By George English
Bintumani Hotel came alive on Saturday, May 25, 2024, as the management and staff of Diaspora Focus hosted an elegant award ceremony and dinner, celebrating excellence and dedication across various sectors. The event was a grand affair, bringing together an eclectic mix of ministers, diplomats, managing directors from both private and public institutions, and other notable figures from across the country.
In a meticulously planned ceremony, forty-five awards were presented to the deserving nominees. These awards were categorized to honor individuals and entities for their remarkable contributions to national duty, societal impact, and humanitarian efforts. The winners were determined through a rigorous process that included Google platform voting, and evaluations based on merit and contributions to society.
One of the evening’s highlights was the awarding of the “For Meritorious Service to the Less Privileged and Support to Women and Children” to Malisha Da Queen. Her dedication to uplifting disadvantaged groups and championing the rights of women and children aligns perfectly with the ideals of the founding fathers of the OAU/AU.
Malisha Da Queen, a native of Sierra Leone residing in Houston, Texas, has built an impressive portfolio as an actress, an ambassador for persons with disabilities, and a philanthropist. As the Founder & CEO of The MD Queen Charitable Organization NGO, she has tirelessly worked to support people with disabilities, the homeless, and underprivileged children and families. Her role as an ambassador and her leadership in beauty pageants, including the Miss London Borough Beauty Pageant and the Miss Africa Diaspora Pageant, showcase her versatility and commitment to fostering talent and confidence among youth.
Her accolades speak volumes about her influence and dedication. From winning the Best Role Model Award with Diaspora Focus in 2012 to being recognized as the Best Goodwill Ambassador of the Year in 2018, Malisha has consistently demonstrated her unwavering commitment to humanitarian causes. Other notable awards include the Best Fashion Choreographer at the Beffta Awards in 2013 and the Best Humanitarian Award in 2015 for her exceptional work in Africa.
During the ceremony, Malisha Da Queen’s heartfelt acceptance speech resonated deeply with the audience. “You may not know how you have impacted the lives of the people you’re serving, and those out there. Your indelible compassion, generosity, extraordinary kindness, and thirst for equality have been acknowledged,” she remarked. Her words encapsulated the spirit of the event and underscored the importance of recognizing and supporting those who strive to make a difference.
The CEO of Diaspora Focus emphasized the award’s mission to highlight individuals dedicated to serving humanity, regardless of their societal status. He elaborated on the importance of social justice, describing it as the equitable distribution of wealth, rights, and opportunities. “He or she must have a share of equality and justice,” he affirmed, underscoring the core values of the awards.
As the night drew to a close, it was clear that the awardees of the Bureau of Africa Intelligentsia Awards 2023 were celebrated not only for their achievements but also for their resilience, passion, hard work, and unwavering commitment to their fields. The evening was a testament to the power of dedication and the profound impact of humanitarian efforts.
