Miss Africa Utah 2011

Being African in Utah can be scary, but one person decided to show her origins proudly. Sitting on a bench, Fatoumata Tandia was looking in front of her with attitude, it was like she was telling everyone, “I am here and I am not going anywhere”. She became Miss Africa Utah 2011 on February 26, 2011 and swore that her continent would be proud of her accomplishment.

Originally from Mali, West Africa, Tandia came four years ago to study at Utah Valley University. Rapidly she became concerned about the well-being for her fellow students. She tried to find ways to educate people about Africa, and help them to forget all the misconceptions people have about her continent. “People believed that Africa was a country and were surprised when I said it was a continent,” said Miss Africa Utah 2011. It was unfortunate to her see how a lot of people didn’t have the desire to learn and experience the world outside the USA. With her young age, she tried to face her fears and show how great her origins made her. Her meeting with the President Holland, the actual UVU president, made her aware of the gigantic work she has to accomplish for African students to feel home in Utah County. Despite the fact that the African community in Utah County is very small, she hopes that they will have a big influence on people. She is trying to change the mentality and educate people through African dances and song with her African dance group, named Voice of Africa (VOACA). 

“Becoming Miss Africa Utah is a lifetime opportunity because it will help her to show that Africa is better than any place in the world,” said Christine, an African student. The goal she wants to accomplish is to create a small Africa at UVU. She would love to see a multicultural environment that pushes people to be more curious about what is to be from Africa.