2008 Notes from the Editor

Well another year is over and we have another queen. The Miss Liberia in the US Organization has Just completed its 8th year. Ever year the organization provides scholarships and oppourtunities to young Liberian women here in the US . Over the past 3 years it is estimated that the Organization has provided approxmately provided $10,000 in scholarships to Liberian women accross the country. During this pageant year friends were made, experience was gained, tears of happiness and joy were shed.

So what is next??? A new queen will have an oppourtunity to make a difference in her community, across the nation, and possibly around the globe!!! The decision is her's. She will make the crown and title what she wants for the year. It dose'nt make her. What she does today will impact how people see you as a queen but as an individual. So for our new queen I have some advice as you start your year as Miss Liberia in the US.

1) Enjoy the Moment!!!
Yes!!! You have just captured one of the most coveted and respected titles for African Pagentry here in the United States!! Be very proud of that.

2)Get to work on your platform
Get with your state and national directors and see how they can assist you in promoting your platform for the year. Most likely they already have a list of projects that they would you to undertake.

3)Meet your responsiblities
As Miss Liberia in the US, when you give anyone your word make sure you live up to them. When you start the Miss Liberia in the US pageant program you sign a contract saying that you would meet certain requirements during your reign. Failure to meet your responsibilities can result in putting yourself in an embrassing predicament and even up to stripping of your crown and title.

4)Be Punctual!!!
I know,I know we as Liberians have the notorious habit of being late. However as a queen you should strive to live above the standard. Your pageant director, sponsors and organizations have gone out of their way to plan events to promote you and your title. To totally be late or do a no show shows a lack of respect and is just inconsiderate and rude.

5)Invest in Fine stationery
Nothing more shows your appreciation more than a sponsor, mentor, organization or just and individual receiving and hand written thank you note on fine stationery. Thanking them for their support, contributions, or just inviting them to an event you are hosting. This personal touch goes a long way to developing great relationships.

6) It's more than just a crown
A lot of people feel that Miss Liberia in the US Pageant System is strictly for entertain purposes. Where a group of young women are randomly selected from all around the US to entertain our community by showcasing lovely attire and preforming talent. Being Miss Liberia in the US or just participating the pageant system is so much more. It is a chance or and oppourtunity to give back to your community to make a difference to be a mentor to youth to be a source of help to elderly. There is so much power in the crown but it depends on you. How do you want to be remembered? It you who makes the crown the crown does not make you

I hope this advice helps the the national and states queen to have a successful and productive reign.

Happy Independence Day from Liberian Pageants:Miss Liberia Maryland Korvi Kamara attends Liberian Independence Day Celebrations!!!

Saturday July 26 2008

Liberian Embassy Grounds Washington DC
Miss Liberia Maryland Korvi Kamara Attends the Liberian Independence Day Celebrations in Washington DC

The day after the Miss Liberia in the US Pageant Miss Liberia Maryland attends the Liberian Independence Day Celebrationss held at the Liberian Embassy. The Grounds were filled with Vendors , Entertainers and fellow Liberians young and and old as they celebrated Liberia's 161st birthday. The festivies began at 10 oclock that morning and did not end until 8pm that evening.

All of Liberia's comfort foods were there roasted meat and fish and my favorite Palava Sauce and Rice to the novelites we loved as children such as frozen Kool-Aid and Milk Candy!!!

Miss Kamara spent the entire time meeting and greeting fellow Liberians, taking pictures with men women and children. She even had the oppourtunity to meet a former Miss Republic of Liberia Queen.

At the end of the event Miss Kamara said "What a wonderful way to end the weekend. First I met an competed with some of the most dynamic Liberian women in the United States and eventhough I did not win it felt nice to come home to where my fellow Liberians from Maryland Washington DC Metropolitan Area treated me warmly and like a true Queen. I definately do feel like a winner!!"

Miss Liberia New York Halimatu Tunis wins the Miss Liberia In the US title

Friday July 24 2008-Philadelphia PA

Article from Front Page Africa

As if she was destined to make history, Ms. Hananatu Tunis, a New York resident snatched the Miss Liberia USA 2008 Crown Friday night at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in the heart of Philadelphia.

The annual Miss Liberian pageant is hosted by the illustrious women of the Liberia United Women in Progress (LUWIP), and it coincides with the celebration of Liberia’s 161st Independence Day on July 26th.

Pageant winner Ms. Hananatu TunisEight women representing their respective states put up a fabulous show as they tried to win the prestigious Miss Liberia 2008 crown. The show began with the Queens stepping on stage in their elegant African attires.

Under the watchful eyes of judges led by former Liberian arch national goalie and community activist, D. Zeogar Wilson, eight beautiful women, including Miss Ophelia Chulu of California, Miss Maima Harriet Badio of Pennsylvania, Miss Geogetta Wade Jarba-Wayne of Michigan, Miss Cassandra Zoewi Bornstein-Baylor of Texas, Miss Korvi Wanga Kamara of Maryland, Miss Alida Wilson of New Jersey and Miss Belloh Paulette Julius of Georgia participated in various aspects of the pageant.

Read More.... Front Page Africa

View Pageant Images below

courtesy of Gem Imaging Events and Studios

2008 Pageant Images

The audience stands during the Liberian National Anthem

Miss Liberia Pennsylvania during preliminary interview.

The 2008 contestants pose for the judges during

the African Wear competition.

Miss New York Halimatu Tunis competing in the swimwear competition!!!

Miss Michigan preforms for the Judges during the talent competion.

Miss Texas competing in evening wear competition

Miss Maryland answers the final interview question.

Miss Maryland and Georgia receiving awards!!!

Miss New York is announce Miss Liberia in the US

Congratulations Halminatu wishing you a successful pageant year!!!

Part 3 Miss Liberia in the US contestants cruise the Spirit of Philadelphia

July 23 Penns Landing Philadelphia

The contestants woke up to an intense early morning rehearsal and headed out to lunch on the spirit of Philadelphia. The ladies had a wonderful time as they enjoyed scrumptous lunch and cruise along the Delaware River that separates Philadelphia PA from Camden NJ. During the cruise the contestants were entertained by the cruise staffas they preformed their movies and magic ensemble. Miss Georgia made a guest preformance in a Dreamgirls selection!!!

After the cruise the ladies quickly went back to the hotel and got change for a photo shoot in downtown Cemter City Philadelphia the rest of the evening was spent as free time and preparing for pageant night.

Phildelphia Photo Shoot Images

Part 2 Miss Liberia in the US contestants attends LUWIP first honoring session in Philadelphia PA

Wed July 23 Philadelphia PA

The contestants woke up to another wonderful breakfast and headed out to for an intense 2 hour rehearsal.

After rehearsal ladies got ready for their volunteer activity at the Royal Gardens Park in Philadelphia. This park once funded by the city government lost its funding when the area started to deteriorate. Nicole Chandler a locat residence refused to see the park and her neighborhood become an total eyesore and founded the Royal Gardens Association. With virtually no starting funds, she went to work researching applying for grants and recuriting volunteer and created a community senerity garden.

The ladies spent the morning doing gardening work pulling weeds clearing brush, and raking to create an expanison to the garden.

After the community service activity, the contestants went to lunch at Philadelphia famous Reading Market Terminal. The Reading Terminal was the original terminal where trains arrived in form all over the country back in the 1800's and early 19oo's Now its serves as a commerical district and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Philadelphia.

After the ladies had lunch and had a little bit of downtime, the ladies contestants prepared for the LUWIP's 1st Mayor Honorng Reception Dinner,located in the Mayor Reception Room at City Hall.
The ladies the evening greeting Councilmen and women city officals, pageant sponsors and prominent Liberian figures in Philadelphia. During the Ceremony contestant came up to podium and presented their platform.Next LUWIP members honored key members in the society which included...

Stanley Slaughter Commisioner of African and Carribean Affairs,
Children Crisis Center
Ronald G Waters Rep of 191 District in Philadelphia
Concil Woman Jennie L Blackwell
Anthony Kesselly Liberian Community Leader



After the the ceremony the ladies retired to the hotel where they ended a watch documentary on CNN called " Black in America"

Keep posted for more updates on This Miss Liberia in the US Pageant!!!

Miss Liberia in the US 2008 contestants arrive in Philadelphia PA

On Sunday April 20 2008 state finalists from all across the United States arrived at the Downtown Marriott Residence Inn in Philadelphia PAfor the 8 Miss Liberia in the US Pageant.

After contestants unpacked they were given an orientation where each one of them were interviewed by the LUWIP board.

The rest of the evening was spent breaking the ice as prepared for their first offical excursion to New York City.

On Monday Morning the constantants started off with a hearty breakfast and attended there first rehearsal. After rehearsal, the contestants took in lunch at the Hard Rock cafe and headed out headed out to New York City. The contestant arrived Double Tree Suites located in the heart of Manhattan on Broadway. During their stay the contestants resided in the Penthouse suite located on the 3oth top floor of the hotel. After the ladies settled in, they went for dinner at Steakhouse and toured the 42nd Street and Broadway strip. During the tour they stopped to meet and greet fellow New Yorkers and tourists from all around the world.

On Tuesday had 4:00 early morning start to attend the taping of Regis and Kelly Live at the WABC studios on 80th and Columbus Streets. After the show , Regis Kelly and Gilman all stopped stop for a photo op with the contestants.

After the show the ladies checked out of the hotel and headed out to UN Bldg for their meeting with the UN Liberian Ambassador Barnes. During this meeting the ladies had and opportunity
to ask the Ambassador many relevant question of various issues concerning Liberia from education and healthcare to current relations with our neighboring countries.

I do beleive that the Trip to the UN will be an experience that these ladies will never soon forget.

Miss Liberia in the US 2008 Pageant

Miss Liberia in the US 2008 Pageant

Friday July 25, 2008 Pennsylvania Convention Center
1100 Arch Street. Phila. PA 19107

Formal Attire (Doors open at 6:00pm - Pageant Starts at 7:00pm Sharp) Tickets Available online visit http://www.missliberia.org/

Official After Party
Lancaster Hall Banquet Facility
5151 Warren Street, Philadelphia PA

For more pageant info visit Edith W. 610-986-1077 or Agnes D. 610-931-3819
Johnetta G. 267-251-1754 or Renee W. 609-977-4041
Evita G.610-529-2117 or Patience K. 267-972-6391

Miss Liberia Maryland Korvi Karmara attends the Sierra Leone Image Awards in Washington DC

Two weeks after being crown Miss Liberia Maryland Korvi Karmara makes her first official appearance at the 2008 Sierra Leone Image Awards held in Washington DC. The newly crowned queen was received warmly by the hundreds of guests that attended this star studded event. During her attendance she met the current reigning Miss Sierra Leone. The two take time out to pose for the camera on the red carpet !!!

Korvi poses with some other Sierra Leone Celebs !!!

Korvi stops to congratuales Songtress award receipent.

Check back for updates from Korvi on her about the Sierra Leone Image Awards!!!

Korvi Kamara captures the 2008 Miss Liberia Maryland Title!!!

View images from the pageant weekend!!!

for more images and highlights visit http://www.missliberiamaryland.org/

Congratulations Korvi !!!

Best of Luck at Nationals!!!

Miss Liberia Maryland Pageant this Weekend!!!!

The 2008 Miss Liberia Maryland State Pageant
Sunday, June 22 2008Venue: Margaret Schweinhaut Theatre1000 Forest Glen Road , Silver Spring MD 209017pm till 10pmAdvance Tickets: $20.00At the door: $25.00Tickets go on Sale April 1Our winner will represent Maryland in theOfficial Miss Liberia in the US PageantTickets and InformationCianna Cooper 240-694-5835

Alida Wilson wins the 2008 Miss Liberia New Jersey Scholarship Pageant

Alida Wilson Wins 2008 Miss Liberia New Jersey Scholarship Pageant Newark, NJ, – June 14, 2008 – A crowd of hundreds of well-wishers filled the Multi-Purpose Room of the Paul Robeson Campus Center at Rutgers State University-Newark, on Saturday evening to witness the 2nd Annual Miss Liberia New Jersey Scholarship Pageant hosted by Women’s Vision for Progress [WVFP] under the direction of Kim Trinity and Debbie Ivy. The winner was 17 year-old Alida Wilson of Newark, NJ, 1st Runner-Up, Saymah Nah of Newark, and 2nd Runner-Up, Alexis Barclay of Atlantic City. Cloe Simpson of Union, NJ was the 4th contestant, Harriett Sumo of Newark, the 5th contestant, and Juah Payne of Newark, the 6th contestant. The contestants were judged based on their performances during the African Wear, Swimwear, Talent, Evening Wear, and Interview competitions. Miss Wilson is a senior heading to The University of Maryland where she will be studying Business & Marketing. She is a member of the student council and the debate team. During her reign she will promote her platform by helping and providing life’s basic necessities to orphaned and disabled children in New Jersey and Liberia. WVFP will sponsor a humanitarian trip to Liberia where she will intern with Non-Profit Youth Action International fulfilling her platform goals. She is also awarded a $500 scholarship towards her college career. We wish her the best of luck as she competes for the title of Miss Liberia in the US on July 25th in Philadelphia, PA. The event was sponsored by WVFP and Western Union. The pageant is open to female residents in Northern, Southern, and Central New Jersey. To enter the 2009 pageant visit www.missliberianewjersey.org Women’s Vision for Progress is a not for-profit, community-based organization headquartered in Newark, New Jersey. Their mission is to provide educational, charitable, and cultural programs of benefit to New Jersey youth and humanitarian assistance to women and children in Liberia. www.visionforprogress.org, www.missliberianewjersey.org Women’s Vision for Progress is a not for-profit, community-based organization headquartered in Newark, New Jersey. Their mission is to provide educational, charitable, and cultural programs of benefit to New Jersey youth and humanitarian assistance to women and children in Liberia. www.visionforprogress.org
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The Miss Liberia New Jersey Pageant

Saturday, June 14, 2008, 8:00 PM
8:00PM Rutgers University Paul Robeson Campus Ctr.

Mpr room

350 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd Newark, NJ 07102

www.missliberianewjersey.org

http://www.visionforprogress.org/
Advance Tickets: $20.00 Door Tickets:

$25.00 (Tickets Include After Party Admission)
For more info call: Kim Trinity: 973-449-1156
Debbie Ivy: 201-349-4986

Miss Harriette Badio captures the Miss Liberia Pennsylvania title

On Saturday April 26 2008 Miss Harriette Badio won the Miss Liberia Pennsylvania Title .

Maima Harriet Badio currently lives in Bristol Pennsylvania with her mother Ruby Badio. She is a 20 year old sophomore at The George Washington University, studying Economics and International Affairs, with a concentration in Development. She plans to get her masters in Economics and Business Management and eventually return to Liberia to open a consulting firm. Her hobbies include singing, reading, spending time with family and friends, and being outdoors. Harriet strongly believes in the importance of giving back to the community. She currently works at AnBryce, an organization that strives to promote the academic and personal growth of underprivileged DC children. She developed a passion for music at a young age and enjoys the thrill of being in the studio and recording songs. Her motto is, "When the going gets tough, the tough get going!"

The Miss Liberia Maryland Organization Launches it's Maryland Princess Mentor Program

The Miss Liberia Maryland Organization is pleased to announce the launching of the Miss Liberia Maryland Princess Mentor Program. Our goal is to motivate and mentor Liberian young girls and share experiences that will inspire them to dream of being Miss Liberia Maryland and ultimately Miss Liberia in the US .

The Miss Liberia Maryland Princess Mentor Program is designed to benefit young girls 3 to 12 years of age. The program allows these young girls to be involved with the Miss Liberia Maryland Princess Mentor Program before they reach competition age and to see the Miss Liberia in the US Organization from a whole new light.

The program also provides the young girls an opportunity to serve as role models for other Liberian peers throughout the State of Maryland.Each princess will be matched up with a Miss Maryland contestant. The Miss Contestant will be a "big sister" to the princess and stay in contact throughout the year. Each Princess will receive and sash, a title, and take part in the Miss Liberia Maryland Pageant, as well as receive special invitations to all Miss Liberia Maryland events.

As a Miss Liberia Maryland Princess you are welcome to participate in parades or make appearances with your title making it a fun and beneficial experience for each girl.

The Miss Liberia Maryland Princess Mentor Program is an opportunity for a young girl to make memories that will last a lifetime!To sign up for the Miss Liberia Maryland Princess Mentoring Program please visit

www.missliberiamaryland.org