EMANCIPATION 2013 was yesterday launched in Georgetown amidst much euphoria as Pageant Organiser Miss Shabikie Fernandes introduced eight confident delegates for the Miss Africa pageant, and those delegates immediately transformed the hall of the African Museum in Bel Air Park with an unmistakable aura of sophisticated elegance, charm and graceful exuberance.

Among the talented bevy of ladies were students of the University of Guyana, an aspiring doctor, an aspiring singer and songwriter, and others, all of whom radiated self-confidence and charisma as they strutted across the auditorium and took up their imposing positions before the almost transfixed
audience.
The eight beautiful, youthful and confident delegates vying for the Ms Emancipation crown are Misses Franale Holder, Jenelle Lovell, Shanice Bourne, Shavona Jerrick, Sunaika Adolphus, Miracle Hilliman, Joelly Valentine, and Makida Blake.
Outfitted in gorgeous blue African attire, adorned with rich beaded matching accesssories, and with heads held high, the delegates all presented themselves as winners proudly representing the African diaspora.
Fernandes said that, this year, in keeping with the United Nations Day of Woman, the delegates will be choosing a woman of African descent to speak on as their platform.
She shared the sentiments of the other organizers, Dr. Melissa Varswyck and Ms. Alexis Connelly, in expressing excitement at launching the Miss Emancipation 2013 pageant. Teasing appetites, she promised the audience, “What you witnessed is but a taste of what will be offered on Coronation Night at the National Cultural Centre on August 11, beginning at 20:00 hrs.”
Obviously, there will be lots more in store, since the show will feature various segments, such as evening wear, business wear, and talent pieces which, Fernandes said, will “…tantalize your penchants and leave you yearning for more.”
The queen in this pageant will receive $100,000, whilst the second-placed winner will receive $75,000. The third placed winner will be given $50,000, whilst the fourth placed contestant will receive $25,000. There will also be numerous hampers on offer.
From all that was seen at yesterday’s sneak preview, competition will be very stiff. So far, every contestant seems confident of emerging winner.
At this time, delegates are working feverishly to raise funds for their ventures.
This year, once again, the pageant will be promoting STEM: Science, Technology Engineering and Math; and to this end, through the Guyanese Girls Unite Project, 12 girls from Mali, where the education for girls is not free, will be sent to school as Mali will be recognized and honoured for Emancipation 2013.
Fernandes said the intention is that, through this initiative, the Mali girls will be given much-needed facilities to explore their senses and exploit their skills. Hopefully, through this chance at getting an education, they will come to realize
that all is not lost, and the sky is the limit.
The forum acknowledged the reigning Queen, Miss Jillica Pinder, and took note of some of her works stemming from last year’s pageant. One such is the Guyanese Girls Unite Project, which aims to promote empowerment of young girls. In keeping with the Platform on International Day of the Girl Child, the reigning Queen visited East Ruimveldt Secondary School to promote STEM, and also participated at the World Youth Day event with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport.