Bondumani, a Sierra Leonean artist, demonstrated the hyperrealism art technique at the show
WASHINGTON, DC, June 18, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ — The Miss Africa USA Pageant and the DC Chapter of Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI) strengthened their ongoing partnership by holding a special cultural and educational program at the First Friday: Art Walk Dupont Circle.
During the one-man exhibit by a renowned Sierra Leonean artist, Miss Africa USA pageant titleholders joined YHRI to promote human rights awareness through art, outreach, and community engagement.
The exhibit featured artist Sahr Songu Mbriwa, professionally known as Bondumani, who has been showcased on CNN for his art in the hyperrealism style. Hyperrealism makes the image appear to jump out of the canvas and magnifies the excitement of the subject being painted.
Ambassador Amara Sheikh Mohammad Sowa attended as a special guest and delivered remarks alongside the artist and the Miss Africa USA representatives. The Embassy of Sierra Leone is located just steps from the historic Fraser Mansion where the exhibit was held.
Bondumani showed a dozen pieces of his art recently brought to America from Sierra Leone. He gave a live demonstration of the hyperrealism technique on a partially completed portrait. As an educator in the technique, he allowed others to take a turn at painting on the piece, too.
Bondumani is the founder of the Bondumani School of Art in Freetown, Sierra Leone. While in the U.S., he is working to gain support for free art lessons for talented youth in Sierra Leone who otherwise might not be able to afford tuition.
Ambassador Sowa congratulated Bondumani and gave moving remarks emphasizing the importance of art in today’s society.
Miss Africa USA Diana Melissa Ngoumape who traveled from Indiana for the event, spoke about her commitment to empowering women. Miss Africa USA’s First Princess Adeola Shonubi also spoke as the new President of Youth for Human Rights Maryland. Both spoke about their commitment to empowering women and the importance of human rights.
Organizer of the event Beth Akiyama, Executive Director, Church of Scientology National Affairs Office and former board member of Youth for Human Rights International, thanked those attending. Ms. Akiyama said,”People of every nation must know their 30 human rights. Governments of the world must make the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights known and followed for the sake of peace and prosperity for all.” She thanked the Ambassador and his staff for attending and supporting Bondumani’s work and his dream for the Bondumani School of Art in Freetown.
Miss Africa USA and Youth for Human Rights International foster opportunities for youth to champion human rights education across communities in the United States and abroad. Earlier this year, they participated in a program in Cameroon to bring human rights education to schools there. Through public events, media outreach, and creative collaborations, the pageant’s leadership and titleholders are helping bring the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to new audiences.
Founded by Dr. Lady Kate Ndi 20 years ago, the Miss Africa USA Pageant has long championed humanitarian leadership among African women in the diaspora. This month’s Art Walk event highlighted that mission. Miss Africa USA Diana Melissa Ngoumape of the Central African Republic and 1st Princess Adeola Shonubi of Nigeria engaged the more than 100 attendees to enlighten them on the free educational materials from Youth for Human Rights International.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was created at the newly formed UN after the atrocities of World War II shocked the world. It includes the 30 human rights that all people around the world have just because they are human, i.e., they are “universal.” It is considered one of the most important human rights documents internationally and yet, by survey few people have heard of it or know what their human rights are.
Educational materials distributed at the event are available free at www.youthforhumanrights.org, with additional DC Chapter updates at Facebook.com/YHRDC.
About Miss Africa USA
The Miss Africa USA Pageant empowers young African women in the United States to become ambassadors of leadership, service, and cultural pride. Founded by Dr. Lady Kate Ndi, the pageant emphasizes humanitarian impact, community engagement, and advocacy for social causes affecting African communities worldwide.
About Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI)
Youth for Human Rights International is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating youth about the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Through creative outreach—including art exhibits, concerts, and community events—YHRI inspires young people to become champions of peace, tolerance, and human dignity. Youth and adults join volunteer chapters all over the world, like the Youth for Human Rights Washington, DC chapter, to do their part to educate youth on the UDHR throughout their communities and spheres of influence as YHRI has done since 2001. This year YHRI proudly celebrates its 25th anniversary educating youth around the world.
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