It was a very beautiful day, Thursday December 16th 2011, a historic day in Washington DC, made possible by the Leon H Sullivan Foundation. A great day of preparations culminated to the most elegant evening celebrating extra-ordinary leadership in Africa bringing together African Heads of State, White House Officials, Members of Congress, African Diplomats in Washington DC, the Corporate World and community leaders, as they all gathered at the beautiful Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington DC.
The 2011 SULLIVAN HONORS was a Power House and proof that Africa is on the move.
“Known as the “Sullivan Honors” and named for the late Reverend Leon H. Sullivan, the event highlights the achievements of individuals and entities that have provided exemplary service to the cause of humanity on the continent of Africa.
“A Bridge to Africa,” the theme of the evening event and the focus of the Leon H. Sullivan Foundation, has been instilled in and is created through the work of the organization. The organization develops projects and programs through its unique “Sullivan Summits” that focus on eradicating poverty and promoting economic development. Mrs. Hope Sullivan Masters, President and CEO of the Leon H. Sullivan Foundation stated at the event, “Tonight, we honor Africa…we celebrate all of Africa…and we celebrate very significant sons of Africa this evening”.
H E President John Kufour, former President of Ghana receives his Award.
The 2011 distinguished Honorees were H.E. John A. Kufuor, former President of Ghana; H.E. Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of Nigeria; and the African Union. Each “Sullivan Honor” was awarded as a way to signify the Honorees’ efforts in championing human rights, democracy, good governance, poverty eradication, and a commitment to solving Africa’s ailing issues in economic development.” ( (The Leon H Sullivan Foundation)
President Olusegun Obassanjo graced the stage and gave the most eloquent history of the Leon H Sullivan Foundation. The former President of Nigeria who was also a good friend and brother of the Late Reverend Sullivan whose Legacy we continue to celebrate, took his time to explain the Sullivan Principles of Self Help and the role of of the Foundation in Africa and the world.
President Obiang of Equatorial Guniea was also in attendance at the 2011 Sullivan Honors. He spoke of his vision for Africa and his country Equatorial Guinea, speaking in his national language, Spanish, he delivered his message to a cheerful audience who had gathered to celebrate the 2011 Sullivan Honors.
Miss Africa USA Ghyslaine Tchouaga in attendance at the 2011 Sullivan Honors. (left to right: Miss Ghana Senya Donkor, H.E. President John Kufour of Ghana, Miss Africa Ghyslaine Tchouaga, H.E. President Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria, Mr. Carl Masters, CEO of Goodworks International, Lady Kate Njeuma, CEO Miss Africa USA Scholarship Pageant.
Miss Africa USA Ghyslaine Tchouaga and Mrs Hope Sullivan Masters, the CEO and President of the Leon H Sullivan Foundation and Mistress of Ceremonies at the 2011 Sullivan Honors. Miss Ghyslaine Tchouaga received a special invitation from the Leon H Sullivan Foundation, she will be working closely with the foundation this year to feed the hungry children in the horn of Africa and she is also a member of the Foundation’s Afripolitan club aimed at promoting self help in Africa by encouraging entrepreneurship and small business.
Miss Africa USA Ghyslaine Tchouaga and Mr. Robert Brunner, Vice President of Arik Airlines International. Arik Airlines was a proud sponsor of the 2011 Sullivan Honors.
Miss Africa USA Scholarship Donor and Patron Dr. Aretha Makia was also in attendance at the 2011 Sullivan Honors, pictured above left with Lady Kate Njeuma. Dr. Mrs Makia is former Miss Cameroon in the 90s, a title she holds very dearly and through which she has been able to remain an inspiration for young women as she continues to support and encourage young girls to pursue their education and combine their beauty and brains to be the best in whatever they do in their professional lives.
“The night’s event ended with R & B singer Tyrese and remarks by John Hope Bryant, who serves on President Barack Obama’s Presidential Advisory Council on Financial Capability. The evening’s Master of Ceremonies was Dr. Mark Hill, a leading Hip-hop intellectual, Columbia University professor, TV Host, and writer for the Washington Post, Essence Magazine, and the New York Times. Other distinguished guests included President Teodoro Obiang of Equatorial Guinea, who had the opportunity to speak, and Prime Minister Guillaume Soro of Ivory Coast. Former President of the World Bank and former Under Secretary of the Department of Defense Mr. Paul Wolfowitz was also present”. (Leon H Sullivan Foundation Website)
Miss Africa USA Ghyslaine Tchouaga, her mother Mrs Victoire Tchouaga and Miss Linda Arrey enjoy performance by Tyrees at the 2011 Sullivan Honors.
Lady Kate Njeuma, CEO of Miss Africa USA with Sullivan Honors Volunteers Miss Celia Ngala and Miss Carnesia Atemnkeng at the Sullivan Honors event. They both volunteered at the Media Registration Desk, checking in all Media representatives who were covering the event.
The Miss Africa USA Pageant Organization was very honored to participate in the 2011 Sullivan Honors, team members were able to volunteer and help out on the day of the event; Mr. Otto Enow, Mr. Tibu Cheh, Ms Diane Kadji, Miss Carnesia Atemnkeng, Miss Celia Ngale and Ms Caroline Olok. We thank you for your help and support in making the 2011 Sullivan Honors a success.
Mr. Otto Enow and Miss Africa USA Ghyslaine Tchouaga at the 2011 Sullivan Honors.
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Miss Linda Arrey and Miss Diane Kadji at the 2011 Sullivan Honors
Mr. Frenard Ganda , Audio Visual Director of Miss Africa USA Pageant with Queen Ghyslaine Tchouaga at the 2011 Sullivan Honors.
Much appreciation to all members of the Miss Africa Family friends and Fans who responded to our invitation to attend the Honors this year. Hope you found it as uplifting as I did. May God Bless the Leon H Sullivan Foundation, God Bless Africa and God Bless The United States of America.
For more information on the Sullivan Summit please visit the website www.theleonhsullivanfoundation.org.
you may reach us at the Miss Africa USA Pageant by sending an email to linda@missafricaunitedstates.com