Cachelle's Promise is a humanitarian project founded by Shona Clarke-Sayeh. Which provides basic necessities for the Mother Wleh orphange in Liberia. Upon her recent travel to Liberia, Shoana and her husband unoffically adopted the 45 children of the Mother Wleh orphanage. She is about to ship much needed supplies to the children on October 7. On Wednesday October 4, The Miss Liberia Maryland Organization put together a care package filled with beddings, towels, t-shirts for the orphange. The Package will then be shipped to Liberia and will arrive just in time for Christmas.
The Miss Liberia Maryland Organization has decided to add Cachelle Promise as one of it official non-profit afiliations.
Wishing you a wonderful holiday Season
Miss Liberia Maryland Organization
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Miss Liberia in the US represents Liberia at the Miss Africa Pageant in Miami Florida
Miss Liberia in the US Ro-Pauline K. Doe 2006 will represent Liberia at the Official Miss Afirca Pageant to held in Miami, Florida on Saturday December 9th in Miami Florida. For more information on the pageant log on to www.missafricapageant.org .
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Cast your vote for Miss Liberia Patrice Daiemoie Juah at the Miss World
Visit the official Miss World site to cast your vote
and to gets the latest updates on Miss Liberia
Patrice Daiemoie Juah
Join Miss Liberia in the US Ro-Pauline K. Doe at the Aids Awareness Black and White Party in Washington DC
Miss Liberia in the US Ro- Pauline K. Doe
continues to promote her platform
HIV and Aids Awareness in Washington DC
A BLACK AND WHITE PARTY
HOSTED BY
The Liberian Youth United For Progress
@
Kendejah
5828 Georgia Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20011
Doors open @ 10:00PM-5AM
Cover $10
Date: Saturday October 7th, 2006
Proceeds to benefit Aids Awareness Initiative in Liberia geared towards Education, Testing, Counseling/support and a movement to include Health and Human Sexuality as a course in High Schools Curriculum. Your support/Contributions will help us reach our goals and mission in helping to fight the spread of AIDS and its consequences, especially among young people.
HOSTED BY
The Liberian Youth United For Progress
@
Kendejah
5828 Georgia Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20011
Doors open @ 10:00PM-5AM
Cover $10
Date: Saturday October 7th, 2006
Proceeds to benefit Aids Awareness Initiative in Liberia geared towards Education, Testing, Counseling/support and a movement to include Health and Human Sexuality as a course in High Schools Curriculum. Your support/Contributions will help us reach our goals and mission in helping to fight the spread of AIDS and its consequences, especially among young people.
Sunday, September 03, 2006
My Search for Miss Liberia Patrice Juah
Over the summer, i've been looking for information on Liberia's Queen, Miss Liberia Patrice Juah. It is hard sometimes to obtain information from home. I spent my Labor day weekend searching for information on the internet about Liberia's Queen. So far I have found out that she is a 21 year student attending Cuttington University. What I would like to know is, how was it like to win the title of Miss Liberia? How does she plan to use her title towards helping the people and reconstruction of Liberia? What can the Miss Liberia in the US Organzation do to help assist her with her goals? How does she feel about representing the country in the prestigeous Miss World Competition.
Eventhough my questions have'nt been answered, during my search I came across a Liberian Journal put together by a Mr, Johnathan Davis. He is currently doing work in Liberia and has put together a journal of his stay. He had the oppourtunity to attend the Miss Liberia Pageant.
He discusses it in his journal entries. To read this and other entries of his stay visit...
http://liberia-journal.blogspot.com/2006/07/quietly-life-in-monrovia-has-become.html
If anyone has any information on Miss Liberia Patrice Juah. Kindly post your comments,
Thank you.
Eventhough my questions have'nt been answered, during my search I came across a Liberian Journal put together by a Mr, Johnathan Davis. He is currently doing work in Liberia and has put together a journal of his stay. He had the oppourtunity to attend the Miss Liberia Pageant.
He discusses it in his journal entries. To read this and other entries of his stay visit...
http://liberia-journal.blogspot.com/2006/07/quietly-life-in-monrovia-has-become.html
If anyone has any information on Miss Liberia Patrice Juah. Kindly post your comments,
Thank you.
Ethnic Pageants Restyle the American Beauty Contest
By Darryl Fears/Washington Post Staff Writer
Robertha Budy heard the insult when she was a little girl, and now, even at Georgia State University in Atlanta, she still hears it. "You're Liberian? Isn't that in Africa? You don't look like it. You're pretty." She put the negative thought out of her mind while winning the Miss Liberia USA pageant last year, calming her nerves for the judges the way she did while facing students. "I said I was going to keep on smiling," said Budy, 21, a dead ringer for the singer/actress Brandy. "There wasn't a moment when I felt defeated." In recent years, ethnic immigrant women of a wide range of hues have been flocking to nationalist pageants that ramp up their confidence and that of their communities by embracing their distinctive features. The proliferation of these pageants also reflects the reality of an America more ethnically diverse than ever.
Miss Vietnam USA, a pageant that is only three years old, crowned its 2006 winner, Virginia Nguyen, this summer in Costa Mesa, Calif. Miss Ethiopia North America crowned its first queen, Medhanite Tekle, in Crystal City in September. And Budy handed over her Miss Liberia USA 2004 crown to this year's queen, Delcontee Glekiah, at a ceremony in Philadelphia.
Also crowned this past summer were Miss India USA in Tampa; Miss Asian America, in San Francisco; Miss Latina U.S., at the Barcelo Maya Beach Resort in Mexico; and Miss Haiti in New York City, to name a few. Few of the pageants date back more than a decade.
The shows are "a validation of beauty and culture that's not seen in the American mainstream," said Shilpa Dav, an assistant professor of American studies at Brandeis University. "It gives a lot of confidence to women because they are seeing other women who look like them, and their looks are validated," said Dav, who helped produce a 1997 documentary of the Miss India Georgia pageant. The contests, which are growing in popularity even as traditional beauty contests are losing their allure, are patterned after the Miss America pageant, yet include colorful twists that recall tradition. Young, often brainy contestants wear an Ethiopian Absha Kamise or similar culture-specific outfits that their mothers and great-grandmothers would have worn. At immigrant pageants, beauty has a browner, more worldly tinge. Noses are wider and eyes are a gooey chocolate brown, framed in various almond-like contours. Hips sway more in talent segments, such as an adaptation of a Bollywood performance at Miss India or a belly dance at Miss Liberia.
"It's just as important as Miss America, if not more," said Reshoo Pande, 22, Miss India USA 2004, who brought down the house by dancing like her Bollywood idol, actress Madhuri Dixit. "This is not our homeland. We get to share our common experiences, our beliefs, our confusion about living here. It's good knowing your culture is appreciated."
But the pageants also bring intense debates within these ethnic communities -- discussions that reflect the age-old split among immigrants over assimilation and retaining cultural mores. Some, especially feminists, believe the pageants are more about assimilation than heritage. "In Little Tokyo beauty contests in the '90s, the women who were selected turned out to have more Caucasian features," said Kyeyoung Park, an associate professor of anthropology and Asian American studies at the University of California at Los Angeles. "They tended to select more mixed-race people." Dav said the disconnect might reflect tension between old-world immigrant parents and their Americanized children, many of whom intermarry.
"The first generation wants to see in their children a continuity of the place from which they came," she said. "The second generation has to deal with being a minority among people who don't understand their home, and that's the dichotomy."
Cosmetic surgery is another touchy subject. Like white Americans, ethnic immigrants and their American-born progeny seek out plastic surgeons. But because many Asian Americans are prone to change their eyelids and enlarge their chests, and some black people streamline their broad noses, they are accused of trying to look white.
Nguyen is a natural beauty with no surgical touch-ups. But she did engage in another pageant hot-button practice, showing skin in a yellow bikini. "Part of being in a public crowd . . . is you have to be comfortable in your own skin," said Nguyen, a medical student who is svelte and fit. "Whether I'm fat or whatever, I have to love myself." Miss India organizers would have no part of such displays, a cultural taboo. And conservative-minded Ethiopians, said Tekle of Alexandria, would rather not. "If it is a competition to show skin, then it's not a competition worth having," said Tekle, who grinned and bared it for a cause. "The ultimate goal is to represent your country." The goal at Miss Liberia was simple: instill pride in Liberian women, said Agnes Donaldson, a pageant organizer. Days before the contest, two teenage girls approached Miss Liberia in Pennsylvania. "You're so pretty," Donaldson recalled one girl's comment. "You don't look African." It was an echo of the remarks Budy heard all her life from black Americans and white Americans, and now they were coming from two Liberians. The media stereotype of barely dressed Africans, living Tarzan-like in the jungle, was alive in their minds, Donaldson said. "In America, Liberian women hide their identity," she said. "What we want to do with the pageant is say, 'Yes, you're Liberian. Yes, you're beautiful. And yes, you're different.' These girls' complexions are darker, and we want them to appreciate that and themselves, to know that they're as beautiful as anyone."
Guy Hua, co-founder of Miss Vietnam USA, echoed that, saying the pageant was formed because "we have a lot of beautiful Vietnamese women. We want them to go out and represent the community." To entice participants, Hua and his partners stage an elaborate show, costing $300,000 this year, down from a half-million in 2004.
In its three-year history, about 1,000 women have competed each year. The grand prize, $10,000 and a new Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan valued at more than $35,000, provided a strong incentive. "This is one pageant that unites us," Hua said. "It brings tears to your eyes. The Vietnamese people here, we're stuck together because we got kicked out of the country. We have no one but ourselves." Nguyen, of Newark, Calif., used the money to pay for school and said the car rides smoother than her old Honda Civic. But she had to work hard to get it, because with so much loot on the line, the competition got fierce. "When I started to win . . . some of the girls wouldn't talk to me," she said. "My whole motto was, 'If I'm going to be Miss Vietnam USA, I'm going to be an ambassador for Vietnamese women.' If other girls didn't like me, it really didn't matter." Contestants either have that type of take-charge confidence or they lose, said Miltonia Warner, Miss Liberia Virginia, who lost to Budy in the national contest. When Budy took the stage, she glowed. "If you come out there, and you feel that you are confident, you know that you are," Warner said. "You smile more, you swing your hips a little more because you know that you have it." Pande said the Miss India pageant made her a more complete person. "I don't believe I was the prettiest one or the most talented," she said. But she worked the judges with moxie and a smile that lit the stage. Studying Indian culture gave her a winning edge. "After they asked the questions about culture, I had a good feeling about it," she said. "I knew what the judges wanted."
Robertha Budy heard the insult when she was a little girl, and now, even at Georgia State University in Atlanta, she still hears it. "You're Liberian? Isn't that in Africa? You don't look like it. You're pretty." She put the negative thought out of her mind while winning the Miss Liberia USA pageant last year, calming her nerves for the judges the way she did while facing students. "I said I was going to keep on smiling," said Budy, 21, a dead ringer for the singer/actress Brandy. "There wasn't a moment when I felt defeated." In recent years, ethnic immigrant women of a wide range of hues have been flocking to nationalist pageants that ramp up their confidence and that of their communities by embracing their distinctive features. The proliferation of these pageants also reflects the reality of an America more ethnically diverse than ever.
Miss Vietnam USA, a pageant that is only three years old, crowned its 2006 winner, Virginia Nguyen, this summer in Costa Mesa, Calif. Miss Ethiopia North America crowned its first queen, Medhanite Tekle, in Crystal City in September. And Budy handed over her Miss Liberia USA 2004 crown to this year's queen, Delcontee Glekiah, at a ceremony in Philadelphia.
Also crowned this past summer were Miss India USA in Tampa; Miss Asian America, in San Francisco; Miss Latina U.S., at the Barcelo Maya Beach Resort in Mexico; and Miss Haiti in New York City, to name a few. Few of the pageants date back more than a decade.
The shows are "a validation of beauty and culture that's not seen in the American mainstream," said Shilpa Dav, an assistant professor of American studies at Brandeis University. "It gives a lot of confidence to women because they are seeing other women who look like them, and their looks are validated," said Dav, who helped produce a 1997 documentary of the Miss India Georgia pageant. The contests, which are growing in popularity even as traditional beauty contests are losing their allure, are patterned after the Miss America pageant, yet include colorful twists that recall tradition. Young, often brainy contestants wear an Ethiopian Absha Kamise or similar culture-specific outfits that their mothers and great-grandmothers would have worn. At immigrant pageants, beauty has a browner, more worldly tinge. Noses are wider and eyes are a gooey chocolate brown, framed in various almond-like contours. Hips sway more in talent segments, such as an adaptation of a Bollywood performance at Miss India or a belly dance at Miss Liberia.
"It's just as important as Miss America, if not more," said Reshoo Pande, 22, Miss India USA 2004, who brought down the house by dancing like her Bollywood idol, actress Madhuri Dixit. "This is not our homeland. We get to share our common experiences, our beliefs, our confusion about living here. It's good knowing your culture is appreciated."
But the pageants also bring intense debates within these ethnic communities -- discussions that reflect the age-old split among immigrants over assimilation and retaining cultural mores. Some, especially feminists, believe the pageants are more about assimilation than heritage. "In Little Tokyo beauty contests in the '90s, the women who were selected turned out to have more Caucasian features," said Kyeyoung Park, an associate professor of anthropology and Asian American studies at the University of California at Los Angeles. "They tended to select more mixed-race people." Dav said the disconnect might reflect tension between old-world immigrant parents and their Americanized children, many of whom intermarry.
"The first generation wants to see in their children a continuity of the place from which they came," she said. "The second generation has to deal with being a minority among people who don't understand their home, and that's the dichotomy."
Cosmetic surgery is another touchy subject. Like white Americans, ethnic immigrants and their American-born progeny seek out plastic surgeons. But because many Asian Americans are prone to change their eyelids and enlarge their chests, and some black people streamline their broad noses, they are accused of trying to look white.
Nguyen is a natural beauty with no surgical touch-ups. But she did engage in another pageant hot-button practice, showing skin in a yellow bikini. "Part of being in a public crowd . . . is you have to be comfortable in your own skin," said Nguyen, a medical student who is svelte and fit. "Whether I'm fat or whatever, I have to love myself." Miss India organizers would have no part of such displays, a cultural taboo. And conservative-minded Ethiopians, said Tekle of Alexandria, would rather not. "If it is a competition to show skin, then it's not a competition worth having," said Tekle, who grinned and bared it for a cause. "The ultimate goal is to represent your country." The goal at Miss Liberia was simple: instill pride in Liberian women, said Agnes Donaldson, a pageant organizer. Days before the contest, two teenage girls approached Miss Liberia in Pennsylvania. "You're so pretty," Donaldson recalled one girl's comment. "You don't look African." It was an echo of the remarks Budy heard all her life from black Americans and white Americans, and now they were coming from two Liberians. The media stereotype of barely dressed Africans, living Tarzan-like in the jungle, was alive in their minds, Donaldson said. "In America, Liberian women hide their identity," she said. "What we want to do with the pageant is say, 'Yes, you're Liberian. Yes, you're beautiful. And yes, you're different.' These girls' complexions are darker, and we want them to appreciate that and themselves, to know that they're as beautiful as anyone."
Guy Hua, co-founder of Miss Vietnam USA, echoed that, saying the pageant was formed because "we have a lot of beautiful Vietnamese women. We want them to go out and represent the community." To entice participants, Hua and his partners stage an elaborate show, costing $300,000 this year, down from a half-million in 2004.
In its three-year history, about 1,000 women have competed each year. The grand prize, $10,000 and a new Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan valued at more than $35,000, provided a strong incentive. "This is one pageant that unites us," Hua said. "It brings tears to your eyes. The Vietnamese people here, we're stuck together because we got kicked out of the country. We have no one but ourselves." Nguyen, of Newark, Calif., used the money to pay for school and said the car rides smoother than her old Honda Civic. But she had to work hard to get it, because with so much loot on the line, the competition got fierce. "When I started to win . . . some of the girls wouldn't talk to me," she said. "My whole motto was, 'If I'm going to be Miss Vietnam USA, I'm going to be an ambassador for Vietnamese women.' If other girls didn't like me, it really didn't matter." Contestants either have that type of take-charge confidence or they lose, said Miltonia Warner, Miss Liberia Virginia, who lost to Budy in the national contest. When Budy took the stage, she glowed. "If you come out there, and you feel that you are confident, you know that you are," Warner said. "You smile more, you swing your hips a little more because you know that you have it." Pande said the Miss India pageant made her a more complete person. "I don't believe I was the prettiest one or the most talented," she said. But she worked the judges with moxie and a smile that lit the stage. Studying Indian culture gave her a winning edge. "After they asked the questions about culture, I had a good feeling about it," she said. "I knew what the judges wanted."
Community Service:LUWIP's Back to School Field Day a complete success
On Sunday Morning I took a 2 hr leisurely drive down to the Cobbs Creek Communty Park in Philadelphia to attend the Back to school Field Day Sponsored by LUWIP. Upon my arrival I was greeted by the President and Vice President of LUWIP Ms Edith Donaldson and Agnes Donaldson. as well as the Public Relations representative Ms Christine Maycole. Despite the overcast and the threat of rain, the ladies were still excited about the day activites.
I assisted them in getting set up for the Field Day. We unloaded bookbags,folders, papers,pens,pencils.erasers, scissors. glue. rulers, school accesory kits and much more. LUWIP biggest sponsor Western Union supported the event this year providing, water bottles pens pencils notepads key chains etc. I noticed that some of items that western Union donated had designs of
the Liberian Flag and a little map of Liberia.Ms Wata Chenoweth Member of LUWIP Arrived with the food for the affair. She prepared a kid freindly menu which consisted of :hamburgers, hotdogs and chicken wings complete with all of the fixings, chips and soda also accompanied the menu.
The Secretary and Chaplain Ms Edith Guywan and Ms Mae Stevens were also there helping to put together the assembly line for kids to receive their items.
As the day progressed the park filled with kids of all ages. Music filled the air as children played and the members talked to parents. A local parent in the community came to me and said. This my second time attending this event. Getting my kids prepared for school can be quite expensive, this ev
ent really helps me to alleviate some of the cost that goes into getting kids ready for the school. Year I am so glad they did it this year. I hope they continue to have this event in the future.Then the moment came to give out the load of school supplies children were assembled by the grades then proceeded down the assembly line and filled their items with loads of school supplies.
Once the kids got their bookbags filled they made their way over to the hambugers and hotdogs and played for the rest of the day.
Looking back on my day I thought it was a day well spent. I had the chance to help give back to the community while meeting new people, and getting to know who t
he women of LUWIP are all about. As the public relations director Christine Maycole put it "Being an member of LUWIP is so much more than producing a beauty pageant every year. It is about being able to give back to the Liberian community here in U.S. and back home."For more info about the LUWIP Organization please visit
www.luwip.org
Saturday, September 02, 2006
Miss Liberia in the US attends the Miss Nigeria in America Pageant
Back on August 12 2006 Miss Liberia in the US was received as an honored guest at the 2006 Miss Nigeria in America Pageant. After the pageant, I asked our Liberian Queen her thoughts on the pageant.
Miss Nigeria in America Pageant (Written By Miss Liberia in the US Ro-Pauline K Doe)
The Miss Nigeria in America Pageant was definately a night of beauty, culture, and elegance.
Twenty of the most beautiful Nigerian women competed for the coveted Miss Nigeria in America crown. The theatre at the University of Maryland was filled to capacity. Freinds family and well wishers filled the hall holding banners and shouting words of support for their favorite queen.
The queens outfits were absolutely stunning, especially the Traditional Wear. You could really tell that the ladies spent lots of time and effort into their outfits. The most memorable part of the evening was definitely the talent portion. Two ladies who stood out were also in the top five at the end. The winner, Miss Ebonyi State, did an inspirational speech and wore green white green, the colors of the Nigerian flag and the third runner up, Miss Yobe State did a stand up comedy performace that was reminiscent of Dave Chappelle or even Eddie Murphy at their best. It was amazing to see her take such a chance and do something that she knew she would shine at and be unique in although it is not your typical "beauty pageant" or "african" talent. She was definitely the crowd's favorite after that performance
The host of the pageant was none other than the actor from Passions and Half & Half, Charles Divins who I got the honor of taking a picture with, he is VERY handsome and provided comedic commentary throughout the pageant to keep the crowd pumped. Seeing this pageant definitely inspired me to try to make a difference in the Liberian community. By standing on the outside and looking in, I could see how much the crowd, audience, and even the judges really wanted a woman to win that would perform positive feats in her community.
Could Miss Liberia in the US be meeting (Miss Nigeria in America 2025???)
Little girl is being crowned.
Thanks for the crown!!! I'll be taking my leave now.
For more about the Miss Nigeria in America Pageant visit www.africanpageantry.blogspot.com
Friday, September 01, 2006
Memoirs of a Liberian Queen -Miss Liberia Maryland Chelesy Abrams Visits Liberia West Africa (Part 1)
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
I awakened and looked out the window and all I saw was blue. I took a moment to try and gather myself as I realized I was nearing my destination. Over 24 hours of travel, and my journey was just beginning. Looking at the other passengers and looking at my watch, I was wondering how soon it would be until landing. I was in awe as I looked on the beautiful, blue sea and the sandy, white beach of a country that I have often dreamt about seeing – Liberia.
Liberia, our beautiful country. I arrived at Robertsfield Airport in Monrovia, Liberia on the day of our independence, July 26th. I was greeted by my grandmother, Anna Richards and my aunt, Wiyata Mensah, upon landing. And this is where my journey begins.
As we drove down the road, I sat looking out the window as my aunt and grandmother asked me about my trip. I’m looking at a place that was once destroyed, but I see so much hope as I am listening to the radio and looking at houses being rebuilt. When I arrived, there was the unfortunate event of the fire in the executive mansion, so security was all around. We had to take a few detours to get to the house since we could not pass by the street of the mansion. The entire ride from the airport to my family’s residence, I saw people celebrating on this great Independence Day. I remember thinking, despite everything that has happened everyone could still have so much joy and make the best out of what they were given.
My first stop was a very exciting one for me. We stopped by the soccer stadium, which also houses the Ministry of Youth and Sports, to see my uncle, the Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, Marbue Richards. He came down and greeted me and took me into the building to show me where they have been playing their games. The stadium, which was in fairly good condition considering the circumstances, was decorated in red, white, and blue. He then took me upstairs where I met some of the football (soccer) team players and other employees of the ministry. I was greeted so warmly as everyone told me “Welcome home”.
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Everyday was an adventure while in Liberia. I began my first full day with a tour of the city given by my cousin Michael and my grandmother. We drove past Hotel Africa, which I was told was one of the largest, most elegant hotels in Liberia. The structure was still in relatively good standing, however, it is now being occupied by the UN. After passing by Hotel Africa, we went to CeCe Beach. My Aunty Glen told me I brought the sunshine, because despite all the rain the country had been experiencing because of busy season, the weather held up enough for me to enjoy the beach.
The beach was beautiful as was the establishment that was built on it. I looked out on the ocean on one of the few sunshine days as it ranged from a deep blue to a misty green. From the beach, I could see the whole downtown Monrovia. It was absolutely beautiful. While on the beach, I saw lizards and sand crabs. It was wonderful.
The next stop was the Ducal, often called the Plush Hotel and the tallest building in Monrovia. I found out when I returned home, this is where my parents spent part of their honeymoon. As Michael and I climbed the stairs, I began to feel all types of emotions. The building that I was told was one of the most beautiful hotels was now horribly destroyed and filled with several displaced families. It was painful seeing so many families living in a structure in which the stairways had no railings and there were absolutely no lights. As we neared the end of the dark stairway, I took a breath of relief, overcoming a slight fear I had of falling down the stairs. I thought of all the children who were playing as we were going up, they weren’t scared, and that gave me the strength I needed to continue. Once at the top of the building, it was wonderful. I could see everything. Michael pointed out my grandmother’s house and the Executive Mansion. I looked out again at the beautiful ocean, which seemed to be right below us.
Friday, July 28, 2006
I woke up to find a great breakfast had been prepared for me – cassava and fish gravy. I sat and enjoyed the wonderful meal as the rest of my family came down to join me for breakfast. We talked and enjoyed each other’s company as we prepared for the day.
This day was spent mostly enjoying the company of my family. I went to visit the trade fair where they were selling different items. The fair was held at City Hall where they also were hosting a Liberian Art Exhibit. The art work was beautiful and there were several sentimental pieces.
Later that evening, I met another cousin of mine, Wayne. He took me to one of the operating hotels and restaurants, Crystal Hotel in Mamba Point. The establishment was very nice, as was the food. We went and played pool and it was definitely one of the hang out spots in Liberia. It was nice to get a touch of the night life.
Saturday, July 29, 2006
Before I arrived to Liberia, I had spoken with my grandmother and she told me she had arranged a meeting for me with Madame President, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf in the Executive Mansion. However, to my dismay, the luncheon was cancelled due to the fire in the mansion. On Friday, we received news from her good friend Aunt Jenny, the president’s sister, that the lunch was re-scheduled for Saturday at the President’s house. On Saturday, my family and I prepared ourselves for lunch at the president’s.
When we arrived, we were the first guests and we went and sat in a gazebo arranged for the gathering. Other guests began to gather in and soon it was time for our host to arrive. When Madame President arrived, we all sat and began to talk. She said she wanted to hear our opinions of the country and what we feel would help with the continuous progress of Liberia. With the encouragement of my uncle, I stood to speak. I first began by telling her how much of an inspiration she has been to me and all of the other young women who were in the pageant through her courage by running and winning the election to become the first female president in all of Africa. I then told her how beautiful the country is and how I see so much potential. When I arrived, lights had been put up in one of the neighborhoods in Monrovia and several other areas were being lit. I continued by telling her that at the rate she is going with the help of all of us, the country will be even more beautiful than it was before. She than thanked me and told me that I inspired her
I awakened and looked out the window and all I saw was blue. I took a moment to try and gather myself as I realized I was nearing my destination. Over 24 hours of travel, and my journey was just beginning. Looking at the other passengers and looking at my watch, I was wondering how soon it would be until landing. I was in awe as I looked on the beautiful, blue sea and the sandy, white beach of a country that I have often dreamt about seeing – Liberia.
Liberia, our beautiful country. I arrived at Robertsfield Airport in Monrovia, Liberia on the day of our independence, July 26th. I was greeted by my grandmother, Anna Richards and my aunt, Wiyata Mensah, upon landing. And this is where my journey begins.
As we drove down the road, I sat looking out the window as my aunt and grandmother asked me about my trip. I’m looking at a place that was once destroyed, but I see so much hope as I am listening to the radio and looking at houses being rebuilt. When I arrived, there was the unfortunate event of the fire in the executive mansion, so security was all around. We had to take a few detours to get to the house since we could not pass by the street of the mansion. The entire ride from the airport to my family’s residence, I saw people celebrating on this great Independence Day. I remember thinking, despite everything that has happened everyone could still have so much joy and make the best out of what they were given.
My first stop was a very exciting one for me. We stopped by the soccer stadium, which also houses the Ministry of Youth and Sports, to see my uncle, the Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, Marbue Richards. He came down and greeted me and took me into the building to show me where they have been playing their games. The stadium, which was in fairly good condition considering the circumstances, was decorated in red, white, and blue. He then took me upstairs where I met some of the football (soccer) team players and other employees of the ministry. I was greeted so warmly as everyone told me “Welcome home”.
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Everyday was an adventure while in Liberia. I began my first full day with a tour of the city given by my cousin Michael and my grandmother. We drove past Hotel Africa, which I was told was one of the largest, most elegant hotels in Liberia. The structure was still in relatively good standing, however, it is now being occupied by the UN. After passing by Hotel Africa, we went to CeCe Beach. My Aunty Glen told me I brought the sunshine, because despite all the rain the country had been experiencing because of busy season, the weather held up enough for me to enjoy the beach.
The beach was beautiful as was the establishment that was built on it. I looked out on the ocean on one of the few sunshine days as it ranged from a deep blue to a misty green. From the beach, I could see the whole downtown Monrovia. It was absolutely beautiful. While on the beach, I saw lizards and sand crabs. It was wonderful.
The next stop was the Ducal, often called the Plush Hotel and the tallest building in Monrovia. I found out when I returned home, this is where my parents spent part of their honeymoon. As Michael and I climbed the stairs, I began to feel all types of emotions. The building that I was told was one of the most beautiful hotels was now horribly destroyed and filled with several displaced families. It was painful seeing so many families living in a structure in which the stairways had no railings and there were absolutely no lights. As we neared the end of the dark stairway, I took a breath of relief, overcoming a slight fear I had of falling down the stairs. I thought of all the children who were playing as we were going up, they weren’t scared, and that gave me the strength I needed to continue. Once at the top of the building, it was wonderful. I could see everything. Michael pointed out my grandmother’s house and the Executive Mansion. I looked out again at the beautiful ocean, which seemed to be right below us.
Friday, July 28, 2006
I woke up to find a great breakfast had been prepared for me – cassava and fish gravy. I sat and enjoyed the wonderful meal as the rest of my family came down to join me for breakfast. We talked and enjoyed each other’s company as we prepared for the day.
This day was spent mostly enjoying the company of my family. I went to visit the trade fair where they were selling different items. The fair was held at City Hall where they also were hosting a Liberian Art Exhibit. The art work was beautiful and there were several sentimental pieces.
Later that evening, I met another cousin of mine, Wayne. He took me to one of the operating hotels and restaurants, Crystal Hotel in Mamba Point. The establishment was very nice, as was the food. We went and played pool and it was definitely one of the hang out spots in Liberia. It was nice to get a touch of the night life.
Saturday, July 29, 2006
Before I arrived to Liberia, I had spoken with my grandmother and she told me she had arranged a meeting for me with Madame President, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf in the Executive Mansion. However, to my dismay, the luncheon was cancelled due to the fire in the mansion. On Friday, we received news from her good friend Aunt Jenny, the president’s sister, that the lunch was re-scheduled for Saturday at the President’s house. On Saturday, my family and I prepared ourselves for lunch at the president’s.
When we arrived, we were the first guests and we went and sat in a gazebo arranged for the gathering. Other guests began to gather in and soon it was time for our host to arrive. When Madame President arrived, we all sat and began to talk. She said she wanted to hear our opinions of the country and what we feel would help with the continuous progress of Liberia. With the encouragement of my uncle, I stood to speak. I first began by telling her how much of an inspiration she has been to me and all of the other young women who were in the pageant through her courage by running and winning the election to become the first female president in all of Africa. I then told her how beautiful the country is and how I see so much potential. When I arrived, lights had been put up in one of the neighborhoods in Monrovia and several other areas were being lit. I continued by telling her that at the rate she is going with the help of all of us, the country will be even more beautiful than it was before. She than thanked me and told me that I inspired her
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Miss Liberia in the US Queens helping to create the Vision at the Crowd 50 Visions 2006 Expo a Liberian Village Meeting
The weekend of the 26 of August was filled excitement, thought provoking issues, and a renewed sense of hope. As Liberian Professionals from all around the US came together. To disscuss important issues and oppourtunities in Liberia at the Visions 2006 Expo held at the Marriott Inn Confrence Center in Aldephi Maryland.
The Weekend Started on Friday Evening and Panelist Sponsors and Honored guest attended a Welcome reception. The outgoing President of the organization Dr. Albert B. Coleman, thanked the audience for their support and briefed the audience about the upcoming weekend activities. The of the evening was spent networking and meeting other Liberians professionals. Mr Boniface Satu President of the Liberian Association Maryland DC Chapter. Expressed his enthusiam to see such a event take place. "It is time for Liberians here in the United States to come together to donate their time and expertise in creating a better Liberia."
The Expo officially started at 9am on Saturday. The confrence center gradually filled with panelist, vendors, sponsors,and children. Miss Liberia in the US Ro-Pauline K. Doe arrived at 9am to attend the talks .There was an activity for every age group. In the plava hut sessions, the issued that were address were as follows...Education Policy for the New Liberia Making it relevant to today's Liberian Youth, The tribal dual citizenship and emigrant vs. stay home Liberian divison, The Open door policy...Indentifying New Directions, and the role of women in Africa and World Development.
When the attendees broke for lunch in the vendor hall were sponsors set up display of the various business and organizations among these were T,Nelson Williams Human Resource Consultant, Liberia's Legacy Foundation, Dr Patience Williams MD among others. The Kendehjah restaurant and lounge provided a sampler buffet of various Liberian dishes for the guests.
After lunch the attendees went back into the palava hut sessions the talks continued on until 5pm
Later on that evening the Guest retuned for a most elegeant Dinner Gala, Among the Guests were Mr Ambassador Mr Charles A Minor Mr Richard Tolbert National Investment Council
Members of the Crowd 50 Organizations,various sponsors,supporters and well wishers. During the event, the new officers of the organization was installed. Miss Liberia in the US address the audience on her platform HIV/Aids Awareness in Liberia and Miss Liberia Maryland was awarded a plaque for her sponsorship and support for Visions 2006.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Forum Question of the Month:Do you think Liberian Pageantry is necessary in Liberia's American Society today?
It seems that every where you look now there seems to be African and Ethnic Pageants popping up all over the country. There's everything from the Ms Black World Pageant to Miss Ethnic World Pageants. These pageants focus on everything from embracing our diversity to making a difference in our community. Also, let's not forget all the glitz and glamour that comes with beautiful tradional gowns, evening wear and hot bathing suits.
We at Liberian Pageants want to hear from you.
This month's forum question:
Do you think Liberian Pageantry is necessary in Liberia's American Society today?
Why or Why not?
We at Liberian Pageants want to hear from you.
This month's forum question:
Do you think Liberian Pageantry is necessary in Liberia's American Society today?
Why or Why not?
Monday, August 14, 2006
The LUWIP Organization Presents " Back to School Field Day"
Every year in August, LUWIP host our annual back to school funfest for families in the community. This is an event filled with food and lots of fun activities for the children and their families. But the highlight of the day is the school supplies giveaway. LUWIP ensures that every school age child at the funfest leaves with a school bag filled with school supplies (pencils, note books, crayons, sharpeners, erasers pens and paper) to help with the commencing the school year. This year the back to school Fun Fest will be on Sunday August 27, 2006 between the hours of 3:00 and 7:00pm. There will be a special guest appearance by Miss Liberia in the US 2006 Last year,the organization provided school supplies to over one hundred school age children
The Liberian United Women in Progress (LUWIP) was founded in 2000 by a group of strong and promising Liberian women who share a passion for promoting and supporting young Liberian women. LUWIP is a not-for-profit and non-political organization that has maintained a tradition for the past five years of empowering Liberian women to achieve their personal and professional goals, while providing a forum for them to express their opinions, talents, and intelligence. LUWIP is headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Their mission is to raise funds for the purchase of life’s basic necessities such as food, clothing, shelter, and medicine for our unfortunate loved ones. We also strive to promote the awareness to other international organizations of the plight of our people. More so, LUWIP serves as a beacon to promote moral values by encouraging women to pursue education, self-empowerment, and improving their standard of living.
The LUWIP Organization is the official sponsors of the Official Miss Liberia in the US Pageant.
The Liberian United Women in Progress (LUWIP) was founded in 2000 by a group of strong and promising Liberian women who share a passion for promoting and supporting young Liberian women. LUWIP is a not-for-profit and non-political organization that has maintained a tradition for the past five years of empowering Liberian women to achieve their personal and professional goals, while providing a forum for them to express their opinions, talents, and intelligence. LUWIP is headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Their mission is to raise funds for the purchase of life’s basic necessities such as food, clothing, shelter, and medicine for our unfortunate loved ones. We also strive to promote the awareness to other international organizations of the plight of our people. More so, LUWIP serves as a beacon to promote moral values by encouraging women to pursue education, self-empowerment, and improving their standard of living.
The LUWIP Organization is the official sponsors of the Official Miss Liberia in the US Pageant.
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Miss Liberia in the US Celebrates July 26th in Washington
Miss Liberia in the US Ro-Pauline K. Doe, arrived at Union Station on Friday July 28 ,where she was greeted by a representative of the Ms Liberia DC/Maryland Organization. Upon arrival, she then took in a small tour of Washington D.C. and was then chauffeured to Gem Imaging Events and Studios ,for an evening studio photo shoot.
The follow morning she did a one on one interview with Liberian
Pageants and prepared to go the anticipated game between IE and Barolle for the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Unity Cup. Upon the queen's arrival, she was received warmly by the crowd of Liberians attending the game. She spent the entire time signing autograph pictures and talking to the crowd. She met with the President of the Liberian Association Mr Boniface Satu, Mr and Mrs John F. Lloyd, Chairman of the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf's Unity Party in the U.S., Mr. Gaya Fahnbuelleh and a host of the well wishers.
The Game ended with the invincible Eleven being the victors. The queen went out on the field to meet and congratulate the winners and posed with them with for photos.
I asked the queen what was the highlight of her visit to the field. She replied, "definitely it was the children. It was wonderful see the excitement of the little children as they asked me questions and came around to take pictures. The crown has the power to make little ones stop crying. There was a little girl who would not stop crying . I took my crown off and placed it on her little head and almost immediately a smile came on her on face. That was wonderful to see ."
After the game,the queen prepared for the July 26th Ball held by the Liberian Community Association in Columbia Maryland at the Kahler Hall. Upon arrival, the Queen was escorted to be seated at the head table amongst the head dignitaries and honorees. She was then asked to speak where she thanked the organization for inviting her to celebrate with them.
The Ambassador Mr.Charles A Minor then spoketo the audience. He congratulated the queen on her current win and gave her and official invitation to Liberian Embassy she would join him and the embassy staff for a luncheon. The Queen accompanied the Ambassador for the traditional Grand March, where they danced the night away.
This event was truly one of the most elegant well organized affairs I have attended in quite sometime. I am looking forward to attending their next event.
Friday, July 28, 2006
African Queen's One on One Interview with Miss Liberia in the U.S. Ro-Pauline K. Doe
I recently had the opportunity to sit down and chat with the newly crowned Miss Liberia in the US, Ro-Pauline K. Doe. She was preparing for a photoshoot courtesy of Gem Imaging Events and Studios .
African Queen: Hello Ro-Pauline.
Miss Liberia in the US: Hello. Just call me Ro.
African Queen:Okay Ro. So how does it feel being Miss Liberia in the US?
Miss Liberia in the US: How does it feel? Wow! It is unbelievable. It has been a week since my crowning and I still can't believe it.
African Queen: Tell me about the competition? How did you relate to the other ladies?
Miss Liberia in the US: Wow they were all beautiful. The hardest part was being the host African Queen:state queen and watching all these beautiful ladies check into the hotel with their entourage. From that point on I thought competition would be very stiff.
African Queen: Tell me about the Pageant Organization LUWIP how do you think they treated you and your fellow contestants during pageant week ?
Miss Liberia in the US: They treated all of us wonderfully. They made each of us feel special throughout the weekend. It think they really did their best in accommodating us. They were always available to everyone and treated everyone equally. I believe all the queens a felt quite comfortable and at home during their stay .
African Queen: It has only been a week since your crowning have you made any appearances since your crowning ?
Miss Liberia in the US: Absolutely!!! Besides the numerous parties that have taken place since the pageant, I have done a radio interview on WURD, visited the Nations Capital, Washington DC where I attended the game between IE and Barrolle, and attended the official July 26 Ball put together by the Liberian Community Association in Collaboration with Liberian Embassy. I had the opportunity to meet the Liberian Ambassador Mr. Charles A Minor,where he invited me to a luncheon at the Liberian Embassy. Last but not least I had the opportunity to meet many influential Liberian men and women as well as a host Liberian well wishers and lots of children. I will always think of my first week of being Miss Liberia in the US as a memorable one.
African Queen: What are your plans as Miss Liberia in the US how do you plan to give back to community ?
Miss Liberia in the US: Well my platform is HIV and awareness. One of my first projects involves working with the Miss Liberia in Virginia Organization with an Aids Awareness Dinner where I will addressing my platform with people in Richmond Virginia. The LUWIP Organization plans to be addressing Breast cancer awareness this year so I will be expanding my platform to include breast cancer. Currently I am preparing to participate in the Community back to school program sponsored by LUWIP as well as participating in the Philadelphia Labor Day Parade.
African Queen: What would you tell other young Liberian Women who are considering participating in their local state pageant ?
Miss Liberia in the US: By all means, please do participate. Representing your state and possibly the United States is a fun, rewarding, and once in a lifetime experience. Being Miss Liberia in a the US is much more than the competition and winning wonderful prizes. It is about meeting other beautiful Liberian women from around the US. It is about uplifting each other and seeing the beauty that lies in each one of us. It is about setting an example and being a role model for other young liberian women not only in your community but worldwide. Most young ladies that I approach about participating say I don't have a talent. I believe everyone has a talent. They just need to take the time to find out what it is.
African Queen: Ro, thank you for taking the time to speak to me and to my audience
Miss Liberia in the US: Thank you. It was indeed a pleasure.
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Miss Pennsylvania captures the Miss Liberia in the US crown!!!
The Pageant weekend started on July 19th. Contestants from all over the United States checked into the Hampton the official Hotel of the Miss Liberia in the US Pageant. After the ladies checked in, they attended their mandatory orientation meeting where they went over rules, regulations and intinerary. Each states received their state sashes, official pageant tee shirts and their gift bags which consisted of spa set sponsored by Victoria Secret!!!
The rest of the evening the ladies changed into their PJ's and attend the Penthouse Suite Pajama Party!!! Courtesy of the Hampton Inn and LUWIP. They sat down to tasty Liberian fare while having a great time getting to know each other. By the end of the evening ,everyone seemed to have made a bond.
Thursday July 20th Rehearsals and Photo Shoots
Bright and early the ladies went down to the Hampton Inns dining room where had a full breakfast which consisted of everything from bacon, eggs. waffles to cereals fruit and pastries.
The day started out with 2 hour intense dance rehearsal cheorgraphed by accomplished dancer and instructor and assistant Miss Johnetta Blah. after rehearsal the ladies went back to their rooms for a brief time of relaxation and prepared for the
outdoor photo shoot Courtesy of Gem Imaging Events and Studios. The Photoshoot was taken at the Penns landing Waterfront in front the beautiful Ben Franklin Bridge that connects downtown Phildelphia to New Jersey.After the photo shoot the girls tour downtown Philadephia did some light shopping and went back to the hotel for a brief rest and to prepare for a 2nd night on the town photo shoot, and evening horse drawn carriage ride thru out the streets of
Philadelphia. Upon there return the contestants were chauffered to a local Philadelphia nightspot where they had dinner and danced the night away.Friday July 20 Pageant Day
After having breakfast the ladies met for final 2 hr Rehearsals at the Philadelphia Convention Center after rehearsals the ladies had lunch and shopped at the historic Reading Terminal Market. after lunch the ladies went back to hotel to relax and prepare for the actuall Pageant
At 9pm the pageant doors closed and the preliminary interviews began. After the interviews the doors were open and the pageant was underway. The hall filled with excitement as
as nine beautiful ladies from across the United States graced the stage, competing for prestigious Miss Liberia in the US title . It was a celebration of beauty, style and intelligence by the nine queens competing that evening.
The contestants included Miss Minnesota, Delcontee Kofa, Miss Maryland: Chelsy Abrams, Miss Massachusetts: Arelyn Brucey, Miss Rhode Island: Oteeven Diggs and Miss California: Patience Dunbar. Others were Miss Georgia: Rita G. Stryker, Miss Texas: Kate S. Clark, Miss Ohio: Howa Diggs and Miss Pennsylvania: Ro-Pauline K. Doe
The queens were beautiful and incredibly fascinating and they displayed intelligence, grace, wit, and ambition, traits which attracted hundreds in the audience Friday night. The queens displayed their individual talents to the delight of the crowd, who constantly interrupted the Master of ceremony with roaring cheers. They enlightened the stage in their African attires and evening wears and they were also interviewed, in which the winner performed outstandingly.
At the end of the evening, Miss Pennsylvania who is now Miss Liberia USA 2006 received the Genealogy Award and a check of $1,500 from the Western Union, while Miss Rhode Island received a special memorial award named in honor of one of the founding members of LUWIP, The Edith Borgor Award
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Miss Liberia in the US Ro-Pauline K. Doe makes her 1st Official appearance in the Nation's Capitial during the July 26 celebrations!!!
Liberian Organizations in U.S. working together:
The LUWIP organization, founders of the Official Miss Liberia in the US Pageant, will be sending their 2006 Queen Miss Ro- Pauline K. Doe to make her first official appearance in the Nation's Capital Washington DC. The Queen will be taking part in the Official July 26 Celebrations sponsored by the Embassy of the Republic of Liberia in collaboration with the Liberian Community Association Washington DC Metropolitan Area.
The President of the Liberian Association, Mr. Boniface Satu expressed his enthusiam and is looking forward to having the Official Miss Liberia in the US Queen and the LUWIP organization attend the event. He supports the LUWIP organization and their efforts promote moral values by encouraging women to pursue education, self-empowerment, and making a difference in the Liberian community.
The LUWIP organization beleives that this event would be an excellent way for the Queen as well as state queens to gain the proper exposure to begin their year's community service as well as set an example for young Liberians in the US and abroad.
The Liberian Independence Day Festivies are scheduled to take place
July-22 thru July 30
During her visit to Washington she will officially be welcomed by the Liberian Ambassador, and a host of Liberians at The Official Liberian Independence Day Celebrations in Washington DC. She will tour and attend a photo shoot in the Nations Capitol Washington DC.
This event promises to be an exqusite affair. Prominent individuals in the Liberian and International Communities will be present.
for more information on Liberian Independence Day activites in the
the Washington DC Area please visit
http://www.lcawashingtonmetrodc.org/embassy.html
Monday, June 26, 2006
Miss Liberia Georgia Crowns their New Queen!!!
Liberian Pageants would like to congratulate Classique Event Planning on their 4th production of the Miss Liberia Georgia Pageant.
The Miss winner of the Miss Liberia Georgia Pageant will go on the compete in the Official Miss Liberia in the US Pageant to held on July 21 2006 at the Philadelphia Convention Center.
Did you know that the past two Georgia went to the Nationals in Philadelphia and captured the Miss Liberia in the US title.For more infomation on the newly crowned Georgia Queen and the Miss Liberia Georgia Pageant visit...
www.missliberiageorgia.com
Monday, June 19, 2006
Miss Liberia Virginia Organization Presents its New Website!!!
The Miss Liberia Virginia Organization is proud to unveil its updated website. Please visit www.missliberiavirginia.com to view progress in the Virginia Region. Watch out for the photo gallery of Miss Liberia Virginia 2006-2007.
Yeatoe Mcintosh
VA Pageant Director
Yeatoe Mcintosh
VA Pageant Director
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Official Miss Liberia in the U.S. Message Board
Chat with contestants of the 2oo6 Miss Liberia in the U.S. Pageant. Talk to past queens, hosts, and audience members who attended previous Miss Liberia U.S. Pageants. Ask any questions you might have about pageants or representing your state in an upcoming pageant.
visit
http://www.luwip.org/messageboard.htm
visit
http://www.luwip.org/messageboard.htm
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
A Liberian queen wil rise from the Nation's Capital
Miss Liberia Washington DC 2007
The Winner will represent the
District of Columbia
in
the Official Miss Liberia in the US Pageant 2007
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