A Kenyan Crowned Miss Africa New York

Angela Maina

Angela Maina bested eight other women to take the title of Miss Africa New York in the second annual pageant, staged last night in the former St. Paul’s School, New Brighton.

The nine competing contestants hail from a range of African countries — Ghana, Liberia, Ethopia, Sierra Leone, Nigeria and Kenya - according to co-organizer Whyeyeh Smith, with Ladies of Prestige, the group sponsoring the event.

The pageant is designed to help the contestants, ranging in age from 19 to 24, tap into their energies and inner beauty through competition. "It helps to build up their self-esteem and put them on the right path — and give them confidence that maybe they didn’t have when they were growing up. The pageant shows them once they get on this track, they can accomplish anything they choose," said Miss Smith.

The young ladies, ranging in age from 19 to 24, competed in talent, African-dress, swimwear and evening-gown categories; there was also a question-and-answer with the judges.

Miss Maina received a trophy, crown and sash, $500 in cash, and a gift basket. The first runner-up, Staten Islander Tolulope Ibrahim, and the second runner-up, Adiatu Bangura, received $250 and $125 in cash, respectively, and gift baskets.

In addition to Ms. Smith, the co-organizers, all with Ladies of Prestige, are: Munah Manneh, president; Trisha Arkoi, vice president, and Laura Cooper, Emmaline Nelson and Maxlyn Sando.

http://www.silive.com/northshore/index.ssf/2011/08/miss_africa_new_york_pageant_c.htmla