Dosso Kassimou

 'The Youth Should Not Make the Streets  Their Office'

Turn off your video game, pick up pom poms and run over to polls on May 13 to cast your vote, because you are about to witness history being made in Newark, New Jersey. People in Denmark, France, Africa and the United States are raving about Dosso Kassimou, the first African to be elected councilman-at-large in the history of Newark, NJ.

With just 60 US Dollars in his pocket and some hope, Kassimou flew from Ivory Coast to America with one vision in  mind, to educate himself and gain power so that he can serve humanity.

"People told me not to run for [councilman] because I was not born here," Kassimou said sounding baffled by people's comments.

While some were convinced that language barrier would "handicap" Kassimou's ability to succeed in politics, Kassimou was adamantly convinced that he would prevail.

He may not be an English expert, but he is an expert in diplomacy.

He holds two Masters degrees (diplomacy/international relations and public administration) from Seton Hall University, and hints that he will soon return to complete his PhD.

"The youth should not make the streets their office," expressed Kassimou, chairman of Newark's African Commission and candidate for councilman-at-large, with compassion.

The Ivorian-born politician loves to solve problems, and he explains that, "[we] can't cut down crime [ in Newark] by bringing in the police, only."

His solution to lessening crime rate in Newark is to develop longer after school hours, build a relationship --whereby the youth have access to leaders, help entrepreneurs open businesses so that employment can skyrocket, and last but not least, attract foreign investment for Newark.

The politician believes that his confidence, expertise and connections with influential leaders in America and internationally, will facilitate his capability to serve the community.

"Dosso...sees a potential for improvement in the most dire situations; most important, he is willing to get into the trenches to achieve what seems impossible or worthless to most people," expressed Ama Johnson, owner of  a Home Health Aid business based in Newark, New Jersey.

Why is Kassimou so passionate about helping people?

He got his passion for helping people from his father, whose life revolved around serving the public as chief, community leader, and imam.

Another figure who undeniably remains an inspiration to Kassimou is, the late Nelson Mandela, due to the fact that "he chose humanity over his personal gain." He added, "a leader should uplift the weak, educate the ignorant; take people to better direction." 

"[Nelson Mandela's] deaf reinforced the reality that what I am doing is the right thing."

Although Kassimou made the decision to leave his job so that he can run for office, he feels that it is a sacrifice which will pay off in due time.

"My first impression of Dosso was that...he has a clear vision of what he wants to accomplish, but he always tries to get everyone involved...that quality that he has (of bringing people from diverse backgrounds together) will change Newark for the better, if, and when, he is elected as councilman at large," stated Timma Edem, member of "The Committee to Elect Dosso Kassimou."

While a handful of people tried to talk Kassimou out of running for office,  supporters showed their appreciation for his community engagement, by organizing fundraisers aimed at raising money for his campaign.

According to the 'public server', "a leader is a public servant." He insisted that when an individual  is elected to lead, he/she should become a slave for people.

When it comes to chasing the American dream, Kassimou is living proof that we can turn our disadvantages into advantages, thrive, and outwork those who are asleep. And, a reminder that resilience is a sure-fire ticket to success.

A Glimpse of Kassimou's World

Kassimou on a radio station, "The African Dawn Radio," at Rodgers University conversing about the African diaspora (bringing together people of African descent to discuss culture, politics, and trade) 

African And American Alliance

 Kassimou presenting the "City Resolution" award to Governor Chris Christie's representative

 African Diaspora Festival 

Kassimou giving a welcoming speech at the African Diaspora Festival. Standing behind him, are members of  Newark's African Commission

 Kassimou's Campaign Announcement

(10/17/2013)

 Campaign Fundraiser in Newark

Receiving a Nigerian delegation

Kassimou giving a welcoming speech  at the Council Chambers, in Newark

Service to many leads to greatness

Kassimou  serving customers at an Applebee's restaurant in Newark, New Jersey.This was for the purpose of raising funds for the organization "Youth Outcry"

Ways to reach Kassimou:

Twitter:Dosso2014
Instagram:@dossokassimou
 Facebook: Dosso Kassimou

Hananatu Tunis

One Million 'P.A.D.S' for One Million Girls

The girl who once lacked confidence has transformed into a woman vested with abounding confidence. This woman, Hananatu Tunis, is now empowering one girl at a time.

When Tunis walks in a room, she effortlessly captivates attention. She's petite in size, but don't for a second underestimate her mental strength.

The 25-year-old humanitarian is the celebrated mind behind "One Million Girls." She launched the campaign October, 2013 to help young girls in developing African countries feel dignified, by providing them both sanitary products and training on self-confidence.

Her experience as a pageant girl, Miss Liberia U.S, Miss Africa U.S, and Miss Intercultural, paved the way for all the projects she had brought to life.

"When I look back, I always felt the need to reach out," said Tunis.

As a young girl, Tunis subconsciously wanted to become a humanitarian. She believes that the actions she took earlier throughout middle school and high, foreshadowed the humanitarian work that she is doing today.

"HT, is someone who I consider a trailblazer and a visionary of her time," expressed Elisa Perkins, M.Ed., Student Affairs Professional at The University of Texas at San Antonio. "It has been inspiring to watch her perfect her craft through projects like 'One Million Girls,' this woman is going to places!"

Since the launch of "P.A.D.S" (Prepared and Driven for Success), approximately 2000 pads have been dispatched to Monrovia, Liberia, all with the help of friends, family and supporters.

A pad, represents femininity. Through the "P.A.D.S" project, young girls are educated on taking care of themselves.

So, what propelled this self-starter to launch a project with a platform to "empower, educate and energize the girl child?"

Tunis, is a leader who leads from the front. She travels all the way to the Continent of Africa to distribute the sanitary items, and  also to inject some of her confidence in the girls.

Her confidence is contagious. She wanted to touch girls all over the world, but her first destination had to be Liberia, where her parents are from.

Upon her arrival, Tunis stands before a room filled with girls waiting to hear about "One Million Girls." She gives a lengthy and meaningful speech about why she's there, gets to know the girls, shares her story, then begins the workshop.

During the workshop, the girls are introduced to "Love the Skin You're In," a creative tool Tunis and friend Serena Mohamed came up with to help the "One Million Girls" embrace their beauty.

Beauty, according to Tunis, is not solely defined by external attractiveness, it is a feeling we get from looking at someone from within.

The girls also do a magazine exercise, where they waddle between pages searching for images of women they "think" are beautiful and give explanations as to why they find those women beautiful.

Once the girls have come up with their own definition of beauty, Tunis reiterates her perception.

At the end of the workshop, the "One Million Girls" do a mirror activity, where they look at themselves in a mirror and talk about what they see. The girls are also given the chance to walk the run way --in the classroom-- and show off their anew and empowered self. They will, by then, have a clear understanding of how they should see themselves and the world.

Tunis' mission, is to empower the girls to the point where once they walk out of the classroom, they can also empower other girls. According to the founder of "One Million Girls," this, is how one million girls will be touched.

Granted, the young girls not only walk away with sanitary items, they walk away with power. The power to influence other girls.

Tunis founded a non-profit organization, "FashPhenomenon," on 4 September 2009. She calls it her "first baby," because it was introduced to the public before "One Million Girls." "FashPhenomenon" gives way for girls to express themselves through fashion.

2014 is off to a good start for Tunis. She terminated her studies at St. John's University, with a major in public relations and minor in public address.

Originality, grace, confidence, she has it all.

This young, driven humanitarian is "building an empire of service." She aspires to serve the homeless, and also is working on a project geared towards promoting the business woman. The door to success is wide open. Tunis, will be marching fiercely through the door of success alongside her one million girls.

A Glimpse of Tunis' World

Tunis posing with her pageant sisters

Spreading the word about her cause

"One Million Girls"

04/24/2013

Tunis at St. John's University introducing "P.A.D.S for Kenya" 

 She partnered with the Student Government Association to raise sanitary products for women and girls in Kenya

Launch of "P.A.D.S for Kenya"

(L-R) Jaamal Brown, Assistant Director of Multicultural Affairs & Leadership, Tunis, David Gachigo, Associate Dean of Student Life at St. John's University 

 Tunis in New York introducing FashPhenomenon's "Love the Skin You're In" workshop to a group of young women

 The founder proudly holding up a T-shirt of the "One Million Girls" logo

On 31 March 2012, Tunis received an "Excellence in Service" award from Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority's Rho Xi's Chapter 

(L-R) Tunis, Tunis' mom 

Tunis' P.A.D.S project earned her 2 awards from St. John's University (1st place in Business Plan Expo competition, and best Social Entrepreneurship plan)

Tunis was featured in Revlon's September 2011 issue as

"Revlon's Role Model of the Month"

Once a winner, always a winner

Tunis being crowned Miss Intercultural, 18 July 2009

Donations from "One Million Girls"

supporters

                                                                         

 Prideful and happy "One Million Girls" in Liberia showing off their sanitary kits

The Magazine Exercise

  The "One Million Girls" from Cathedral Catholic High School looking through magazines Tunis brought from the United States

A Proud Liberian

  Ways to reach Tunis:

Twitter: @Heyits_hana

Instagram: @Heyits_hana

YouTube: Hana T

Facebook: Hanatu T. Tunis

Mohamed Dione

  How Do You Like Your 'Maffé Tiga' Cooked?

Mohamed Dione isn't biologically related to Celine Dion, but his talent will touch millions, as did Celine Dion. His films ignite a sense of appreciation for humanity and serve as a moral compass to Africans living in the diaspora.

Dione is best known in the Guinean community for his film "Maffé  Tiga" (Peanut Butter Stew), which he wrote, directed, and starred in.

The short, fiction film was produced to share the beauty of Guinean culture, but also to dismiss a myth which is believed to have caused discrimination between tribes for generations.

"Growing up, maffé tiga was my favorite dish," recalled Dione. "But, I never understood why my family didn't want me to eat maffé tiga from 'other people.'"

The myth entails, some Guinean women can make any man fall in love with them by adding in their sauce a recipe called 'gnamou djodho,' which in Fula means 'eat and sit'--indicating that, once the man eats the meal, he'll be hooked on the woman.

The analogy is that, parents  want their sons to be wary about eating food cooked by women  of a different tribe, because they don't want a marriage between differing tribes.

Although this myth appears rather absurd, according to the creator of the film 'Maffé Tiga,' he produced it because to this day, many wholeheartedly believe in the myth and confirm that it works.

"Maffé Tiga" was Dione's first shot at directing, so he wanted to share a piece of him that would educate Africans on loving each other despite tribal differences.

Dione's high school English teacher, Kathleen Wood, overtly said, "I love the REALITY of 'Maffé  Tiga,' the raw emotion in the cultural tapestry, and no doubt, I love my 'kid' acting out his script."

Throughout high school, he developed interest in theater, which moved him to later study it in college.

Dione, 27, began acting at the tender age of seven, when he came to the United States.

Oreo-like complexion, bubbly smile, venerable presence, and a height akin to that of a Rose Gum tree--these external traits set him apart from others.

One awakening moment in his acting career was, in 2005, when he auditioned for a film called "Freedom Writers," and did not get the role. After not getting in "Freedom Writers," he got a role in "Law and  Order," with Whoopi Goldberg playing his mother, which opened doors for him.

"That's when I realized [acting] is no joke," Dione admitted.

Nonetheless, he kept pursing his passion. He enjoys what he does and will use that art to change the world.

Dione has other projects. He is working on his documentary "Going Home: Guinea Conakry," which features Guinean poet and musician Gallice Jr. "Homeless," a 7-minute film about two friends who meet a homeless man at a park and learn something from him that change their lives.

He's starring in a film "Theory of Conflict," which should be out later this year. Also, Dione recently traveled to Guinea to act in a French and Guinean film called "The Moon Has Fallen." He has acted in American films, TV shows, plays and commercials.  Like "Restless City," "Across the Universe," "NYC 22," "Chappelle's Show" and many more. 

When asked, 'who is Mohamed Dione?' He responded, "I find out about myself every day."

"I thought I liked the cold," he said while looking out the window, "but I don't like the cold anymore," he laughed.

Similar to Lupita Nyong'o, Dione is son to a Guinean diplomat, and was born in a country many would probably never imagine him being born--Saudi Arabia.

What is the likelihood of these two actors/directors one day coincidentally meeting at a local Starbucks in Hollywood and reminisce about their identical upbringing?

"There's Facebook, there's Twitter," Dione listed. "But nothing beats talking to someone face-to-face."

He appreciates traveling because it permits him to meet people from all walks of life, which is important for an actor, since "acting  is living truthfully under imaginary circumstances."

Whether people watch Dione's films because they identify with his character, or they find them entertaining, he is humbled when people invest their time and money into his films.

The Guinean/Senegalese star said that, some people don't always love a movie the first time they watch it. Sometimes, only when they watch it several times do they grow fond of it.

"I used to want people to love my films, but now I just want them to taste the cake and decide for themselves if they like it or not," said the maffé tiga lover. "All a filmmaker can ask is that you watch his film. That is victory."

A Glimpse of Dione's World

 Dione at the Young African Leadership Symposium, on the Entertainment and Technology boom panel

 A Still Shot From "Conflict of Theory"

A Still Shot From "Going Home: Guinea Conakry"

Dione at Columbia University receiving  an excellence award from Promo Guinée and Action Guinea for his film "Maffé Tiga" Peanut Butter Stew

Dione in Lagos, Nigeria for the  2012 Africa Academy Movie Awards (AAMA)

Dione and Ghanaian actor Majid Michel

You can watch "Maffé Tiga" (Peanut Butter Stew) here:

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Ways to reach Dione:

Twitter: @MrchocolatChaud

Instagram: mrchocolatchaud

YouTube: Mohamed Dione

Facebook: Mohamed Dione

Ousman Diallo

Bringing Imagination to Life

Roses are red violets are blue, if Ousman Diallo can own his craft so can you. In the midst of harvesting his garden, the Guinean artist found love in poetry and photography.

The moment Diallo came to the realization that it was indeed time to explore the world of photography, was when he haphazardly checked his iPhone one day, only to find that he could no longer take photos --his memory card was full.

Taking matters into his own hands, Diallo decided to purchase his very first camera, a Canon Rebel camera. Since the day he locked eyes with her, the only other beauty he remained faithful to is poetry, his first love.

Diallo had been pursing poetry since the fifth grade.

Today, he is working on his Masters completion in photography and design at Syracuse University.

After picking up his Bachelor's in computer information and technology from Syracuse University, in 2012, he picked up a flight to Italy.

During his 6-month stay in Italy,  he got a more international perspective of how America is looked at.

Perspective. Perspective is exactly what Diallo's admirers draw from analyzing his work.

"Ousman's work in all aspects reflects a deep sense of compassion and generosity," said Mike Choi, filmmaker and co-founder at Auxygen, a creative and design firm. "His work elevates spiritual consciousness and touches base on social biases of the people in the world."

One can only imagine Diallo's reaction to receiving an overflowing amount of weekly messages from people who express to him how his art has "some type of affect on them."

Diallo's writing is a reflection of his personality, laid-back and conversational. He writes about things he has the authority/perspective to write about. Then, performs what is perceived as "serious," in a not-so-serious way.

"People like what I say and how I say it," said Diallo.

The best part of creating, Diallo proclaimed, is when he's done; coming up with an idea in his head and making it happen. Then, sharing it with friends, who also end up sharing with their friends.

Pat McGowan, co-founder at Auxygen, who also specializes in graphic and industrial design, said that Diallo's work reminds him those who mind don't matter, and those who matter mind.

"His fearless approach motivates all of us to keep constantly creating," McGowan revealed.

For Diallo to Keep being productive and inspired, he spends a lot of time alone, reading biographies of 16th century poets and painters.

Diallo finds pleasure in photographing: architectural, journalistic, fashion work, and portraits.

As he explained, the difference between an amateur photographer and a professional photographer is that, " a professional photographer knows what he's doing; he has a vision and he knows how to make it happen."

An amateur photographer would sporadically pick up his camera and photograph friends. Whereas, a professional photographer would frequently receive offers from prestigious names like Vogue to do photo shoots, and a history channel to film a documentary.

What's next for Diallo?

He wants his photography skills to reach the next level. He also hopes that Auxygen, a company he helped co-found, keeps growing because the company has a group of  top-notch designers who are willing to take their creativity to the next level.

A Glimpse of Diallo's World:

Diallo performing poetry

Musical performance

Diallo after winning 2nd place at a poetry competition

A photo shot by Diallo

"Someone I knew once told me I probably don't have an eye for fashion photography...well sir, these steps are for you."- Diallo

"The only difference between a photographer and a painter is we use light as our canvas."-Diallo

Diallo studying photography in Italy

Diallo with American actress Gabrielle Union

Diallo with American singer, songwriter, actor John Legend

Ways to reach Diallo:

Vimeo: Ousman Richard Diallo

YouTube: Ousman D

Facebook: Ousman Diallo
Website: http://www.ousmandiallo.com/gallery

Adeola Oladele-Fayehun

Corrupt African Leaders: You Can Run, but You Can't Hide!

Power can be used to change lives; it can also be used for selfish desires if not tamed. African politics has never been funnier. Individuals like Adeola Oladele-Fayehun are using comedy as a way to put corrupt African leaders under scrutiny.

Fayehun works at SaharaTV, where she is the host of "Keeping It Real With Adeola," a weekly satire show that brings African politics to the surface. 

In 2007, she earned her BA in Mass Communication from Olivet College, and in 2008 her Masters in broadcast journalism from the City University of New York's Graduate School of Journalism. 

The journalist started off working behind the scenes, then moved her way up to hosting her very own weekly news show.

104 solid episodes of  "Keeping It Real With Adeola" and viewers are still begging for more.

Fayehun's online show attracts viewers from all parts of Africa (even non-Africans).

"Some viewers stopped watching the news because it was too depressing until they discovered 'Keeping It Real With Adeola."'

So, what is so unique about "Keeping It Real With Adeola" that made  a large and diverse audience start tuning in to watch the news again?

One word: entertainment.

No longer do viewers want to listen to news that is displayed in a tedious and monotonous tone. They want news, and they want it as real and entertaining as it comes. "Keeping It Real With Adeola" does just that.

"I wanted to do African news, but did not  want to do what everyone else was doing," she said.

When asked how she wanted to be remembered, she jokingly said: "I'm not dead yet."

Then, she went on to explain how she wants people to remember her as someone who spoke up and kept people informed in an entertaining manner.

Throughout the week, Fayehun spends a great deal of her time and energy preparing newsworthy topics. She tends to look for bizarre stories, funny stories, but at large, stories that affect people.

She deliberately breaks down stories in a way that people can relate to them. Needless to say, it doesn't all unravel in a snap-of-a-finger. All week long she's researching, writing scripts, editing videos just in time to publish her masterpiece on Saturday.

Fayehun wants Africans to care about what's going on --not just in their respective counties-- but also what's going on in other countries.

She pointed, "whether people care about politics or not, it affects their lives. So why not care?"

Although the Nigerian-born journalist covers a lot of Nigerian-related news, she brings in news about other African countries because, "everything that affects one African country can affect other African countries."

Fayehun assured that if corruption is taken care of in Africa, everything else will fall into place.

If some of the corrupt African leaders were to tune in to watch "Keeping It Real With Adeola," they'd probably be ashamed because Fayehun does not sugarcoat anything, she keeps it real.



"[African leaders] need to take care of their people. They need to understand that they are there to serve the people, and not to enrich themselves," said the host of "Keeping It Real With Adeola."

A Glimpse of Fayehun's World:

    Fayehun interviewing Nigerian musician Yinka Ayefele

    Fayehun with artist Akon

Fayehun was interviewed on "The Stream" on 30 December 13

(Left) Malika Bilal, Fayehun, Femi Oke (Right)

Ways to reach Fayehun on social media:

Twitter: @AdeolaFayehun

Facebook: Adeola Fayehun

Yoliswa Cele Luthuli

    Giving Voice to South Africans

In the game of life, the "players" are the movers and shakers who determine which direction the ball rolls. Yoliswa Cele Luthuli has relentlessly aimed to win the game of life. In every game, it is her grapple with the ball that allows her to maneuver around her competitors and score.

On 10 November 2012, Luthuli competed against a group of women who originated from different parts of Africa for the title of US-Africa Ambassador. With her charisma and eloquence, she was able to convince judges that she deserved the crown.

Through the Ambassadorship program (US-Africa Synergy), Luthuli had the opportunity to go to the United Nations, where she learned the ins and outs of diplomacy, interrelation between countries, and human rights.

Apart from learning how to work in challenging environments, being an Ambassador taught Luthuli what kind of leader she wanted to become; she became clear on what role she wanted to play in the world.

Luthuli is the marketing and public relations (PR) person for Imbizo Host Committee, an African community organization focused on mobilizing social, economic and political issues affecting South Africans.

Among the  myriad of things Imbizo H.C has accomplished, one pivotal event the organization is proud of is  hosting South African President Jacob Zuma in September, 2013.

She is also a development intern at Shared Interest-Investing in South Africa's Future, a social investment fund that provides micro lending to small business owners in South Africa (mostly women).

"It's important for Africans abroad to make sure that they're still aware of the social and political issues pertaining to the [continent of Africa]."  

"Politics, is the root of everything," she opined.

She doesn't consider herself a political guru, but would one day like to be in politics and public policy. Her background education in political science and marketing shows that social and political issues are a major concern to her, for "politics is relevant to everything that is happening in the world." 

"It is easy to say I am from Africa, but it doesn't stop there. It is easy to say I paid my taxes. Being an active citizen is important. You can be a voice for your country outside your country," Luthuli elaborated.

When she emigrated from South Africa to America at the tare end of apartheid, she became even more confused by the fact that  African Americans treated her as if she were not one of them, black.

Even though she felt like an outsider, she focused on the core reasons why she came to America, to pursue her dreams.

Luthuli's passion for children --orphans-- is what drives her to embark in ventures geared towards building the next generation of African leaders.

"We cannot have a healthy, stable country when children are not nurtured, educated and loved; they are the future," she said wholeheartedly.

Though she's been underestimated as a woman, Luthuli stood her ground. She knows what she wants out of life, and is not going to settle.

"Everyone around you gets an example from you, so set boundaries and keep your reputation," she informed.

In the years to come, Luthuli plans on being involved in youth movement, changing the image of Africa, promote entrepreneurship and social entrepreneurship.

She strongly believes that not everyone is the same, and that women should not have a specific image of empowerment.

According to the opinionated South African, every woman does not have to work in an office to be recognized as an empowering member of  society.

She explained that, "a woman who sells vegetables and looks after her child all day isn't any less empowering than a woman who works in an office." In her perspective, these two woman both show strength in different ways.

"I've been a nanny and a waitress, but at the end of the day, I know where I am going," Luthuli expressed with confidence.

A Glimpse of Luthuli's World

"Mandela Day" 

Luthuli speaking at the Senator Perkins and Imbizo Host Committee's youth event, held at the State Building in Harlem on 18 July 2013

Luthuli at her first Imbizo forum event in March, 2013

  

Luthuli at  US-Africa Synergy's "Cultural Evening Event" on 1 March 2013

Luthuli with Les Nubians at the 2012 Applause Africa Diaspora Awards

Volunteering to Clean Up for Hurricane Sandy 

Pre-Screening of "Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom" 

Luthuli at the Shared Interest and South African department of Arts and culture, on 18 November 2013 

Speaking on the Behalf of the Youth and Carrying on a Legacy

Luthuli giving a speech at the Imbizo H.C Nelson Mandela Memorial service, at the historical AME church

A Proud South African

Ways to reach Luthuli on social media:

Twitter: Yoliswa Cele

Instagram: Mayoli Yoli

LinkedIn: Yoliswa Cele

Facebook: Yoliswa Cele Luthuli