I put so much work into this just as I do for my academic work. Of course, I found balance in both during this past semester because as an African the motto is "school first" in our homes.

Crowning Miss Sierra Leone USA 2012-2014, Ruby B. Johnson

I am a staunch believer that oftentimes when you put in the work, one will reap the benefits. Like the passage states, everyone will go into strict training and I know that we the 8 ladies that were in this pageant did our tasks accordingly. All my life, I was never involved with pageants and had no interest in pageantry so this was a new experience for me. I remember when I will tell some friends/family I was going to do this they were very surprised. Some even made comments about how pageantry contrasted with my lifestyle as a feminist, but I always responded to their comments and questions explaining my purpose of getting involved. In a future blog post, I will explain how I am bridging the gap between feminism and pageantry in my life.

Towards the end of verse 25 reminds me of my purpose of getting involved. Having a crown and sash is all material things, and that could easily be bought. But I will say getting the MSLUSA crown and sash is the icing on the cake for my job. It is not about winning a crown and sash but doing something with it afterwards and where I take it to. Having a crown that last forever means to leave my mark and think of the legacy I will leave behind. There have been 5 women that were given this task in the past and they all left their mark in various ways. I cannot say what my legacy will be but I hope to leave a positive imprint. In SHERO, O for opportunities, and this is an important pillar to me before and during my reign because I do believe that life is what you make it. I have been given this opportunity as Miss Sierra Leone USA to make an impact, so I will do my part with the help of God and others to do my best to serve during my reign.

Have a great week, everyone!


Ruby B. Johnson
Your Miss Sierra Leone USA


SOURCE:
Life DePICted Photography

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Miss Sierra Leone USA at KDU NE Heritage Weekend

Hello world!!!

This past weekend, I had my first official appearance as Miss Sierra Leone USA at the Krio Descendant Union Northeast's Heritage Weekend in New Jersey. As I mentioned in a previous post, KDU Global was my sponsor at the Miss Sierra Leone USA pageant, and I was very excited to meet the many members of this dynamic organization. The members were very excited to have me, and I was treated nothing less than a queen. I am grateful. The theme of the weekend was: Krio Heritage - Fostering a Culture of Education.

Heritage weekend program

It was a long trip to New Jersey, so after getting checked in and settled in my hotel room, I was ready for a nap. This nap lasted for 3 hours, and well-needed. The banquet started at 8pm, and I felt special that I was given the opportunity to have a grand entrance, I was escorted into the hall by co-MC of the night, Mr. Rudolph Jackson. Upon meeting the many fantastic members of KDU NE, I was very excited to meet Mr. Melbourne Garber, president of KDU NE. I am very thankful for all his help throughout my journey to the 2012 MSLUSA Pageant and after. I was just as excited to meet him as he was to meet me. I admire that he's a structural engineer, and we swapped stories about our engineering paths.

Miss Sierra Leone USA with Mr. Melbourne Garber, President of KDU NE

With Mr. Rudolph Jackson, co-MC of the night

I was introduced to many phenomenal people, and got to network for a bit. The food was very delicious and healthy! Besides the royal treatment that I was given, one thing that brought my attention to my title was that so many people wanted to take pictures with me. I was very happy to take pictures with them all. One thing that I took notice of is that many people referred to me as their Miss Sierra Leone USA when meeting me for the first time or introducing me to others; I was humbled by it and felt the love and support. This makes my job so much more rewarding and reminds me of my duty to serve and represent all Sierra Leoneans.  

The mission of Saturday's banquet/fundraiser was to raise money for the Children's Department in the Sierra Leone Library Board in Freetown. This project is headed by Ms. Iris Max-Macarthy and Ms. Gloria Allen. My personal platform (SHERO) as Miss Sierra Leone USA, E for education, involves advocating for the education of all native Sierra Leoneans and the Sierra Leonean diaspora. Education is very vital for any nation's development, and I believe that by educating these children and providing them with the necessary tools to achieve this, they will make dynamic leaders and professionals in the near future. This project hopes to benefit the Children's Library with more modern furniture, computers/IT materials, books/games for the physically impaired, relevant supplementary reading materials, educational/cartoon movies, etc.

Mr. Melbourne Garber giving his opening speech

Miss Sierra Leone USA with Mrs. Cassandra Garber, President of 
Krio Disendants Yunion (KDY) in Sierra Leone. She is a former principal of 
the Freetown Secondary School for Girls (FSSG)

Miss Sierra Leone USA with some members of KDU NE 
at Saturday's banquet

Some guests doing the electric slide

Fun Fact: The son of the co-MC took lots of interest in me since the moment we met. We sat on the same table and offered to assist me throughout the night. He was such a gentleman (well more like gentleboy), and some people even thought he was my little brother. He asked me out on a date, and I thought he was a very brave 9-year-old to do such a brave thing to a 21-year-old. I enjoyed his company throughout the night, and he offered to be my wonderful photographer of the night.

Miss Sierra Leone USA and her buddy of the night, Jonathan Roberts

On Sunday, there was a thanksgiving service in the morning. The guest preacher was Reverend Alaba Max-Jones. He spoke on the history of the Krios, the importance of raising children in Christ, and the importance of culture and respect for our history as Sierra Leoneans. Overall, it was a great sermon and thanksgiving service. Also, I loved that there were krio translations for all hymns and passages. "Tel am tenki" was one of the songs, and I found it really awesome seeing Sierra Leoneans and non-Sierra Leoneans singing in my native language. That was a proud moment for me. A reception was done after the service and we had lots of delicious foods to eat such as aborbor (beans), oleleh, couscous, jollof rice, ginger beer, akara, fried plantains, etc.

Sunday's reception after Church

To show my appreciation for their support, I presented my thank-you letter to KDU NE during my speech at the beginning of Saturday's banquet. I hope it sincerely expressed my gratitude to their continuous support! I smiled and laughed throughout the weekend, and it helped a lot that the festivities were entertaining as well as educational. 

Please let me know if you are interested in getting involved with the Sierra Leone Library Board Children's Department Project. You can contribute as little or much as you can. Every donation counts!

Ruby B. Johnson

Your Miss Sierra Leone USA

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