RICHMOND GARRICK is an award winning artist from Sierra Leone. His paintings reflect issues dealing with human conditions and socio- political matters. They address the struggles, and oppression of humanity, especially the expressionistic dialogue on some of the paintings about the ten years of civil war in Sierra Leone. They are iconic, bold and expressive. These paintings were his reaction to his brother’s brutal murder during the war.

His ball point pen drawings are portraits of iconic and motivational African Americans inspired by his daughters’ elementary school project on civil right leaders.

Richmond is a teacher at Williamstown High School at Monroe Township, in New Jersey. He is also a visiting professor at Devry University. He has been an adjunct and part time professor at both Rutgers University, and Middlesex County College during his twelve years in academia.

He received a Higher Teachers Certificate from Milton Margai Teachers College in Sierra Leone and taught in secondary school for eight years. He later earned an Associate Degree of Media Arts from Middlesex County College. Bachelor of Fine Arts/ Graphic Design from Montclair State University and Master of Fine Arts from Rutgers Mason Gross School of the Arts, in New Brunswick in New Jersey.

He is an international artist who has exhibited his paintings and drawings in reputable museums  galleries, colleges internally: Noyes Museum, Hunterdon Art Museum, African American Heritage Museum, PPOW Gallery etc.. He works in all mediums, but mostly in oils and ball point pen. He has won numerous awards for his art and for using his work to create awareness. Such awards include; “2011 Alumnus of the year award” from Middlesex County College, “Sierra Leone @50 Culture Award” during the celebration of the 50 years of independence of Sierra Leone,“14th Paul Aiken Encore Award” from South Jersey Cultural Alliance, “Culture Award” from United Artist of Sierra Leone in Britain, “SLAAM Award” from Sierra Leone Association of Artists & Musicians for outstanding contribution to Fine Arts, “Lajos Makos Award” for representational art and other numerous college awards. His exhibits have received new paper and magazine reviews. The accolades his exhibits have received have given his homeland, Sierra Leone a place of prominence on the artistic landscape in the United States and other parts of the world.

ONE OF OUR GREATEST DUTIES AS BLACK PEOPLE IS A SENSE OF OWNERSHIP TO MAKE THE MOST OF TIME WITH PURPOSE, VISION AND ACTION, BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY, TO BE THE CHANGE WE WANT TO SEE IN SOCIETY.

VALUE, ENCOURAGEMENT AND RECOGNITION, ALSO GO A LONG WAY IN CELEBRATING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF OUR AFRICAN ROLE MODELS IN DIFFERENT COMMUNITIES AROUND THE WORLD.
Africa4U HAS ORGANISED AWARD INITIATIVES IN THE UK, GERMANY, HOLLAND AND EASTERN EUROPE,

IT WAS A PROFOUND PLEASURE TO ORGANIZE THE Africa4u Awards for People of Colour in New Jersey and New York IN NEW JERSEY, USA YESTERDAY. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE FOR MAKING THIS A GREAT EVENT

THIS EVENT WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE WITHOUT THE PARTNERSHIP OF AN AMAZING INNOVATIVE BRAND 9Ja Pop Art Graphic Arts Exhibition MANAGED BY MY HARD WORKING PASSIONATE BROTHER IN LAW Roger Okewole AND MY LOVELY Nicolette Fernandez Okewole (HIS WIFE) – YOU BOTH GIVE ME A THOUSAND REASONS TO SMILE, TIME AFTER TIME

ONCE AGAIN A BIG CONGRATULATIONS TO WINNERS OF Africa4u Awards for People of Colour in New Jersey and New York 2016

Professor Richmond Garrick – Award Winning Artist, Lecturer and Community Ambassador from Sierra Leone currently living in New Jersey

9Ja Pop Art Graphic Arts Exhibition based in New Jersey, managed by CEO and Founder Mr Roger Okewole

Mrs Betty Folarin-Akinlosotu Bewem – CEO of Betty Exclusively wedding from Nigeria currently living in Brooklyn, New York

The Flora Nwapa Society, New York, USA

Alicia Hyndman, New York City Assembly Woman, District 29 from London currenlty living in New York

Afro Carib Radio – Bridging the Gap – Africa to the Caribbean managed by I Am Lady B Bless from Guyana Barbara E Walters

Mrs Clarisse Mefotso Fall – Founder and CEO of African Hope Committee Inc from Cameroon currently living in New Jersey

WE HAD AN AMAZING AFTERNOON OF AWARD PRESENTATIONS, INSPIRATIONAL TALKS FROM THE NOMINEES, REFRESHMENTS, PIANO PERFORMANCES, NETWORKING AND THE EXHIBITION OF PRODUCTS

THE Africa4u Awards for People of Colour in New Jersey and New York2016 WAS IS IN HONOUR OF THE LATE Flora Nwapa AND 50 YEARS ANNIVERSARY OF Efuru.
Efuru WAS THE FIRST BOOK EVER TO BE PUBLISHED BY A NIGERIAN FEMALE NOVELIST, IT WAS ALSO THE FIRST NOVEL TO BE PUBLISHED INTERNATIONALLY IN BLACK AFRICA BY AN AFRICAN FEMALE AUTHOR
Africa4U IS ALL ABOUT CELEBRATING AND PROMOTING THE TRUE LIFE & SUCCESS STORIES OF AFRICANS AROUND THE WORLD.
WE ALSO FOCUS ON FOUR IMPORTANT AREAS IN EVERY DAY LIFE
1. YOUTH EMPOWERMENT.
2. COMMUNITY COHESION
2. EDUCATION & BESPOKE TRAINING
4. CULTURAL INTELLIGENCE

WATCH THIS SPACE FOR THE Africa4U AWARDS FOR THE NIGERIAN YOUTH 2016 TAKING PLACE IN LAGOS THIS AUGUST.

WE ALSO INITIATE AND FACILITATE YOUTH EMPOWERMENT INITIATIVES TO INSTILL CREATIVE CONFIDENCE AND EMOTIONAL WELL BEING THROUGH THE ARTS, BESPOKE TRAINING MODULES BUT ALSO THROUGH SHARING MY STORY.
WE ARE INTERESTED IN HEARING FROM ORGANISATIONS AND INSTITUTIONS IN ANY AFRICAN COUNTRY
FOR MORE INFO ON THIS , CONTACT ME BY EMAIL afripoet@gmail.com

ALSO LISTEN TO ME ON WBOG RADIO STATION JAZZ F.M 88.3 , NEW JERSEY THIS FRIDAY THE 25TH OF MARCH AT 7.30. PM (U,S TIME) WATCH THIS SPACE FOR MORE UPDATES

DEAR FAMILY AND FRIENDS,

THE Africa4u Awards for People of Colour in New Jersey and New YorkTAKES PLACE TOMORROW – SUNDAY THE 20TH OF MARCH.
BRING ALL YOUR FRIENDS

DEAR FAMILY AND FRIENDS,

I WILL BE A GUEST ON WBGO JAZZ 88.3 F.M, NEWARK, NEW JERSEY, U.S.A THIS FRIDAY THE 18TH OF MARCH AS PART OF THE BUILD UP FOR OUR Africa4u Awards for People of Colour in New Jersey and New York, TAKING PLACE THIS SUNDAY THE 20TH OF MARCH IN THE USA

THIS WILL BE A PRE-RECORDED INTERVIEW, (WATCH THIS SPACE ALSO FOR WHEN THE SHOW WILL BE AIRED)
JAZZ 88.3 IS AN AMAZING F.M. RADIO STATION IN THE HEART OF NEW JERSEY, THEY HAVE BEEN MAKING A HUGE DIFFERENCE IN THE MEDIA INDUSTRY FOR OVER 30 YEARS

Antwian Marcel Crawford, pen named Intellect, is the author of 2 books of poetry. Third “Eye”solated published in 2013 and A Look Into My Third Eye published in 2005. He is also the creator The Underground Poet’s Society, which has been in existence since July, 2000 and officially turned into a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization in 2007.

Mr. Crawford is also a Architectural/ Mechanical Designer that lives in South Florida, among many other things. He was born in Jersey City, New Jersey but was raised in Radford, Virginia. He now resides in South Florida since 1993 after moving from Newton, North Carolina in which he lived for 2 years. “Poetry has been my passion since 1986 and I use it as one of many forms of self-expression due to the limitless potential of creativity that comes from writing.” Antwian goes on to say that, “Whether it be hip-hop, poetry, spoken word or anything that uses the art of expression through words, whether written or verbal, it is considered to be poetry because it all fits under the same poetic umbrella.”

Mr. Crawford has made a living using the creative side of his brain through the art of Architecture, Mechanical Design and Poetry and brings at least 27 years of professional experience to the table. “I feel that poetry does not get the respect that it deserves across the board due to its lack of professionalism and support among poets, which chokes the art form from within.” He goes on to say, “It’s time to hold ourselves accountable for who we are and the things that we do to take the art form to the next level.” Lastly, the Founder of The Underground Poet’s Society, Inc. says that, “We owe it to ourselves to raise the bar as poets, as professionals and as a people, because everything that we’ve done in the past can be used in what we do in the present which, in turn, leaves a mark on our legacy.”

Antwian’s words have been recited on stages, at poetry venues and on radio stations as far away as Lagos, Nigeria. His work has been admired and even studied in High Schools and at Colleges across the country. Student’s have written papers on his work and he receives tons of emails from readers expressing their appreciation of his poetry from all over the world. He is currently working on his latest book called Third “Eye”solated…

“I’ve known both misery and happiness… lived in so many different skins, it is impossible for one skin to claim me.”
-Gordon Parks

DEAR FAMILY AND FRIENDS,

Tony Tokunbo Eteka Fernandez IN CONJUNCTION WITH 9Ja Pop Art Graphic Arts Exhibition NEW JERSEY PRESENTS

THE Africa4u Awards for People of Colour in New Jersey and New York, TAKING PLACE THIS WEEK OM SUNDAY THE 20TH OF MARCH IN THE USA
(EXHIBITION FOLLOWS AFTER AWARD CEREMONY)

DEAR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND FANS,

ENTRIES FOR THE Tony Tokunbo Fernandez INTERNATIONAL ONLINE COMPETITION FOR POETS IN SOUTHERN AFRICA ENDS IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS ON MONDAY THE 18TH OF APRIL 2016

THE COMPETITION IS AIMED AT ENCOURAGING THE ART OF WRITING IN MANY LITERARY CIRCLES AROUND DIFFERENT REGIONS AROUND THE WORLD AND INCREASING THE LEVEL OF CREATIVE CONFIDENCE, AND SELF ESTEEM AS PART OF OUR YOUTH EMPOWERMENT INITIATIVES.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY  TO A SPECIAL DAD, WISHING YOU MANY MORE YEARS OF LONG LIFE, INNER PEACE AND GODS GUIDANCE

Time unfolds into a precious season of new celebrations,
Each Page in Life is a blessing,
Filled with great stories,
Condensed with the energy of pregnant lines

Ini Usanga is an Irish citizen with Nigerian roots. She is a lady whose heart is made of compassion and a desire to give. Ini as she is fondly called is an International human right and community activist based in Ireland. She is a transformational and inspirational speaker, a self-development coach, an entrepreneur and philanthropist. Ini has been honoured consistently for her humanitarian and philanthropic endeavours. She has been called a human rights champion by Amnesty International in Ireland and she has made extraordinary contributions in helping develop the lives of children, youths and women affected by poverty, violence and social exclusion by being a voice for them.

Ini is very passionate about issues of social justice, reproductive rights, equality and fairness. Her continuous selfless contributions and compassionate effort in making sure victims of abuse are protected and free from every form of violence is an example of what true community service to humankind is.

Ini has been actively involved in working with individuals, International organizations and Government Agencies including the Department of Justice in Ireland, Amnesty International, Association for Women’s Rights in Development (AWID)-Mexico, Red Elephant Foundation-India, Samrakshak Samuha Nepal (SASANE), Amani Children’s Home-Kenya, Mercy Orphanage Nigeria, National Integrated Development Association (NIDA-Pakistan) and the African Embassies in Ireland. Ini is a survivor of child sexual assault, family violence and suicide.

Ini who was a victim of child sexual abuse, reproductive abuse, domestic and family abuse is now an empowered woman who uses her voice to advocate for the rights of other victims. Ini is determined to make a difference and see the protection of other victims.

Ini is founder of Love and Care for People (LCP) a humanitarian NGO that provides support for victims of Family Violence (including but not limited to Forced Marriage, Reproductive Abuse, Honour Based Violence, Disownment, Destructive Relationships, Child Abuse), Poverty and other Social Exclusion. LCP also provides business and vocational skills training, Seed funding and provides opportunities and networks to help empower children, young people and women.

Today, LCP has grown and now has branches and partners in the developed and developing world. LCP has supported over 4000 children, women and youths in Ireland and other parts of the world.

Ini has raised funds to support over 200 projects in education, social justice, health care and rehabilitation for abused and under served children, youths and women. She has instituted several projects for the economic empowerment of women in Ireland and Africa.

On a mission to give back to humanity and the universe; Ini is determined to support other women who like her in the past feel ashamed of their ordeal and have given up hope and the joy of life.

Ini is well known for her supportive role to organizations and individuals that care for tortured, abused and abandoned children in Nigeria, DRC Congo, Kenya and Nepal. She believes every child has a right to live and grow with tender loving care and it is everyone’s responsibility to see no child lives in poverty, fear or oppression. Ini is currently working on a project to support children accused of witchcraft by their families and are tortured, made physically disabled and abandoned by their families in Akwa-Ibom State, Nigeria.

Ini is indeed an exemplary role model who uses her personal experience to inspire and give hope to others with similar experiences in Nigeria, Ireland and abroad. Her story has been aired on several International TV stations, magazines and online platforms by organisations including AWID, Red Elephant Foundation and Girl’s can’t What in the USA to help bring hope young people and women who experience abuse.

Ini has a passion for enterprise. She established her first business at the age of 13. She believes economic empowerment is one of the many keys to being independent. Ini is the founder and brain child of the prestigious Extra  ordinary African Woman Achievers (EAWA) Awards, African Ireland Business Association (AIBA), African Ireland Women Business and Development Organisation (AIWBADO), Global Royalty Beauty Pageant and Ireland International Fashion and Beauty Pageant. The Global Royal Beauty Pageant is a platform to raise awareness about a series of Family Violence including Forced Marriage, Child Sexual Abuse, Honour Based Violence and Reproductive abuse.

Ini’s voluntary service and active citizenship have been profoundly appreciated in a variety of settings and this has given her access to working actively with members of different cultures and nationalities in Ireland and abroad. Due to her active role in making significant and positive impact through participation and engagement in her community in Ireland, she became the very first African to be elected on the Cork County Council-Social Inclusion and Community Policy unit in Cork.

In 2014, Ini organized the 1st seminar on Forced Marriage, Child Sexual Abuse, Honour

Based Violence and Reproductive Abuse in Ireland. Through her work, the European Union in Brussels engaged her in a study about Forced Marriage in Ireland and recently, the Government of Ireland has proposed to introduce a law making forced marriage a crime in Ireland. This is very welcoming news and all thanks to Ini, her team and partners.

“The Sound of Running Water” by Tony Tokunbo Eteka Fernandez will be on Sale at The AFRICA4U AWARDS FOR PEOPLE OF COLOUR IN NEW JERSEY AND NEW YORK

“The Sound of Running Water” is  The 2nd Published Book written by Tony Tokunbo Eteka Fernandez.

” The Sound of Running Water ” is a Pocket-sized gift book of Proverbs on Personal Development and Positive Thinking for the whole family. . The proverbs have been put together by Tony to remind us that whatever we believe in or aspire for in Life-? All Good things are possible !. The Themes range from Love, Grace, Hope, Understanding, Forgiveness, Patience, Triumph and Perseverance .

The Book will be available for purchase at The AFRICA4U AWARDS FOR PEOPLE OF COLOUR IN NEW JERSEY AND NEW YORK

Tony is a Published Author, International Award Winner, Inspirational Speaker and Youth Empowerment Consultant. he is also The CEO for AFRICA4U

The Event 

Tony Tokunbo Fernandez IN CONJUNCTION WITH 9Ja Pop Art Graphic Arts ExhibitionNEW JERSEY PRESENTS
Africa4u Awards for People of Colour in New Jersey and New York