PROCLAMATION

Whereas: Founded in 2005, the African Women’s Development Foundation USA is a network of dynamic African Women across the United States of America who work together to help communities in need in Africa and the United States; and

Whereas, the Foundation organizes community programs that embrace cultural diversity, carries out medical missions, as well as provides mentorship programs and internships for college graduates across the United States: and

Whereas, the Miss Africa USA Pageant, now in its 6th year, is one of the Foundation’s community programs designed to offer educational opportunities to talented and ambitious young women who have set high standards for themselves: and

Whereas, the pageant focuses on building confidence and empowering young women to give back to under-served communities in Africa and the United States;

Whereas, the Miss Africa USA Scholarship Pageant has awarded up to #20,000 in scholarships in the last five years and has empowered young women to serve their communities as goodwill ambassadors, serve as mentors for young school age children and act as advocates for the advancement of women and children’s rights; and

Whereas, the Miss Africa USA Scholarship Pageant will be held in Montgomery County July 22 – 25, 2010, where 32 young women will compete for the Crown:

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the County Council of Montgomery County, Maryland hereby proclaims  July 22-25, 2010 MISS AFRICA USA SCHOLARSHIP PAGEANT DAYS IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

Signed  7th day of July 2010 by Nancy Floreen, Council President.
This Proclamation was presented to Lady Kate Njeuma  by the Vice President of Montgomery County Council Valerie Ervin.  Lady Kate is the Founder of the pageant and there to receive the Proclamation with her was Miss Linda Arrey-Mbi the Pageant Coordinator.  Ms Valerie Ervin was accompanied by her Aide Mr. Joseph Eyong.  The Proclamation was presented in front of a live audience during the Miss Africa USA pageant show on July 24 2010 at the Montgomery College Performing Arts Center where the Queen was also crowned later that night.

Fifi Souma is  from the Republic of Guinea Conakry, 21 yrs old, speaks fluent French and English, Full time student at Montgomery College with a major in Communication. Fifi’s platform is to raise awareness and fight against the practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), promote Education of the Girl Child in Guinea and to continue as
a Goodwill Ambassador volunteering for America by teaming up
with charitable organizations across the United States to serve needy communities. According to the Judges, Fifi had a lot of poise and gleamed with confidence on stage, looked comfortable, is very talented and stood out overall.

The Pageant weekend kicked off with an elaborate VIP banquet at the University of Maryland Marriott Conference Center while the pageant show took place at Montgomery College Performing Arts Center in Silver Spring, MD. Both events were successful and sold out beyond capacity and we do apologize to those who were turned away because the PAC had no more room for anymore attendees.

A total of 32 finalists from different African countries participated in the competition and Fifi Soumah emerged as the winner. Fifi will continue to work on her Platform : raising awareness on Female Genital Mutilation and promoting education for the girl child. She will also be volunteering for America, joining major charities to help communities in need.

The purpose of the Ngonju dance team is to forster the Manyu culture in the United States of America.  To let our kids know and understand their roots and the culture of their parents.

The Ngonju Dance team recently performed in Atlanta Ga, July 2nd at the MECA USA  convention where they thrilled the audience and got the whole dance floor congested. The women were showered with dollar bills by convention attendees. The Monekim dance is very colorful and very powerful.

Emmanuella Tamfu

Born to His Royal Highness Chief Emmanuel Muam and Queen Mother Patience Tamfu on April the 4^th 1987, in Cameroon, Africa, I began singing at an early age of 5 and would perform several African traditional, school and church songs in front of cheering family and friends whenever the occasion arose.

As I grew older, my love for music became stronger and attending Saker Baptist College, a school well known for its strong musical abilities made me more musically inclined. I would listen to music of any kind and play out the song as if I was the artist.  The bathroom became my musical stage, causing uproars among my siblings because I will take forever in the shower, singing and making music with whatever would make a noise!

I obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry in 2008 from Morgan State University and I am currently pursuing a career in Pharmacy.

As a member of The Agape Christian Church Choir in Baltimore Maryland, I have the great opportunity to sing and perform on a regular basis.

I had the singular pleasure to be introduced to Singer/Songwriter/Producer; Walta Blackson at the beginning of 2010 and we are working on my debut album which should be completed, hopefully by the end of this year.

My dream and hope is to one day is to become an artist who touches many lives with my music, a performer who and a Pharmacist who helping to make people feel better.

KANJA MUCHOKI known as KANJA THE AFRIKAN KING, is a rising international star and a unique
new artist in the music industry. Known for his mix of hip-hop, R&B, reggae music and lyrics spoken
in his native languages of Kikuyu and Swahili, KANJA is bringing a totally different sound in rhythmic
melodies.
Also a powerful songwriter, KANJA is currently working with celebrity artists and upcoming singers all
over the world. His young and innovative ways of creating music are now beginning to create a buzz
about KANJA as an artist with the potential for a long-term career in the music industry.
Performances
No newcomer to music and performing, KANJA, now 22, has been touring the world since the age
of 15. Born in London, U.K, his family comes from Kenya, Africa where his reggae /African sounds
originate. His music has international appeal, playing in places such as Amsterdam, the United
Kingdom, Africa, Sweden and the United States.

KANJA’s versatile ways of performing led to his B.E.T’s 106 & Park win on Wild Out in October 2009,
and upcoming performance in the all-star segment of 106 & park in June 2010.
KANJA has performed in London, the United States, and East Africa and has appeared on B.E.T’s
Blaze the Stage and at Hampton University with major neo-soul recording artist, Raheem Devaughn,
J. Holiday, & Slim, as well as a concert featuring Jerimiah, Latoya Luckett, & Fabolous and Beenie
Man. He has also performed in Virginia Beach, in the DC/Maryland/Virginia area where he grew up.
In his new hit single, “Cry for You”, KANJA speaks of the struggle of his country, and dedicated it
to the people he’s lost and others who have lost someone close. KANJA also started Red Touch
Entertainment, with proceeds benefiting the HIV/aids campaign in East Africa.
An Artist on the Move
A Hampton University graduate (May 2009) with a degree in fine & performing arts and specialty in
Theater Performance, KANJA has also appeared in a few short films and has plans to audition for
major roles in the film industry. He is currently seeking a recording deal with a major label.
Facebook – Kanja Afrikan King Muchoki
Myspace -  www.myspace.com/Kanjamuchoki
Visit Kanja on:
Twitter- Afrikanking1

The Miss Africa USA Pageant management proudly welcomes to the stage Miss Chinwe Enu, who plans to thrill attendees with her beautiful and angelic voice and talent. Chinwe Enu will perform the African Anthem at the kick off of the Miss Africa USA Pageant.

Young soprano Chinwe Enu continues to garner acclaim for her beautiful voice and captivating stage presence. She was recently hailed by the Washington City Paper for her “soaring operatic voice.” In June 2007 she made her African debut in a recital of arias and art song with the MUSON Center Orchestra at the MUSON Center in Lagos, Nigeria. Following the concert, she was praised by Nigerian press for her “almost flawless sound” and “superior talent.” In 2006, she appeared as Saffi in Strauss’s Der Zigeunerbaron in concert in Graz, Austria with the American Institute of Musical Studies Festival Orchestra where she was praised for her “glorious sound.” In 2008, Ms. Enu was commended for being an inspiration to young African women and was awarded the African Jewel Award. Her 2009 engagements included a July concert of Faure’s La Bonne Chanson, with chamber orchestra, at the InterHarmony Music Festival in San Francisco, California, and a November recital of arias and art song in Maryland. In 2010, she performed the role of Geraldine in Barber’s A Hand of Bridge at the University of Maryland. She has also performed roles in Italy and in Salzburg, Austria. Ms. Enu balances her passionate career as a singer with her training as an attorney. She received a Juris Doctor degree from Georgetown University Law Center and is licensed to practice law in the District of Columbia and the state of California. Ms. Enu studies voice with renowned Metropolitan Opera lyric soprano Carmen Balthrop. She is currently pursuing her music studies at the University of Maryland School of Music where she has received academic honors and was awarded the Charlotte W. Newcombe Scholarship.

Miss Africa USA Management is proudly welcomes Miss Nunu Wako, Ethiopian beauty, model and talk show host as Co-MC of the 2010 Miss Africa USA grand finals slated for Saturday July 24 2010.

Please read on to learn more about Nunu Wako:

Nunu Wako is an Ethiopian-born, American-raised international model, business entrepreneur but foremost an avid humanitarian who has accomplished many achievements in her young life thus far. As a model she was the 2005 Nautica Jeans & Vibe Magazine National U.S. Model Search winner, has been featured in numerous magazines throughout the United States and abroad. She was one of the 8 faces for Kiss Make-Up 2006/2008, one of the faces for Vanessa Wigs for three consecutive years from 2007 -2009 and has been on several billboards for various beverage companies. She has also done several fashion shows for clothing brands such as Baby Phat, Sean Jean, and Roca Wear, and various commercials for companies such as DTLR. NuNu Wako is the 2009/210 crowned beauty for Jamati and African Heat’s Sexiest African Women Alive.

Utilizing the opportunity presented by the modeling industry and her extensive circle of network, NuNu Wako is dedicated to bringing Africa to the forefront and bridging the gap through NuNu Wako Show in which she is the creator, host and one of the executive producers as well as all her modeling and personal endeavors. She says “We all are driven by personal ambitions, and my commitment to speak out against the violations of human rights that occurs universally and particularly on our continent of Africa is more than an ambition, it’s my lifelong passion.”  She is currently the spokesperson for Ivorian Hope Organization a non-profit organization that is dedicated in helping Ivorian war victims in Cote d’Ivoire as well as Artists for Charity which is dedicated in adapting orphaned and educating children with HIV/AIDs.

For more information visit www.nunuwako.com

The Miss Africa USA Grand Finals is slated for Sat July 24 at the Montgomery College Performing Arts Center, 7995 Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring Md. A highly anticipated event drawing the community together through beauty, culture, talent and more.

The Miss Africa pageant management proudly welcomes on board Dr. Emma Osong as the Official MC for the 2010 VIP and Ambassadors Banquet marking the launch of the 2010 Scholarship pageant.  Dr. Emma Osong has hosted several high profile events in the Washington DC area and she will bring her special touch of class to the Miss Africa USA Pageant.

DR. Emma Ngang Osong, D.M, is a corporate trainer, professor, and consultant with a background in aviation engineering, organizational management, and Leadership Development.  She has worked as a Senior Systems Engineer consultant to the Federal Aviation Administration. She serves as adjunct faculty at the Catholic University in Washington D.C. and as Graduate faculty at Argosy University in Arlington, Virginia. She has been hired to speak at several events including the World Bank.

Dr. Osong was Miss Cameroon-USA in 1987. She has a passion for advocacy and volunteers her time as a grade school teacher and to various charities. Osong holds a doctorate in management and leadership from the University of Phoenix and masters in electrical engineering from the Catholic University of America. She lives with her husband Gerry and three children, Nadine, Praxedes, and Steph in Maryland. When not working, Emma enjoys traveling, reading, classical music, and entertaining. She can be reached at osongm@yahoo.com

An exclusive banquet, the first in the pageant’s history in honor of the 32 finalists who will be competing this year for the coveted crown. The banquet will bring together special VIPs such as Elected Officials in the Maryland/DC area, African Ambassadors, sponsors, family and friends of the Miss Africa USA Scholarship Pageant in an evening of fun. The banquet also features a breathtaking fashion show featuring top designers from the motherland, an Award ceremony and a great opportunity to network with attendees.

All 32 Finalists for the pageant will be formally introduced, kicking off the pageant competition with their platform Presentations and micro-project achievements so far.  It is a night of great substance and we are all looking forward to this Red Carpet event, launching the 2010 pageant.

Miss Fifi will confidently represent The Republic of Guinea at the Miss Africa USA Scholarship Pageant slated for

July 24 2010 at the Montgomery College Performing Arts Center in Silver Spring MD.

The Miss Africa USA Pageant Organization wishes to extend best wishes to the Miss Guinea N A organization team and all the contestants for 2010 pageant.  The New Queen will of course represent Guinea at the 2011 Miss Africa USA Pageant.

MISS CAMEROON 1991 BEAUTY AND BRAIN

The African Women’s Development Foundation, Co-sponsors of the Miss Africa USA 2010 Scholarship Pageant will be honoring women of Valor in the African Community during the VIP Banquet on July 23 2010.  Dr. Makia will be receiving  ‘THE 2010 WOMAN OF VALOR AWARD’  for her achievements as a former beauty queen, a success story and a great humanitarian.

Dr Aretha Makia is happily married to Dr. Makia, she is a wife, a mother, a Physician and also a humanitarian. All these great qualities in one person. She is a success story and her life is an inspiration to many young women who look up to her everyday.   She is till a style icon, a fashionista even with her busy Physician and family schedule she still finds the time to keep up those appearances.

Dr. Makia is described as very fun loving by her friends and she is great to hang around with.

Well Miss Africa USA fans cannot wait to meet their host on pageant weekend as we take her back to her Beauty Queen days, bringing back those fun memories of 1991 when she was crowned Miss Cameroon in the Republic of Cameroon.  (Lady Kate Njeuma)