By Ben Bangoura*
Congolese born refugee from Goma, the 21 year-old Chancè Gatoro was crowned Saturday night Miss Culture USA pageant produced by Therapeutic Interventions Inc., with Fatmata Koroma.
The event was held at the Historic Frazer Mansion in Washington, DC before an enthusiastic crowd, which saw contestants representing 9 countries in Africa.
It was a tale of winners as the contenders were at their best in presenting their visions and platforms to make a difference in the community, while displaying multiple facets of the African culture at its finest.
A talking drum to display messages from Nigeria, using poetry to share uplifting messages from South Africa, traditional dance moves from Ethiopia, Kenya, Togo and music from South Africa, Sierra Leone and Tanzania.
Chancè Gatoro a Congolese who works full time, goes to school full time and runs an NGO, stood out with her brilliant and consistent message on the severe and underestimated dangers posed by child soldiers in Congo.
The acclamation to which her victory was received was a vindication of the choice of the jury made up of Howard University Professor Kelly Jibrill, music producer Frank Anderson, Actress Sheri Holder, Managing Editor Ajong Mbapndah of Pan African Visions and Dr. Sheri Sesay Tuffour.
“Juggling a full time job, attending school and attending rehearsals for the pageant were no easy feat”, said a very emotional Chancè Gatoro. In the midst of all these, the biggest issue was trying to tell the story of child soldiers in her country without getting sentimental or tearing up.
Chancè Gatoro succeeds Miatta Sandy Miss Sierra Leone 2015. She was crowned after the initial winner, Sandra Lucy Asomugha from Nigeria, was disqualified for misconduct.
The Miss Culture USA beauty pageant, in its second edition this year, lined up nine inspiring contestants from DRC, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Togo, Nigeria, Ethiopia and Sierra Leone. The two runners-up,Rebotele Dikolomela and Rejoice Malatji, are both from South Africa.
Describing all the contestants as winners, Fatmata Koroma, CEO of Therapeutic Interventions Inc., challenged the girls to live up to all the lofty projects presented and expressed the hope that they will all remain role models to society.
She lauded the support she has received from the Church of Scientology National Office which has been gracious in allowing Therapeutic Interventions Inc. use the Historic Frazier Mansion to host a number of activities this year.
The event, emceed by Sierra Leonese Radio personality David Vandy of VOA, was animated with musical presentations from a number of artists including Joshua Azuka Atuya, Swanza Harris and African Emperor from Sierra Leone.
*Ben Bangoura is the Publisher of Allo Conakry
