African Ancestry Founder, Gina Paige, and Leila Lopes to be Honored at Miss Africa USA Pageant

SILVER SPRING, Md. - May 14, 2013 - PRLog -- While the Miss Africa USA Pageant grooms its delegates to become leaders and goodwill ambassadors, the pageant officials also take time to recognize women who have made significant contributions to the world.

On June 29, 2013, the night of the pageant, Gina Paige and Leila Lopes will be honored. Paige, founder of AfricanAncestry.com, will receive the “Spirit of Africa” award in recognition for her work to help African Americans trace their ancestral heritage through DNA testing. Paige will also provide a scholarship to the winner of the 2013 Miss Africa USA Pageant.

Miss Universe 2011-12, Leila Lopes, will be honored for her successful reign as Miss Universe and raising visibility of Africa’s attributes. Lopes, originally from Angola, made history when she became the fourth African woman to win the Miss Universe title throughout the course of its 60-year existence.

“These women are trailblazers,” said Lady Kate Njeuma, founder of the Miss Africa USA Pageant. “They inspire women all across the world. We are delighted to recognize them and highlight what can be accomplished through hard work and determination,” she added.

The grand finals and coronation of the next Miss Africa USA Pageant will be held at The Fillmore Silver Spring (8656 Colesville Rd., Silver Spring, MD). It will be witnessed by a host of celebrities, African Ambassadors, community leaders, Africans and friends of Africa. The pageant is held in association with Cross River State Tourism Bureau, Nigeria and the Embassy of Botswana.

What: Miss Africa USA Pageant

Who: The event is open to the general public. It is a family-friendly environment. Tickets can be purchased online at http://fillmoresilverspring.com/ or www.missafricaunitedstates.com.

When: June 29, 2013 at 6 p.m.

Where: The Fillmore Silver Spring, 8656 Colesville Rd., Silver Spring, MD

Media Inquiries: Contact Karen Cheeks at 240-233-4110 or email karen@cheekscommunications.com.

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Through the vision of a Cameroonian American, Lady Kate Atabong Njeuma created the Miss Africa USA Pageant to unite the community in celebrating the beauty of African women through showcasing culture and talent, and empowering young African women in America as leaders and goodwill ambassadors.