First Annual Little Malaika International Boys and Girls Cultural Pageant

Racines Heritage Foundation (RHF) in partnership with Autism Community of Africa (ACA) presents the first annual Little Malaika International Boys & Girls Cultural Pageant for children age 6 to 10. The event aims to showcase cultural heritage and promote multi-cultural exchange among diverse communities. The celebration will take place on Saturday December 17th from 2pm to 5pm at the auditorium of the Universities at Shady Grove in Rockville.

Each contestant, representing countries like — Cape Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Spain and Ethiopia, will be judged in three categories: personal introduction, talent and traditional wear as they compete for the title of Princess and Prince Malaika. The event will also feature performances by Eileen, violinist member of MCYO Symphony Orchestra and RHF Global Ambassador for Girl’s Education; Radha Dutta (India) owner of Kalalayam Dance Academy; and Mokihana (Hawaii), a traditional Hula teacher.

Nunu Wako, host of the Nunu Wako Show television program will serve as mistress of ceremony along with Jackson Mvunganyi, host of Voice of America’s Up Front, serving as master of ceremony.  Fox 5 News anchor/reporter, Maureen Umeh is the celebrity guest of honor.

Judges for the competition include Brigitte Kobenan, Founder, Autism Community of Africa & Mrs. Congeniality World 2008; Ngozi Nmezi, Director, Office of African Affairs for D.C.’s Mayor Office; and Natalie York , D.C.-based singer/songwriter who has worked with Jon Secada and other renown musicians.

An event geared towards compassion, solidarity and empowerment, Little Malaika International will help raise funds and resources to provide scholarships and logistical support for girl’s education and special education for children with autism in post-conflict Cote d’Ivoire.

Linord Moudou, Founder of RACINES Heritage Foundation said, “Education empowers girls by providing them with the tools to shape their lives. As they see hope for their future, they can stand against violence, abuse and exploitation and aspire to live a better life.”  “By helping children have access to education, we can help combat poverty.”

Little Malaika International has partnered with Face2Face Africa, Ladybrille Magazine,  LyoR Cosmetics, Trendy Africa Magazine and UNESCO Center for Peace and, is being sponsored by Comcast.

RACINES Heritage Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing education, primary health care, and improving the quality of life of communities in Africa in extreme poverty, especially women and vulnerable children.  For more information on RACINES Heritage Foundation, http://visit www.racinesheritage.org

Autism Community of Africa (ACA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to raise awareness and support for African children living with Autism. For more information, visit http://www.autismcommunityofafrica.org

For further information on Little Malaika International, please visit http://www.littlemalaika.com