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

Miss Sierra Leone USA Leads Health and Wellness Workshop At 2014 AIRF Youth ArtBeat Summer Program

Hello world!!!

I hope you and yours are doing well. I've been very busy but happy, thanks be to God! This summer has been full of adventures for me, and I have been loving every minute of it. It has been such an adventure that I'm actually behind on blogging, but I'll be doing catch-up in the upcoming days to let all of you know what I've been doing. A couple days ago, I led a Health and Wellness workshop for students in the African Immigrant and Refugee Foundation's (AIRF) 2014 Youth ArtBeat Summer Week program.

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson with AIRF 2014 Youth ArtBeat Summer Week Program students

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson leading a Health and Wellness workshop

This Summer Week group involved students in Elementary, Middle, and High School. I had so much fun with the kids, and it is always a pleasure serving AIRF, and recollecting on the days I was in the Catching Up Program back in High School. Our conversation involved health, fitness, hygiene, and the importance of positive and healthy image.

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson leading Health and Wellness workshop

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson leading Health and Wellness workshop

Most of the students in the Summer Program I had the opportunity to meet a couple months ago at the AIRF 2014 Youth Awards. As you may know from my many past posts, I've spoken fondly of AIRF and as an alumnus of the Catching Up Program, it is always a pleasure to give back to the current students.

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson leading Health and Wellness workshop

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson with AIRF 2014 Youth ArtBeat Summer Week Program students

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

T-shirt: When You Believe Foundation, Inc.

There's nothing more important than our good health - that's our principal capital asset. - Arlen Specter

Ruby B. Johnson,

Your Miss Sierra Leone USA.

REMINDER

Come out tomorrow (Saturday, August 16th) and watch me and the amazing cast in our live stage performance in the classic Sierra Leonean play, Cry of the Country Virgin.

CRY OF THE COUNTRY VIRGIN

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