The African Students’ Organization Annual Pageant is a highly anticipated event in the Black American University community. A night of music, food and good vibes brings walks of all life to watch several African students compete for the Mr./Ms. ASO title. This year, after a three year hiatus due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the pageant theme is Keys to the Kingdom showcasing African Elegance.
This year, the pageant will be hosted by Akwasi Owusu, ASO’s Freshman Liaison and Chimeize Amaechi, ASO’s Co-Events Coordinator. The Pageant is directed by ASO’s co-presidents Aisha Jallow and Lulia Fitiwi with help from former co-president Shahad Mohieldin. The pageant will be judged by former president Trinity Balla, who has dedicated her time to ASO for three years prior, Mr. Samuel Djedjro, one of the first members of ASO in his former years, and Mumina Ali, Miss. ASO 2019. This year a total of nine contestants will represent seven different African countries from the West, Central and East regions of the continent. The countries include; Nigeria, Ethiopia, Senegal, Uganda, Ivory Coast, Kenya and the Republic of Congo. These contestants will compete in several question rounds, showcase a talent and show off both traditional African wear and formal wear. In addition there will be several performances including singer Gifty Boamah, cellist Michael Brown, AU African Dance Team Les Coeurs D’Afrique, UMD African Dance Team Afrochique, DMV Rapper Oxreen and DJ JEZ.
In preparation of the pageant, get to know some of the contestants:
Malaika Gathuru representing Kenya. She is a junior from Dallas, Texas majoring in Political Science with a minor in Public Policy and Administration
Jordan Gunter representing Senegal. He is a freshman from Rocky Mount, North Carolina majoring in International Studies.
Jessica Brown representing Côte D’Ivoire. She is a sophomore from MoCo, Maryland majoring in International Studies.
Henry Adewamika representing Nigeria. He is a sophomore born and raised in Lagos, majoring in Neuroscience/ Physics.
Meron Washington representing Ethiopia. She is a sophomore from Indiana majoring in the School of Communication and School of International Service
Mike Esseau-Thomas representing the Republic of Congo. He is a junior majoring in History and minoring in studio art.
Cameron Williams representing Uganda. She is a sophomore from Houston, Texas majoring in Business administration with an International Business specialization.
Bamidele Idaomi representing Nigeria. He is a freshman majoring in Economics
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Nami Solomon representing Ethiopia. She is a sophomore majoring in Psychology with a minor in Biology
See our instagram for the full bio with pictures of the contestants here. ASO would love for every one to join us to not only enjoy African culture but to truly experience it! This is an event you have to RSVP for entry, the link is in ASO Instagram bio. We hope to see you there!
